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Lymphatic Walking: Can It Reduce Puffiness and Boost Energy?
Confirmed
In Short: A new social media trend called lymphatic walking claims to help reduce puffiness and boost energy, but research is limited.
A social media trend known as lymphatic walking is gaining traction, with proponents claiming it can reduce puffiness and boost energy. This form of walking involves diaphragmatic breathing and slow, intentional steps, sometimes accompanied by arm movements.
According to Kelly Sturm, DPT, the lymphatic system's main function is to collect excess fluid from tissues and filter waste, bacteria, or other foreign material, returning the fluid to the bloodstream. Puffiness or swelling occurs when this system is not functioning optimally.
While research hasn't specifically investigated the effects of lymphatic walking, the belly breathing central to this practice may offer mental health benefits beyond regular walking. However, true lymphatic congestion happens when lymph nodes or vessels are removed or damaged.
The Indian Express notes that while the lymphatic system does help return excess fluid to the bloodstream, and movement can contribute to this process, 'lymphatic walking' is not a formally defined medical exercise protocol. The trend is more of a wellness term describing gentle, rhythmic walking that supports the normal transport of lymph.
What's confirmed
- A social media trend known as lymphatic walking is gaining traction, with proponents claiming it can reduce puffiness and boost energy. This form of walking involves diaphragmatic breathing and slow, intentional steps, sometimes accompanied by arm movements.
- According to Kelly Sturm, DPT, the lymphatic system's main function is to collect excess fluid from tissues and filter waste, bacteria, or other foreign material, returning the fluid to the bloodstream. Puffiness or swelling occurs when this system is not functioning optimally.
- While research hasn't specifically investigated the effects of lymphatic walking, the belly breathing central to this practice may offer mental health benefits beyond regular walking. However, true lymphatic congestion happens when lymph nodes or vessels are removed or damaged.
- The Indian Express notes that while the lymphatic system does help return excess fluid to the bloodstream, and movement can contribute to this process, 'lymphatic walking' is not a formally defined medical exercise protocol. The trend is more of a wellness term describing gentle, rhythmic walking that supports the normal transport of lymph.
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.
- 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.
- The lymphatic system is an intricate network of vessels, lymph nodes and lymphoid tissues that works alongside the cardiovascular and immune systems.