LYMPH-BOOSTING EXERCISES

These are important exercises for anyone for whom fluid storage causes cellulite. They aim to stimulate the lymph and get it flowing, reducing the amount of fluid the cellulite cells retain. While all exercise will help to do this, these exercises tailored specifically towards stimulting lymph flow. It uses yoga moves that aim directly to stimulate the lymph and move its flow towards tha main excretion points- the armpits and groin. When you do these exervcises, you help cleanse faster, thus preventing toxic overload.

Everyone should made an effort to carry out the lymph-boosting at least three times a week. However, if you really do have problems with fluid retention, aim for 5-7 times a week. It takes only about 10 minutes as it is energizing, is also a great thing to do just before breakfast.

This exercises starts by filling the lungs with clean air and energizing your system ready for what follows.

• Lie on your back with your legs straight, and press your lower back into the floor. If you find this hard, bend your knees instead.
• Put your fingers on your naval, and breathe in and out a few times.
• Now, this time when you inhale, aim to fill your lungs from the bottom so that your tummy balloons out, then fill the middle of the lungs and finally the chest. Aim to breathe in for a coount of five.
• Now, exhale for a count of ten, letting the air out of the belly first, then the middle and finally the top of the lungs.
• Repeat five times.
  

This exercise helps stimulate the blood flow in the legs.

• Lie on your back and put your legs in the air. Open them and very slowly rotate your ankles to the left five tmes, then the right.
• Now stretch your toes to the ceiling and hold them for a count of five.
• Bend your feet halfway back fo their normal position and hold for five.
• Now, push the feet towards your shins and hold for five.
• Put your feet back into their natural position, then tense your legs and try to find a point at which they naturally start to vibrate. This may sounds strange, but it will happen. This gentle vibration stimulates blood flow to the groin. Let yourself 'wobble' for up to two minutes.
  

This pose stimulates the blood flow around the hips.

• Sit on the floor with legs apart, but with knees bent and the sides of your feet together, back straight.
• Rest hands on ankles with arms by your sides.
• Exhale and, as you do this, bring your knees upwards so they press against your arms.
• Inhale and press them back down.
• Repeat ten times.
  

These poses stimulate the kidneys and colon, helping to remove toxins from the system.

• Kneel on all fours. Keep your elbows locked and your neck straight.
• Now, inhale and as you do, push your body down and forwards to gently arch your back and straighten your arms. Lead with your chin as if you are trying to dip under a rope.
• Exhale and as you do this, round your back so your head drops between your hands. Keep your tummy and buttocks tight.
• Repeat the whole sequence four times.
  

This stimulates lymph throughout the upper body.

• Stand up straight with feet together, your buttocks and tummy tucked in and tight. Place your arms by your sides.
• Inhale and, as you do, turn your palms outward, then raise your arms slowly out to shoulder height, then above your head.
• Clench your palms together, pointing your index fingers to the sky, and stretch upwards throughout your whole bdoy. Hold for 5 seconds.
• Exhale and go back to the start. Repeat five times.
  

This stimulates the blood flow and lymph in the armpits, a major point of elimination for the body.

• Stand with your legs apart and your feet pointing straight ahead.
• Breathe in, stretch out your arms and raise them to shoulder height.
• Exhale slowly and, as you do, drop your right arm to your side.
• Inhale and lift your left arm up alongside your head (close to your ear), twisting it so your palm faces the sky. Keep your hips facing forwards and bend gently sideways.
• Hold for 5-10 seconds, exhale slowly, then return to the start point.
• Repeat on the other side.

• This final exercise is the ultimate move and aims to move any unprocessed toxins to the kidney, liver and bowel.
• Lie on your front with your head on the floor and your hands under your shoulders. your heels should be together and your buttocks clenched.
• Exhale and lift your head, shoulders and chest off the floor. For a further stretch, continue this move by straightening your arms, otherwise keep them bent.
• Exhale and lower back down. When you reach your start position, gently push your buttocks and end up sitting on your heels. Relax in this position for a few seconds.
• Repeat the exercise three times. The last time, relax for a little longer and slowly rise up on to your heels, progressing to a standing position. Your head should remain bowed as you do this and only be brought when you are completely straight.
• Spend one minute carrying out the yoga breathing from step 1 and you are done.