Lymphatic Drainage Massage For Upper Respiratory Support

This post will teach you how to preform lymphatic massage on yourself, or someone else, in order to get the lymph system moving and working to fight or stave off infection. This is a system I learned directly from Dr. Mary Anna Block, of The Block Center in Dallas Texas, many years ago when my children were very young. I still use this myself today to drain my own sinuses and ears naturally.

The Lymph System

What is it?

The lymph system is a part of the circulatory system. It is comprised of a system of tissues and organs (such bone marrow, thymus, lymph glands and spleen) which produce and store immune cells used to fight infection and disease. The vessels of the lymph system carry the clear lymph fluid, which is essentially recycled blood plasma, transporting these immune cells through out the body.

What does the Lymph system Do?

The Lymph system is part of the immune system and the lymph fluid contains immune cells which fight infection. When your body is reacting to an infection, or possibly just allergies, immune cells can build up in the lymph nodes causing them to swell - sometimes painfully. A gentle lymphatic massage can help drain these glands, relieve pain, and get the system moving to fight or stave off infection. You can use this massage to drain the sinuses, head and ears.

How to do the Lymph Massage

To begin, locate the slight depression below each collarbone. To find this, begin in the center of your chest and trace along underneath each collarbone going toward your shoulders until you find a hollow about two thirds of way along the bone. There is a major lymph node located in each of these depressions.

Gently pulse both nodes 10 times. To do this on yourself you will need to cross your arms and use the tips of your fingers. To do this on another person, have them lie down and use your thumbs to preform the massage.

Homemade Soothing Throat Spray

This recipe will help with a painful throat. It will help to promote clear sinuses and easier breathing.

You will need a 2 oz. glass spray bottle (not plastic)
Organic vegetable glycerine
Water
Essential oils
Stevia (optional)

To your glass spray bottle add the glycerine and water so that you have a mixture that is about 60% glycerine and 30% water. This is so the glycerine will be thin enough to spray. Leave room at the top to add your essential oils, so dont fill too full.

For the Basic Recipe

To the glycerin in your bottle add:
20 drops Peppermint essential oil
15 drops Lemon essential oil
15 drops Thieves essential oil blend
5 drops Eucalyptus globulus essential oil
Stevia to taste, about 10 drops (optional)

For more pain fighting power add even more peppermint, and add 5 drops of Clove oil. I love mine to be really pepperminty!

Make sure you are using essential oils that say "supplement" on the bottle, which have been approved for internal use, such as Young Living's Essential oils. Click on the "opportunity" button above, or the small lavender picture on the top right, to buy Young Living essential oils.

I use vegetable glycerine over alcohol for the taste, and because I don't like using alcohol for children. You can find vegetable glycerine at most health food stores. I buy my glycerine from The Bulk Herb Store. Click on their picture on the right to go there.

I found the glass spray bottle at my local health food store, or go to Abundant Health

My family loves this throat spray!

To get started buying essential oils at wholesale prices, please click on the small lavender picture at the top right of the page, or go to youngliving.com. Open an account with Young Living and use this number (1401517) for your enroller and sponsor. A Preferred Customer buys at retail prices and a Distributor buys at wholesale prices. To become a distributor and get your oils at wholesale prices, with no selling required and no monthly quotas,  simply purchase one of the starter kits. The Premium Starter Kit is the best value and includes 11 bottles of essential oils, essential oil samples, an ultrasonic diffuser for aromatherapy (worth $100!), literature that explains all about the programs at Young Living, and more.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, just a mom who loves taking care of my family.  This blog contains suggestions for for moms, showing you how easy it ican be to use essential oils and herbs to support your family's health naturally. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Please consult a qualified holistic health care practitioner for any medical needs you may have.