Making time for deep breathing should be part of our daily routines. Anyone who has a lymphatic disorder can benefit from diaphragmatic breathing. It fully engages the diaphragm while deep breathing, which creates a negative pressure that stimulates fluid movement and works as a lymphatic pump. Researchers have found that the diaphragm impacts lymphatic drainage and the rapid absorption of fluid from the peritoneal cavity. About 60% of all lymph nodes are located under the diaphragm.
Adv. Respir. Med. 2017; 85: 224–232
How to Diaphragmatic Breathing
- Place one hand just under the ribcage on your abdomen.
- Breathe in slowly through your nose or mouth.
- Push your abdomen out slightly against your hand as you breathe in.
- At the same time, the upper chest should remain as still as possible.
- Bringing your breath from the abdomen, breathe out and feel your belly button move toward the spine.
- As you breathe out through pursed lips, the abdomen moves away from your hand.
- Try six of these breaths in and out.
Learn other ways to support your lymphedema self-management.
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