taken from http://www.lymphatichealth.com/lymphatic-system-self-care/
"When looking at the Lymphatic System, most chronic
problems occur at the junction of lymph vessels called “Lymph Nodes.”
One can feel lymph nodes by pressing under the jaw, below the ear, below
the collarbone, under the arm, or in the crease between the thigh and
pelvic area. When touching these areas, many people will feel small
bumps or lumps; some will feel pain. The bumps, lumps and pain are
symptomatic of blocked lymph nodes.Since we are dealing with the primary drainage and immune support
system of the body, it is important to see a practitioner and get help
with seriously swollen or hardened lymph nodes. Once the node is reduced
to a less severe condition, or for maintenance and prevention
self-administered self care techniques can work very well.
For blocked lymph nodes, a light physical massage combined with use
of the Lymphstar Pro facilitates relieving pain and restoring lymph
flow. With restored lymph flow the immune cells can enter and clear out
pathogenic material and the body can recover more quickly.
Self-administered manual techniques include gentle “pumping” under the
arm and through the leg crease coupled with light massage and stroking
of the skin in the direction of lymph flow, generally towards the heart.
Another highly effective technique for cleansing the lymph and promoting proper drainage is to practice daily dry skin brushing, best performed just before showering or bathing. The brush used should be a long handled bath type brush. It should contain only natural vegetable bristles; synthetic bristles should be avoided. The brush should be kept dry and not used for bathing.
When one performs skin brushing the body should be dry and the brush should pass gently over the skin in the direction of lymph flow, toward the heart. Use long, sweeping strokes, passing over every part of the body, except the face. Use no back and forth or circular motions and no scrubbing. If the skin turns red you are doing it too hard.