We all breathe. In. Out. Repeat. You’ve been doing it since day one, no fancy training required.
But here’s the thing: when you change how you breathe, you can change how your body feels—especially how well your lymphatic system does its job.
And no, this isn’t about sitting cross-legged in a candlelit room chanting while your cat judges you from the corner (though you’re welcome to). This is about the beautiful overlap between biology and yoga philosophy—where science meets mindful movement, without a side of mysticism… unless you want it.

Your Lymphatic System: The Body’s Silent Cleanup Crew
Think of your lymphatic system as the unsung housekeeping department of your body.
It’s responsible for:

• Removing waste and toxins from tissues
• Supporting your immune system
• Reducing swelling and puffiness

But unlike your blood, which has the heart to pump it around, your lymph fluid needs movement to flow. That movement comes from your muscles, joints… and yes, your breath.

How Breath Actually Moves Lymph (Anatomy Alert)
When you take a slow, deep breath, your diaphragm (that dome-shaped muscle under your lungs) moves downward.
This does a few clever things:

1. Creates a gentle “suction” effect in your thoracic duct (the lymphatic superhighway in your chest) helping lymph fluid drain upward into your bloodstream.
2. Massages your abdominal lymph nodes, which are like busy sorting stations filtering out waste.
3. Encourages relaxation, which lowers stress hormones that can slow lymph flow.

In other words—deep breathing is like giving your lymphatic system a free, built-in massage.

Yoga Philosophy: Breath as Life Force
In yoga, breath isn’t just an afterthought—it’s the bridge between body and mind. Ancient yogis called it prana (life energy).
While you don’t have to buy into the idea of cosmic energy highways to benefit from breathwork, the yogis were onto something:

• When you breathe deeply and intentionally, your body moves into a calmer, more balanced state.
• This balance helps all your systems—including lymphatic—work more efficiently.

Three Breath-Friendly Moves for Lymph Flow
You don’t need to be bendy, and you definitely don’t need to own a yoga mat for these to help:
1. Belly Breathing (Diaphragmatic Breath)

• Place one hand on your belly, the other on your chest.
• Inhale through your nose, letting your belly rise first, then your chest.
• Exhale slowly. Repeat for 1–3 minutes.

2. Seated Side Stretch with Breath

• Sit comfortably, raise one arm overhead, lean to the side, and take 3–5 deep breaths into your ribcage.
• Switch sides. This opens up lymph pathways in your torso.

3. Gentle Twist with Exhale

• Sit or stand tall. Inhale to lengthen your spine, exhale to gently twist.
• This “wrings out” the torso and boosts lymph flow.

Why This Matters for You
​Whether you’re dealing with swelling, wanting to support your immune system, or just trying to feel less sluggish, breathwork is a low-effort, high-reward tool. Pairing it with regular lymphatic drainage treatments can be a game-changer—think of it as teamwork: you keep things moving at home, and I help keep everything flowing in session.

Ready to Breathe Better and Feel Better?
Let’s put the science (and a little yoga wisdom) into action.
Book your lymphatic drainage session with me in-clinic or through my mobile service—Calgary, Cochrane, Chestermere, Langdon, Airdrie, and Okotoks.
​👉 Click here to book your session

Why a Treatment Plan Is Essential After a Lymphedema Diagnosis
Receiving a diagnosis of lymphedema can feel overwhelming—but the good news is, there is a path forward. The key? Creating a consistent, personalized treatment plan with a Certified Lymphatic Therapist. Lymphedema is a chronic condition, but with early intervention and the right approach, it can be managed effectively—often preventing further progression.
Understanding the Stages of LymphedemaLymphedema progresses in stages. Once the condition advances to a new stage, it cannot be reversed—which is why early and consistent treatment is so crucial.

• Stage 0 (Latent Stage): No visible swelling, but the lymphatic system is already compromised.
  
• Stage I: Swelling comes and goes and may reduce with elevation. The tissue is still soft.
  
• Stage II: Swelling is more constant. The tissue becomes firmer, and elevation alone no longer helps.
  
• Stage III (Lymphostatic Elephantiasis): The affected area becomes very swollen, with thickened, hard skin, and increased risk of infection.
  

The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and keep the condition from advancing to a higher stage.
What Is Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)?CDT is the gold standard of care for lymphedema. It’s a multi-step approach that works to reduce swelling, restore mobility, and improve overall lymphatic function. A Certified Lymphatic Therapist will guide you through the following components:

1. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): A specialized technique that stimulates lymph flow.
   
2. Compression Therapy: Using bandaging or garments to prevent fluid buildup.
   
3. Skin Care: Preventing infection is vital—clean, well-cared-for skin is a must.
   
4. Exercise: Gentle movement supports lymph flow and helps maintain function.
   
5. Education & Self-Care: You’ll learn how to care for your condition daily and long-term.
   

Why a Personalized Plan MattersEvery body—and every case of lymphedema—is different. That’s why working with a certified therapist to create a tailored treatment plan is critical. Regular sessions, monitoring, and adjustments based on how your body responds are what keep lymphedema in check.
This isn’t a “wait and see” condition. It's a “take action now” situation. The earlier and more consistently you treat lymphedema, the better your long-term outcomes.

Start Your Plan Today
Take the first step toward managing your lymphedema--contact Jennifer Strukoff, RMT & CLT, to begin your personalized treatment plan today. Your lymphatic health is worth it.
📧 https://samestarsmassage.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/37

Support and ResourcesFor further information, support, and local resources, visit:

• Alberta Lymphedema Association
  
• BC Lymphedema Association