BY: KELLY KENNEDY
LYMPHATIC
s e l o h p o lo
WWW.THETRUEWELLNESSCENTER.COM
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Hello! My name is Kelly Kennedy and shedding light on the importance of the lymphatic system is one of my goals and passions in life. Hence the reason I am known as the “Lymph Queen!” and creator of the F.L.O.W.E. Formula. Over the years I have heard, read, seen, and tried my fair-share of tips, tricks, and techniques to support the lymph but outside of doing the physical work, one must not forget about the “hidden” drivers of lymphatic stagnancy. In this e-book, I hope to shed some light on the one’s that get overlooked so that you can ease the burden placed on your body and lymph, and start experiencing true wellness for yourself.
Kelly Kennedy LMT, LNT, Medical Intuitive Biological Investigator (MIBI)
Contents 01: OUR UNSUNG HERO What is the Lymphatic System and why should you care about it? 03: LOOPHOLE #1 How scars impact more than our physical appearance 04: LOOPHOLE #2 The surprising ways your style can impair lymph flow 06: LOOPHOLE #3 The connection between your gut, liver, and lymph 07: LOOPHOLE #4 What’s lurking in your body care is hindering your lymph 09: LOOPHOLE #5 The importance of proper hydration for lymphatic flow
OUR UNSUNG HERO The lymphatic system is the most underrated part of our circulatory system, yet it plays a critical role in preventing disease and keeping us healthy. When the body is burdened by chemicals, heavy metals, pathogenic infections, and other toxicities, the lymph kicks into high gear, supporting the body’s ability to clear out the gunk. Unfortunately, in today’s world, our lymph is battered and abused every day and most of us (even those who “do all the things”) need to show our lymph some extra love each day.
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lymph
Lymph has many important functions, including: Fluid Balance: The lymphatic system helps maintain fluid balance by draining excess fluid, proteins, and other substances from tissues, returning them to the bloodstream. Immune System Support: The lymphatic system house immune cells that identify and destroy pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, helping to defend the body against infections. Nutrient Transport: Transports fats and fatsoluble vitamins to the bloodstream for distribution to cells throughout the body.
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LYMPH
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Toxin and Waste Removal: It acts as a drainage system, removing cellular waste, toxins, and debris from tissues, contributing to the body's detoxification processes. White Blood Cell Production: Lymphatic organs, such as the bone marrow and thymus, support the production and maturation of white blood cells. Surveillance and Defense: Lymph vessels and nodes monitor bodily fluids for signs of infection or abnormal cells, initiating immune responses to neutralize potential threats.
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"Impaired lymphatic flow leads to
stagnation, creating a back-up of wastes and toxins that halt your body’s healing capacity.”
Congested lymphatic flow can manifest in various ways, including swelling or puffiness in the limbs, skin issues, fatigue, frequent infections, and a compromised immune response. Other indicators might involve digestive disturbances, joint discomfort, and a general feeling of sluggishness. Common Signs of Congested Lymph
Swelling in limbs or joints Acne, eczema, or psoriasis Fatigue or chronic low energy Frequent infections or slow recovery from illnesses Bloating or constipation Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight Brain fog Headaches or migraines Muscle tension, cramps, or stiffness Allergies and sensitivities Mood swings or anxiety Cold extremities and poor circulation 2
s r a c s LOOPHOLE #1 Scars on the body can be seen through several different lenses: they may symbolize past traumas or wounds one wishes to forget, they can serve as enduring reminders of challenges overcome, akin to cherished trophies. or they are mere aesthetic "nuisances" that you wish weren't there.
As simple as these physical blemishes seem, their impact on our physical and emotional health can be profound. How so? Well, scars act as "interference fields" or biochemical impedances which affect the flow of energy (and information) throughout our meridian systems. When these meridian pathways are blocked, it hampers communication and leads to chronic symptoms and waste buildup in the
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extracellular matrix (ECM). As a result, scars can perpetuate illness, cause cellular stagnation, and activate the sympathetic nervous system. Scars can also influence the fluidity of our fascial tissue, which results in a lack of movement and poor range of motion. This contributes-to and exacerbates fascial tissue crystallization, which further impedes the flow of energy and information and leads to stagnation. As they say, “stagnation breeds sickness.” Scars can contribute to: Anxiety Brain Fog Chronic Pain Exhaustion/Fatigue Digestive Issues Lymph Stagnation Sleep Disturbances One of my absolute staple-tools for working on scars is the FLOWVibrate. It uses advanced biosonic technology set with specific vibrational frequencies, allowing it to break apart crystallized fascia, stimulates scar healing and combats lymph stagnation, which coincides with fascia crystallization! It’s a staple for me, my staff, and entire client base!
