Show your lymph some love – Deep diaphragmatic breathing helps to stimulate lymphatic circulation and relieve symptoms of lipoedema.
Deep breathing can help the flow of the lymph fluid through the body. It works by changing the pressure in your tummy and chest, encouraging the lymph fluid to flow back into the blood system. Here’s how to perform deep diaphragmatic breathing:
1. Sit or lie in a comfortable place. Close your eyes.
2. Place one hand on your chest and one hand on your abdomen. The bottom hand should do the moving. The top hand should remain still or only move as the bottom hand moves.
3. Inhale through your nose for about 4 seconds, feeling your abdomen expand. (You may feel slight tension the first few times you inhale.)
4. Hold your breath for 2 seconds.
5. Exhale very slowly and steadily through your mouth for about 6 seconds. The mouth should be relaxed.
6. Repeat for 5-15 minutes.
When first learning diaphragmatic breathing, it is common to feel some uneasiness or lightheadedness. Quicken your breath if you feel light headed. After a session of diaphragmatic breathing, allow yourself time to adjust to your surroundings — do not stand up too quickly.
Diaphragmatic breathing is an excellent tool for relaxation, but it is a skill that requires practice. With practice it becomes easier over time, and eventually can be done with eyes open, while sitting, standing or even walking or driving.