Lymphomaniac
Your body’s best-kept secret
The lymphatic system is one of those things that I was only vaguely aware of before I had breast cancer, and with which I am now slightly obsessed (see also: health anxiety, Emla cream, local oestrogen, Manta hairbrushes).
My previous awareness of lymphatic drainage was having seen it as a treatment on a massage menu - not an option I would have chosen because: what is it?
So when the surgeon said that my mastectomy would involve “full axillary lymph node clearance” (ie. the removal of all the lymph nodes from my right underarm), I just nodded numbly, as I did to many things in the weeks following my diagnosis.
Now I know the lymphatic system is an important part of the immune system.
Lymph is a clear fluid that travels around your body, carrying lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. These amazing immune cells identify and destroy bacteria, preventing infection and keeping you healthy.
More consequential than we all thought, right?
To do this, bacteria is transported to the lymph nodes, where it’s destroyed. This is why lymph nodes are important; they’re like a filter for your lymphatic system.
Oncology physiotherapist Kat Tunnicliffe describes the lymphatic system as: “Like the M25. The lymph fluid is the traffic, lymph vessels are the lanes, and the nodes are the junctions. If a junction is removed, the road is closed. Thus alternative routes need to be found to minimise fluid collecting in the arm or hand.”
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In short, the lymphatic system is important, regardless of whether or not you’ve had lymphatic surgery, but it becomes particularly important to take care of it if you have.
Hang on: isn’t lymphatic drainage for cellulite??
Lymphatic drainage treatments are so often on spa menus because of the aesthetic benefits. Improving lymph flow can release fluid retention and break down cellulite, because it moves toxins and cellular waste more effectively around your body.
That’s why TikTok became obsessed with this lymphatic drainage tool.
But supporting your lymphatic system doesn’t have to cost a lost of money. You can help it by getting enough sleep, deep breathing, staying well hydrated and moving your body. Even - as Liz Moody points out below - walking.
Of course, as she says her in caption, lymphatic massage after surgery can be really helpful. Just make sure the practitioner knows that you’ve had lymph node removal, so they won’t be directing lymph towards an area where there are no nodes. If you’re in London, Future Dreams offers breast cancer-specific lymphatic drainage.
And I recently discovered LPG endermologie, a really effective mechanical massage. During the sessions, a device is rolled over your body that vibrates and manipulates your skin. You wear a special clingy suit that allows for better “grab”, but it doesn’t hurt at all. In fact, it’s incredibly relaxing, and I felt great afterwards.
Literal good vibes!
I had vaguely heard about LPG before but, again, thought it was for firmer skin, rather than health benefits. Now, a recent placebo-controlled trial has looked at the effect on sleep quality, stress levels and immunity in stressed individuals.
Participants reported reduced stress and anxiety by 50.9%, but the scientists didn’t just take their word for it. They measured levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and saw a reduction of 44.6% after ten sessions (19% after just one session).
They also hooked them up to various monitoring devices and found that sleep improved by 54.7% and HRV (if you don’t know about heart rate variability, there’s an explainer here) by an astonishing 76.6%.
You can book in for treatments nationwide (find your nearest one here), and they also have a great range of products, sold through the French Pharmacy online.
Do you have ‘aesthetic goals’?
I tried LPG endermologie for the health benefits, but must confess that I also love the aesthetic effects. I could say the same about exercise, although I normally try and avoid talking about it because I want you to think about how you feel, rather than how you look.
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week right now, the theme of which is “moving more for your mental health.” So many people still associate exercise with weight loss (I certainly used to), so reframing it in this way is a really positive thing.
Howeverrrrrr, having said all that, I work with many women who tell me they would like to lose weight, but they’re ashamed to say it out loud. They almost feel as though they have let down feminism by wanting to look a certain way.
As this recent post by menopause nutritionist Emma Bardwell says: “It’s ok to have aesthetic goals.”
Then also I can see the logic in fitness coach Elizabeth Davies’ assertion that we should pay attention to where these aesthetic goals come from.
I’m so interested to know what you think about this: do aesthetic goals motivate you to eat/move/sleep well, or is it really all for your mind or overall health?
Personally, I only got into exercise after being diagnosed with breast cancer, so I guess my motivations might be considered “worthy”, but I’m not going to pretend that I don’t prefer how my body and skin look when I’m eating well, exercising and having an LPG endermologie treatment!
Let me know what you think, and remember: it’s only good for you if you enjoy it.
This week I’m…
Reading Unstressable (if only!) by Mo Gawdat and Alice Law
Taking the kids to see IF, John Krasinski’s adorable looking tale of imaginary friends
Looking forward to Bridgerton series 3, on Netflix from tomorrow
Not sure how I feel about the return of NKOTB, whose new album Still Kids(!) is out on Friday - although I do like that their new video has them dancing around suburban houses like a bunch of middle aged dads, which is what they are 😂
Sure, why not want to look good. That lymph treatment looks good. If it just happens to have health benefits, even better!
I exercised a lot before diagnosis, double mastectomy, chemo and radiotherapy, and got heartily sick of being told how great exercise is at preventing cancer. I exercise because I like it. If it was a great preventative I wouldn't have been diagnosed with cancer.