Little One
Child’s Lymphatic System
By: Kelly Kennedy
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter I: The Mighty Microworld: Your Child's Lymphatic System
Chapter 2: Beyond Immunity: The Lymphatic System's Wide-Reaching Impact
Chapter 3: Regulation & Its Impact on Lymph
Chapter 4: Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Chapter 5: Additional Tips & Tricks
Conclusion
INTRODUCTION
I'm Kelly Kennedy, and I'm passionate about raising awareness on nervous system regulation and the lymphatic system. My journey in wellness began with a traditional allopathic approach, but after experiencing several traumatic events, I realized that true health goes beyond medications and surgeries. For the past 27 years, I've dedicated my life to discovering healing through alternative therapies like BioRegulatory Medicine, energy medicine, and somatic work both personally and in clinical practice at my center, The True Wellness Center.
As the "Lymph Queen," I've developed the transformative F.L.O.W.E. Formula, which addresses and restores fascia, lymph, oxygen, water, and energy. This approach has been life-changing not just for my clients but also for my family. As a mom to my thriving 11year-old son, Silas, I've seen firsthand the power of these techniques. Silas faced many of the same challenges other kids do today – environmental toxins, school stress, and the occasional immune stressor. By incorporating lymphatic support into our daily routines, Silas has become healthier, calmer, and more empowered and engaged in his own well-being.
In this ebook, I'll equip you with practical and foundational strategies to nurture your child's lymphatic system. By implementing these strategies, you'll be giving your child the extra support they need to thrive in today's world. You'll be laying the groundwork for a lifetime of health and resilience, ensuring your child can blossom into a strong and healthy individual, ready to face whatever challenges come their way. Let's get started on creating the perfect environment for your child to flourish!
Kelly Kennedy
CHAPTER 1
The Mighty Microworld: Your Child's Lymphatic System
Every cell in your child's body constantly works, producing waste products. These waste products, along with excess fluids and cellular debris, need to be removed to maintain a healthy internal environment. That's where the lymphatic system steps in, acting as the body's internal drainage system.
Think of it like a network of tiny canals and filters. The lymphatic system collects fluid called lymph, which carries waste products and immune cells throughout the body. Lymph nodes, stationed along these canals, act as filters, trapping bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances. Cleansed lymph is then returned to the bloodstream, completing the cycle.
Here's how a healthy lymphatic system contributes to your child's overall health:
Fighting Off Infections: A wellfunctioning lymphatic system delivers immune cells throughout the body, helping your child fight off infections and illnesses.
Reducing Inflammation: The lymphatic system helps remove inflammatory byproducts, which can contribute to various health issues.
Removing Toxins and Debris: By clearing out waste products, the lymphatic system helps maintain a healthy cellular environment, promoting overall well-being.
Maintaining Fluid Balance: The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in regulating fluid levels in the body, preventing swelling and ensuring optimal cell function.
Supporting Emotional Health and Stress Adaptation: When lymph is flowing information and energy
CHAPTER 2
Beyond Immunity: The Lymphatic System's WideReaching Impact
While the lymphatic system's role in immunity is well-known, it influences your child's well-being in surprising ways that extend far beyond fighting off pathogens Here, we'll explore how a healthy lymphatic system can contribute to your child's overall development and well-being:
Sleep Quality: Proper lymphatic drainage is essential for good sleep. Think of it like clearing the body's waste disposal system before bedtime When the system is functioning well, it helps remove cellular debris and inflammatory byproducts that can disrupt sleep. This allows your child to experience deeper, more restful sleep, which is crucial for growth, development, and learning
Cognitive Function: Research suggests a link between a healthy lymphatic system and improved cognitive function in children. Efficient waste removal and proper fluid balance are essential for optimal brain function A healthy lymphatic system helps ensure the brain receives a steady supply of nutrients and oxygen, while also removing waste products that can impair cognitive function through its own Glymphatic System This might contribute to better focus, concentration, memory, and overall cognitive performance in your child.
