The Issue of Swollen Underarms
Techniques that help lymph flow more easily in the body could play an immunoprotective role as well as assist emotional release.
Monitoring the health of your immune system, the armpit serves as an indicator of lymphatic health. An absence of pits under the arm could signal backed-up lymph in the tissues, increasing the likelihood of illness.
Various behaviors, popular amongst many women, might restrict the flow of lymph in that part of the body, leading to an arm “puff” in that area. These behaviors include the use of antiperspirants, shaving, and wearing tight clothing, particularly bras.
Furthermore, the arms do not undergo as much movement as other parts of the body, noted Kelly Kennedy, a certified massage therapist at The True Wellness Center in North Wales, PA, who focused on lymph during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to help people enhance their immunity.
Strains on the Lymphatic System
Lymph nodes normally swell when the body is fighting an infection or illness. Trauma, surgery, infections, and cancer can strain the lymphatic system, causing lymphedema to develop—a condition that results in continuous swelling in the arms, legs, feet, or other body parts due to blocked lymph building up in soft tissues.
In addition to these, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are risk factors for developing lymphedema. While it cannot be cured, keeping the flow of lymph fluid is essential to minimize symptoms.
Obesity affects lymphatic flow, leading to fluid retention and inflammation. Therefore, maintaining lymph fluid circulation is crucial, as it relies on the body’s movement for recirculation and drainage.
Role in Immune Health
Composed mainly of blood plasma from the circulatory system, lymph helps in the transportation of nutrients to the tissues through a network of lymphatic vessels. Lymph moves upward, picking up foreign cells, bacteria, and viruses on its way to lymph nodes for filtering. There, white blood cells called lymphocytes destroy these harmful organisms. Stagnation of lymph fluid weakens the immune system.
Disrupted lymphatic systems also have consequences on gut malabsorption issues and cancer progression, as cancer cells can spread through the lymphatic system.
The Problem With Arm Puffs
The puffy underarm area can be an early indicator that the lymphatic system needs attention. Constant low-grade puffiness indicates inadequate movement of the body.
It is important to note that armpit detoxing could be driven by synthetic products, including specific ingredients, and the use of antiperspirants can have a negative impact on lymph health.
The role of other factors, such as tight-fitting bras and shaving body hair, in influencing lymphatic health remains uncertain, but experts encourage consideration of these behaviors to optimize overall health.
Emotional Health and Lymph
Emotional health can impact the function and flow of lymph fluid. Chronic stress can impact lymph flow, leading to a cascade of health issues.
Therefore, finding ways to manage stress and anxiety can play a significant role in maintaining lymphatic health, along with proper physical movement and lifestyle behaviors.
Massage for Lymph Draining
Manual lymphatic drainage techniques and at-home tools for lymphatic massage can help minimize lymphedema symptoms and improve lymph flow. Compression garments, bandages, and lymphedema pumps work effectively in assisting drainage by creating and releasing tension for easier fluid flow through tissues.
A Few More Lymph Tips
Physical movement and mindful breathing can improve lymphatic health. Deep, conscious breathing, along with regular physical activity, can enhance overall lymphatic flow.
Lastly, emotional work, gratitude, and forgiveness are important practices to support lymphatic health, as emotional health is deeply interconnected with physical well-being.