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LOOPHOLE
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Have you ever thought about the impact your wardrobe choices might have beyond just style? From the snug fit of your favorite yoga pants to the hidden dangers lurking in synthetic fabrics, what you wear can significantly influence your lymphatic flow and health of your fascia. Materials Matter: Synthetic fabrics and dyes often conceal a cocktail of chemicals and heavy metals, from lead and mercury to arsenic. Pesticide-laden cotton and chemical finishes like wrinkle-resistant coatings add additional layers of concern. It's time to rethink the materials that come into direct contact with your skin. Fit for Flow: Tight-fitting clothes may be fashionable, but they can impede the flow of lymph and blood throughout your limbs. Consider the impact of restrictive yoga pants, jeans, or other garments that may unknowingly cut off energy flow through essential meridians. The quest for fashion should not compromise your body's natural energy pathways.
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Micro-Plastics Alert: Beyond restricting flow, some fabrics pose hidden dangers. Lycra, a common component in tight clothing, is made from chemicals like polyurethane and TDI. Prolonged wear, exposure to heat, and washing can lead to micro-plastics leaching into your body's circulation through the skin's pores, burdening the liver and detox pathways.
High Heels: Elevated heels strain calf muscles, hindering the natural pumping action that pushes lymph. They also cramp your toes, furthering the lymph and blood constriction. Instead of skyhigh stilettos, opt for low-heels, boots, wedges, and if you must, heels with soft soles and widened toe-boxes.
What About Compression Garments? While compression garments seem like a helpful remedy for swelling and venous insufficiency issues, the wrong ones can wreak havoc on your lymphatic system. Those ill-fitting, rolldown wonders can act like tiny tourniquets, constricting lymph flow and doing more harm than good. Stick to looser options or go all-in with proper compression socks designed for true support. Wire Bra’s: Think of your bra as a tiny traffic cop for your health. A bad one jams up the good stuff – blood and lymph – leaving your breast tissue in gridlock. That stagnated mess can turn into lumpy trouble. Instead switch to a wireless to a bra that still offers support but allows the flow of lymph and blood throughout one of the most congested areas of lymph I see at my center. And please, let the ladies loose at night and no bras on during sleep!
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As you curate your wardrobe, consider the profound impact it can have on your lymphatic and fascia. As intentionally as you select the foods you consume, make thoughtful choices about your clothing materials. Prioritize natural fibers and steer clear of synthetic fabrics laden with harmful chemicals. Some of my favorite brands include Pact, Beaumont Organics, and Mate the Label. I promise, your lymphatic system and fascia will thank you!
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h t l a e h t u g LOOPHOLE #3 Everyone talks about the gut and the microbiome but did you realize that a staggering 50% of the lymph, the body's drainage system, resides in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Often discussed in the context of gut health is the subject of detoxification. However, it's crucial to emphasize that detoxification won't occur unless proper drainage is established. Basically it’s like stirring up dust in a closed room. Chaos without escape and herxheimer havoc. The gut works in synergy with the lymph and the liver, something I like to call “the drainage dynamic trio.” Here's the dynamic trio in action: GUT - The Gateway: The gut serves as a gateway, absorbing nutrients while standing guard against unwanted guests like bacteria, viruses, allergens, & toxins. LIVER - The Master Chemist: The liver transforms toxins into exit-ready compounds through a two-phase process. These water-friendly substances, along with bile, journey to the small intestine for expulsion. LYMPH - The Clean-Up Crew: The lymphatic system, whisks away toxin parcels from both the gut and liver, ensuring they are eliminated out of the body. To support your gut while also supporting your lymph, make sure you stay HYDRATED, ease digestive burden by CHEWING your food until liquid, try MANUAL LYMPH DRAINAGE or opt for nightly CASTOR OIL PACKS. TOP 5 LYMPHATIC LOOPHOLES
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e r a c y d o b LOOPHOLE #4 If you don't want to drain it, don't use it. We must remember that our skin is the largest "filter" of our body, absorbing over 60% of what is applied to it and acting as a main vehicle for toxin elimination. If you don't want to clog your filter and/or if you want to prevent some of the need for filtering (even the best of us will be exposed to chemicals we can't control) then it is critical to raise your consciousness when it comes to what things you use on your body.
