How Regular Lymphatic Drainage Can Help You Stay Balanced All Summer

Summer is a season of sunshine, patios, and long-awaited travel — but it’s also a time of routine disruption. More BBQs, more events, more days out of your usual rhythm. While all of that sounds like fun (and it is), it can also throw your nervous system and digestion out of balance — especially if you’re already feeling the weight of stress, fatigue, or bloating.

That’s where Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) comes in.

What Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

MLD is a gentle, therapeutic technique that encourages movement in your lymphatic system — the part of your body responsible for clearing waste, regulating fluid, and supporting immune health.

It’s different from traditional massage. MLD is slower, rhythmic, and specifically designed to help your body decompress, detox, and return to a calm, regulated state.

Nervous System Balance = Summer Energy

When your stress levels are high, your body tends to live in a “fight or flight” state — something called sympathetic dominance. Over time, that affects everything: digestion, sleep, mood, and your body’s ability to recover from activity.

Regular lymphatic drainage helps re-engage the parasympathetic nervous system — also known as “rest and digest” mode. It signals your body to slow down, regulate, and heal.

Think of it as a reset button for your system — especially helpful in a season that’s full of stimulation, travel, and irregular routines.

Let’s Talk About Bloating and Constipation (Yes, Really)

It’s not the most glamorous topic, but it’s an important one:

Summer often increases bloating and constipation.

Here’s why:

• More BBQs and restaurant meals = less control over ingredients, food prep, and fiber
  
• Dehydration from heat + activity
  
• Changes in routine disrupt regular movement
  
• Travel and stress slow digestion

Constipation often gets grouped into two types:

• Organic: Obstruction or disease-based
  
• Functional: Caused by low water intake, low fiber, reduced movement, or stress
  

MLD supports the functional side. When applied directly to the abdomen, it can help:

• Stimulate bowel motility (aka: help things move along)
  
• Restore nervous system balance that often contributes to sluggish digestion
  
• Reduce abdominal pressure and discomfort

If you’ve been bloated for days and haven’t had a bowel movement in a while, your body is asking for help. Lymphatic work can be a gentle, non-invasive way to support it.

Consistency = Less Crash-and-Burn

We get it — summer is busy. But booking consistent lymphatic drainage or massage appointments (every 4–6 weeks) can make a major difference.

It’s not just about staying relaxed. It’s about keeping your system balanced so that when stress, soreness, or injury show up, your body is already primed to bounce back faster.

Regular MLD:

• Improves blood and lymph circulation
  
• Supports the immune system
  
• Reduces nervous system over-activation
  
• Prepares your body to recover more quickly if an issue arises
  

The takeaway? Don’t wait until you feel terrible. Make this summer the one where you stay ahead of the curve — not catching up from behind.

Who Offers Lymphatic Drainage at Healthflow ND?

We’re lucky to have two highly experienced practitioners offering lymphatic-focused care:

• Kim Tenham, CLT – Certified Lymphedema Therapist with a gentle, thorough approach to massage and lymphatic therapy
  
• Fiona McDevitt, PT – Physiotherapist trained in lymphatic drainage, postural therapy, and nervous system recovery

Whether you're prepping for a race, recovering from travel, or just trying to feel lighter and more energized, they’re here to help.

Make Lymphatic Care Part of Your Summer Routine

Let’s keep your body in balance — and your summer feeling as good as it looks.

Book your session today with Kim or Fiona