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Lymphatic Walking: Can It Reduce Puffiness and Bloating?
Confirmed
In Short: A new social media trend called lymphatic walking claims to help reduce fluid retention and swelling, but does it really work?
A social media trend known as lymphatic walking is gaining traction, with proponents claiming it can reduce puffiness and bloating. This form of walking involves diaphragmatic breathing and slow, intentional steps, often accompanied by arm movements.
According to Kelly Sturm, a certified lymphedema therapist, the lymphatic system collects excess fluid from tissues and filters waste, bacteria, or other foreign material, returning the fluid to the bloodstream. This process, if impaired, can lead to swelling or puffiness.
While research hasn't specifically investigated the effects of lymphatic walking, the belly breathing central to this practice may offer additional mental health benefits beyond regular walking. However, true lymphatic congestion occurs when lymph nodes or vessels are removed or damaged.
The Indian Express notes that while 'lymphatic walking' is not a formally defined medical exercise, it is a wellness term describing gentle, rhythmic walking that can support the normal transport of lymph. The lymphatic system, an intricate network, works alongside the cardiovascular and immune systems to manage fluid retention.
Despite its growing popularity, the effectiveness of lymphatic walking remains unproven by specific research studies. However, the trend highlights the ongoing reinvention of fitness practices in the digital age, offering a return to simple, familiar activities with new names and claims.
What's confirmed
- A social media trend known as lymphatic walking is gaining traction, with proponents claiming it can reduce puffiness and bloating. This form of walking involves diaphragmatic breathing and slow, intentional steps, often accompanied by arm movements.
- According to Kelly Sturm, a certified lymphedema therapist, the lymphatic system collects excess fluid from tissues and filters waste, bacteria, or other foreign material, returning the fluid to the bloodstream. This process, if impaired, can lead to swelling or puffiness.
- While research hasn't specifically investigated the effects of lymphatic walking, the belly breathing central to this practice may offer additional mental health benefits beyond regular walking. However, true lymphatic congestion occurs when lymph nodes or vessels are removed or damaged.
- The Indian Express notes that while 'lymphatic walking' is not a formally defined medical exercise, it is a wellness term describing gentle, rhythmic walking that can support the normal transport of lymph. The lymphatic system, an intricate network, works alongside the cardiovascular and immune systems to manage fluid retention.
- Despite its growing popularity, the effectiveness of lymphatic walking remains unproven by specific research studies. However, the trend highlights the ongoing reinvention of fitness practices in the digital age, offering a return to simple, familiar activities with new names and claims.
What's still developing
- You don’t need to overthink syncing your walking to diaphragmatic breathing, but you can start by inhaling for 3 or 4 counts through your nose, and then exhaling for five or six seconds through your mouth, Sturm says.
- But can it also help drain your lymphatic system, amping up your energy and reducing puffiness?
- Some people may incorporate arm movements, such as shoulder circles and side bend stretches, while walking.
- That’s what shows up as puffiness or makes someone swollen.
- In an age where almost every aspect of fitness is being reinvented, renamed and repackaged, it is refreshing to return to something humanity has always known: walking.
- Today, that familiar act has acquired a new name — “lymphatic walking”— and gained traction largely because of claims that gentle, rhythmic movement can help reduce the puffiness and bloating associated with fluid retention, prolonged sitting, travel or simply waking up feeling swollen.