The Lymphatic System - What It Does and Tools for Support

Most of us don't spend much time thinking about our lymphatic system—but this incredible network plays a vital role in immunity, fluid balance, healing, and overall health. When it's functioning well, you probably don't notice it. But when it's not, you may experience swelling, puffiness, fatigue, frequent illness, or complications after surgery and cancer treatment. In this episode of Meet Your Body, physical therapist and breast cancer survivor Jessica Valant breaks down the lymphatic system in a way that's easy to understand and immediately useful. You'll learn what the lymphatic system does, how lymph fluid moves throughout the body, and why this often-overlooked system is essential for everything from immune function to recovery and healing. Jessica explains how the lymphatic system acts like a network of highways throughout the body, what happens when traffic gets backed up, and why lymph nodes play such an important role in keeping us healthy. She also shares her personal experience navigating lymph node removal during breast cancer treatment and why understanding lymphatic health became such an important part of her own recovery. You'll discover simple, science-backed ways to support your lymphatic system every day, including movement, walking, stretching, strength training, deep breathing, hydration, and reducing inflammation. Jessica also discusses manual lymphatic drainage, dry brushing, and other popular lymphatic health practices, helping you understand what the research says and who may benefit most. Whether you're recovering from surgery, managing lymphedema, navigating cancer recovery, supporting your immune system, or simply wanting to better understand how your body works, this episode offers practical tools and empowering knowledge to help you feel stronger, healthier, and more connected to your body. Resources mentioned in this episode: Sponsors: ➡️ Get 15% off your order at OneSkin with code MEETYOURBODY - ⁠⁠http://www.oneskin.co/meetyourbody⁠⁠ ⚫︎ 10 Minute Lymphatic Drainage Workout: https://youtu.be/xHgSA1zEcQ0 ⚫︎ Breast Cancer Resource Guide: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jessicavalant.com/breast-cancer-guide ⚫︎ Cording exercises: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/5ACv3SrcJOo ⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ THREE DAY FREE TRIAL of Jessica’s UNLIMITED community and app with daily workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalant.com/unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ YouTube workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant Pilates app: Apple IOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/mry5ya8r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Google - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/yh3ty5fp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices