Open Sesame: The Secret to Getting Your Lymph Flowing at Home

On Mondays … we learn self-care — where flow is the goal and care is never a chore.

Let’s talk real-deal body-loving rituals — beyond the bath bombs and into the deeper systems that keep you well.

If you’ve ever tried to “get your lymph moving” without opening your main lymphatic junctions first, it’s like trying to drain the bath without unplugging it fully. Things will sort of move… but not in the way you want.

Today, I’m showing you how to open your primary lymphatic pathways so your at-home flow rituals actually work.

What Even Are Lymphatic "Junctions"?

Okay, so “junctions” isn’t a textbook term — but it’s a super helpful way to describe key areas in the body where lymph nodes are clustered, and where lymph needs to move through to drain effectively.

These regions act like checkpoints on the road back to your bloodstream. If they’re congested or stagnant, lymph flow slows down — and things like puffiness, inflammation, tight fascia, and sluggishness tend to pile up.

Opening these zones first clears the path. That way, anything you mobilise with dry brushing, fascia release, or gua sha has somewhere to go.

The Big Six: A Simple Sequence for Daily Flow

This easy technique was popularised by Dr. Perry Nickleston, and it targets six critical lymphatic regions that are essential for proper drainage.

You can do it at home in under 5 minutes. Here’s how:

1. Collarbones (Venous Angles)

Rub in circular motions gently above your collarbones. This is where lymph fluid re-enters the bloodstream — always start here.

Time: Anywhere from 5-100 circles each side

2. Upper Neck (C1/C2)

Massage just behind the jaw where it meets the neck, right under the ears. These nodes help drain the head and face.

Time: Hang out here for 10- 30 seconds each side

3. Armpits (Axillary Nodes)

Rub under your armpits. This helps clear lymph from your arms, chest, and upper torso.

Time: ~20 seconds each side

4. Abdomen (Cisterna Chylie)

Use circular motions and a kind of upwards pump motion.  Find your sternum, move down an inch, and that should be the sweet spot. This area supports digestion and deep immune function.

Time:~30 seconds

5. Groin (Inguinal Nodes)

Massage gently along the crease where your leg meets your pelvis. These nodes help drain the lower body.

Time:~20 seconds each side

6. Behind the Knees (Popliteal Nodes)

Tap or rub gently behind each knee. These nodes help lymph drain from your feet and lower legs.

Time:~15–20 seconds each side

PRO TIP:

Always work in this order. Think of it like clearing the gutters before the rain — if the main exit points aren’t open, the rest can’t drain.

Build This Into Your Routine:

This sequence is perfect before dry brushing, fascia flossing, gua sha, or a bath. Do it a few times a week, or daily if you’re feeling sluggish, puffy, or under the weather.

Your body will thank you.

With lymph & laughter,

Pauline