FRAGRANCES We've been entrained to think that being clean is associated with some sort of "fresh" or florally scent that gives off laundry or garden vibes. Although these might spark our senses, these seemingly innocent scents often hide a slew of hormone disruptors and other toxins that disrupt our chemistry, overburden our liver, and stagnate our lymph. Phthalates: Frequently used in fragrances to enhance scent longevity, studies have linked phthalate exposure to disruptions in the endocrine system, which can interfere with the body's hormonal balance and potentially lead to adverse effects on reproductive health, metabolism, and development. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s): Exposure to these airborne chemicals has been associated with respiratory irritation, headaches, and even more severe health issues. Synthetic Dyes: While pretty to look at, these can harbor heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. MAKEUP Whether you binge-watch beauty tutorials on Youtube or go down the rabbit-hole of top beautytrends on TikTok, it’s easy to fall trap to the
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d e u n i t n o c LOOPHOLE #4 recommendations of beauty influencers. Keep in mind beauty care products can be full of:
Parabens: Parabens are the chameleons of estrogen mimicry, causing hormonal havoc. Heavy Metals: Certain makeups carry a hidden risk —heavy metals like lead and cadmium. Petrochemicals: Sourced from the petroleum, these synthetic compounds clog up lymph and have endocrine disrupting properties.
BODYCARE Whether you fall in love with the packaging or enticing scents, the lotions and potions that make up your body care item arsenal can literally be acting like poisons. Some concerning ingredients commonly found in popular items include: Triclosan: Notoriously found in antibacterial soaps, triclosan is another endocrine disruptor to watch out for. Formaldehyde: Exposure has been linked respiratory and skin irritation. Artificial Colors: Synthetic dyes, while pretty to look at, often contain hidden heavy metals. Remember, having a bathroom or bedroom that is filled to the brim with popular body care products can have long-term consequences. Over time, they contribute to your body's total burden and hormonal, energetic, and cellular disarray. Use resources such as the EWG’s SkinDeep Database, or opt for brands that are free from all the ick. My top picks include Wellnesse and Vibrant Blue Oils. Instagrammers to follow for healthy alternatives include: @just.ingredients, @nontoxicdad, and @environmentaltoxinsnerd TOP 5 LYMPHATIC LOOPHOLES
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r e t a w LOOPHOLE #5 Over 75% of the population is walking around chronically dehydrated. In a world full of a seemingly endless array of water options, most of use are simply irrigating instead of truly hydrating. Since over 95% of our lymphatic fluid is comprised of water (and we are 99% molecularly, by weight, made of water), water QUALITY, QUANTITY, and PURITY are all things to consider since without sufficient hydration, our lymph dries up like a sponge. "Structured" or "EZ" water is the water that is found in nature and within our cells. It is called this because its unique hexagonal structure that actually contains three hydrogen molecules (H302). You can think of structured water like ice cubes stacked neatly versus a jumbled mess. This structure makes it "biologically active," meaning it interacts more easily with our body's cells. Some of its benefits, include: Better Hydration Enhanced Nutrient Absorption Boosts Detoxification Improved Energy Levels
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Ensuring the intake of high-quality, structured water involves choosing pristine water sources like spring water and opting for glass containers over plastic or metal. By avoiding containers that may leach harmful chemicals, you take a crucial step towards preserving water's integrity and, consequently, the lymphatic fluid's health. There are many ways to structure your water, including exposing your water to sunlight or moonlight, immersing gemstones in your glass, or speaking kindly/saying positive affirmations to your drinking glass.
Top Tips for Hydrating Lymph
Hydrate, Don't Irrigate: Adding minerals to your water or even a sprinkle of sea salt will help increase your cells' abilities to absorb water, making it bio-available. Structure It: Structuring your water with the help of crystals, sunlight, or our favorite tool the Analemma Wand are all great ways to boost access to EZ water. Focus on Quality and Purity: The quality of your water is just as important as the quantity so be sure to use a quality water filter like Spring Aqua or drink from a trustworthy spring. Become a Water Expert: Master the art of healing with water with the "Water Whisperer" Rasmus Gaupp-Berghausen, who has been studying water crystals under microscopes for over 23 years, plus his "hard science: degrees in water as well.
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ADDITIONAL resources Your journey learning about lymph doesn't need to end here! Join me every month for new episodes of FLOWE with Kelly Kennedy. Each month I speak with experts in the field of bioregulatory and alternative medicine, diving deep into topics that help optimize Fascia, Lymph, Oxygen, Water, and Energy so that you can get un-stuck and finally transition into the FLOWE state. The podcast can be found on Apple, Spotify, Captivate, and Youtube IIf you are looking for a full lymphatic system reset, I urge you to check out my 3-Week Lymphatic Mini C.U.R.E. which is a self-paced course that provides you with all you ever wanted and needed to know about the lymphatic system. From overcoming roadblocks and clearing up stagnation to learning about emotional regulation and scars, it is the culmination of over 26 years of experience and a must for anyone who feels “stuck.” Some favorite tools I use and recommend are: Rapid Release Technology, FLOWpresso, Sound of Soul, FLOWVibrate, Block Therapy, and SaunaSpace.
I hope this guide on the Top 5 Lymphatic Loop Holes has opened your eyes to common factors contributing to lymphatic stagnation and made you realize that simple changes can make profound impacts on your health.
Kelly