Mood and Behavior: The lymphatic system plays a vital role in regulating stress hormones like cortisol When the body accumulates stress hormones due to chronic stress or illness, it can lead to anxiety, irritability, and difficulty focusing. By supporting a healthy lymphatic system, you might be indirectly promoting better emotional regulation and a more positive mood in your child. A well-functioning lymphatic system can help remove these stress hormones and create a calmer internal environment, promoting emotional well-being.
Regulation: The nervous system and lymphatic system work together to maintain homeostasis (internal balance) in the body. A healthy lymphatic system can support the nervous system's ability to adapt to stressors and appropriately switch back and forth between stress mode (fight-or-flight) and rest mode (parasympathetic). This healthy balance is crucial for emotional regulation, allowing your child to manage stress effectively and navigate challenging situations with greater composure.
CHAPTER 3
Regulation & Its Impact on Lymph
Imagine your child's body as a complex orchestra, with the autonomic nervous system (ANS) acting as the conductor. The ANS, comprised of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), is responsible for maintaining internal balance (homeostasis) in response to both internal and external stressors
Regulation: This internal balance is essentially the "perfect performance" of the orchestra It's achieved through constant communication between the conductor (ANS) and the musicians (organs and systems). When the conductor effectively balances the input from the SNS (fight-or-flight) and PNS (rest-and-digest), a state of regulation is achieved. This vitalistic aspect, where all parts are connected and informed, allows the body to function optimally
The SNS is like the conductor dur fast-paced piece, kicking in durin moments of excitement or dange (fight-or-flight response)
The PNS takes over during calme moments, promoting relaxation a restoration (rest-and-digest resp
For the orchestra to function flawless clear communication and efficient w removal are essential. This is where t lymphatic system steps in, playing a role in supporting the body's regulato processes.
The Major Blockades to Regulation
Physical Blockades: Surgical scars, dental issues like root canals, and even chronic injuries can create physical obstructions in the lymphatic system, impeding its ability to drain waste effectively
Emotional Blockades: Deep-seated emotional issues and unresolved traumas can manifest as blockages in the body, both physically and
Unhealthy Habits: Insufficient sleep, a diet full of sugary drinks and processed snacks, and a lack of physical activity can all bog down your child's lymphatic system. This can lead to a buildup of waste products and contribute to a stressed nervous system, making it harder for them to manage emotions and adapt to challenges.
CHAPTER 4
M l L mphatic
p g y
them to a simple yet powerful technique –manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)!
Over the years, I've seen the transformative effects of MLD in thousands of clients, and it's been equally rewarding to witness its success with my own children. MLD is a gentle massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system, encouraging the flow of lymph fluid and promoting the removal of waste products. It's a fun and easy activity you can do together as a family. Imagine it as giving your body's internal filtration system a little helping hand! By incorporating MLD into your daily routine, you ' re not only teaching your child valuable health accountability but also giving their body the tools it needs to thrive
Watch the How-To Video on Manual Lymphatic Drainage, HERE
Here are a few additional tools & resources I recommend for supporting the FLOW of your kiddo’s lymphatic system:
Up Your Flow with FLOWVibe! Using advanced Bio Sonic Technology to support lymph drainage of the face and neck area, the FLOWVibe is one of my favorite tools to work the main lymph drainage areas of the body. For specific drainage of the breast, hips, liver and spleen check out my Masterclass, even if you don’t have a FLOWVibe, this masterclass is a must have!
Get the Family FLOWing: After years of teaching adults how to support their lymphatic system, I realize I was missing a large subgroup: KIDS! That is why I am so happy to be able to offer my FAMILY FLOWE Masterclass, which offers a comprehensive deep dive into how to support your kids lymphatic system from bottom to top!
Additional Tips & Tricks
1. Healthy Hydration
Water is super important for everyone, but especially for kids It helps the lymphatic system carry out waste from the body & helps hydrate their fascia Imagine trying to clean your room without a trash can – that's what happens when your body doesn’t get enough water. Make sure your child drinks plenty of pure, filtered water every day I highly recommend the Spring Aqua Water filter and use it both at home and at my clinical practice!
