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Understanding the Lymphatic System

  • Writer: Estephanina Martinez, LMT
    Estephanina Martinez, LMT
  • Jul 1, 2025
  • 2 min read

Hi, my name is Stephanie “Estephanina” Martinez, founder of La Unica Wellness, one of the practices working within the Flow State Holistic Health co-op space. I have worked in the Holistic Wellness industry for 22 years as a Licensed Massage Therapist and Bodyworker, Certified Energy Medicine Practitioner, and birthright Medicine Woman/ Shamanic Healer. I also extend my knowledge into consulting, mentorship, and facilitation. 



One of the specialties I hold is as a Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Practitioner. I find this body system to be fascinating and love to be a resource to others to help them better understand it. Within the scope of this work, I help people decongest their lymphatic system to mitigate an array of health issues. Here is a recent query from a social media contact. I thought it was an insightful question about the Lymphatic system, which is a vital part of the Immune system. 


Q: How do I optimize my lymphatic system? How do I know if and when it’s not working as it should?


A: The lymphatic system is one of the most overlooked, yet essential, systems for whole-body wellness. It's responsible for moving waste, toxins, and immune cells throughout the body. When it's working well, you feel energized, clear-headed, and resilient. When it's sluggish, you might feel puffy, tired, foggy, chronically inflamed, or get sick often. 


So what slows it down?

Environmental and topical toxins play a huge role. I see this often in people who live or work in spaces with:

  • Mold or dust

  • Heavily polluted air (from smoke, chemicals, or construction)

  • High pollen counts (hello, St. Louis allergy season!)

  • Regular exposure to synthetic body products or cleaning agents


All of these can overwhelm the lymph system, especially if the body isn’t supported with proper drainage practices.


How do you optimize it?

Start by reducing toxic exposures where you can—opt for clean products, filter your air, eat clean, whole foods, drink purified water, and get outside where the air is fresh. Then, support your body’s natural drainage with movement, breathwork, hydration, saunas, and manual or energetic techniques designed to promote lymphatic flow. A world of  resources is available.


Here are some FREE resources to explore information: 


 
 
 

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