2. Limit Screen Time and Electronic
Smog
We all love our tablets and TVs, but too much screen time can actually make it harder for your child's lymphatic system to do its job Electronic devices give off something called "electronic smog, " which not only keeps your child's brain in a very active state but the frequencies also impair the flow and function of the lymphatic systmem Try to limit screen time and encourage outdoor play instead Turning off WiFi at night can also help as well as using tools to help block EMF like EMF Rocks.
3. Focus on Food Quality
The food your child eats plays a huge role in how well their lymphatic system works Try to give them fresh, local, and organic foods whenever you can Foods that are heavily processed can create more "trash" for the lymphatic system to clean up. Encourage your child to eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, which are packed with nutrients that support their overall health I realize kids can be picky eaters, so if you find yourself struggling to sneak veggies and fruits into their diets, try creative options like smoothies, veggie dips, or fun fruit salads. For quality sourcing, I like LocalHarvest and the Bobby Approved app
Our world is full of chemicals, and unfortunately, children are especially vulnerable. Studies show up to 800 million children globally have blood lead levels exceeding safe limits, and umbilical cord blood can contain an average of 28 different chemicals They breathe in more pollutants per pound of body weight than adults, making them more susceptible to the effects of environmental toxins. These chemicals can enter a child's body through food (pesticides and preservatives), water (trace contaminants), air (pollution), and even skin products.
By choosing natural, chemical-free products for your child's skin and hair, and opting for organic foods whenever possible, you can minimize their exposure to harmful substances and help their lymphatic system function optimally. Teaching them about the importance of natural products can be a fun and educational activity – you can turn it into a game of "spotting the natural ingredients" at the grocery store! I turn to resources like the EWG’s SkinDeep Database , use brands like Wellnesse, and filter out air toxins with AirDoctor.
5. Process Emotions
Kids are emotional creatures, just like adults, and stress and negative feelings can actually take a toll on their lymphatic system Imagine it like a traffic jam – when your child is stressed, it can slow down the flow of lymph fluid, making it harder for their body to clear away waste. The good news is, you can help! By teaching them healthy ways to express their emotions, like talking, drawing, or getting active, you ' re helping them manage stress and keep their lymphatic system flowing smoothly
You can even incorporate some easy techniques together, like having them sit in butterfly pose (soles of feet together, knees out to the sides) to open up important lymph node areas, and then practicing calming box breathing exercises. If you are looking to learn how to better regulate your own emotions, I highly recommend the Emotional Regulation Masterclass
6.Encourage Movement
Movement is crucial for the lymphatic system because it helps pump lymph fluid through the body The lymphatic system doesn’t have its own pump like the heart, so it relies on movement to keep everything flowing. Encourage your child to be active every day. Activities like jumping, running, dancing, and even simple stretches can help. Movement also helps keep the fascia – the body's frequency fabric – flexible and healthy The fascia supports all our organs and muscles, so keeping it in good shape is essential for overall health
7. BE a Present Parent
In our busy world, it's easy to get caught up in social media and other distractions. However, being present with your child can have profound effects on their well-being. When you’re fully engaged with them, it helps their nervous system feel safe and supported Try to set aside regular time to connect without any screens or distractions Simple activities like playing a game, reading a book together, or having a conversation can make a big difference.
The Power Within: A Final Word on Supporting Your Child's Resilience
Congratulations on taking charge of your child's health! By understanding the wonder of the lymphatic system and its role in immunity and regulation, you ' ve equipped yourself with powerful knowledge. Remember, a healthy lymphatic system is like a silent guardian, working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep your child feeling their best
To continue learning from me and for additional resources, please check out the links below:
Learn my tried and true F.L.O.W.E. Formula with my free self-care guide
Listen to my podcast, FLOWE with Kelly Kennedy
Follow Me on Social: @truewellnessglobal @kellywellnessgirl
Like Me on Facebook: True Wellness BioRegulatory Health
Book a Session with Me: www thetruewellnesscenter com