Points of Stagnation: where the lymphatic and energy pathways meet
Ancient medicine aligns with modern science more than one might think. In traditional Eastern medicine, the chakras are considered the junction points of the body’s pathways. When we look at blocked pathways, they are often blocked in both energetic and lymphatic flows.
The lymphatic vessels flow through our fascia, the uppermost layer of connective tissue that unites our bones, muscles, organs, and skin. When this tissue holds tension, it restricts the body’s essential pathways. It’s easy to see how this layer would also be essential to the flow of energy through the body. Luckily, as we stretch, massage, and focus on one area of the body, it releases tension in the fascia that can restore both energetic and lymphatic flow.
Below we’ll look at three common areas for blockages, how they may present, and the movements we can use to release the tension and blocks.
the blockage:
hips and pelvic floor
presents as:
hip dips
tight hips
swelling or puffiness in the hip area
increased sensitivity or tenderness in the hip region
sciatica
IT band syndrome
common causes:
long periods of sitting, compression garments, desk jobs, c-sections, a slow gut, liposuction, or cool sculpting in the area
aligned chakra: the sacral
The chakra that deals with tight hips is the sacral chakra.
The sacral chakra regulates emotions, creativity, sexuality, and relationships.
signs of a Blocked Sacral Chakra
Lack of creativity or inspiration
Difficulty experiencing pleasure or joy
Feelings of guilt or shame related to sexuality
Emotional instability or mood swings
Inability to establish or maintain healthy relationships
Fear of intimacy or vulnerability
Repressed emotions or difficulty expressing emotions
Low self-esteem or poor body image
stretch to open the pathways
To open and balance the sacral chakra, you can try the following stretch:
Lie on your back with your legs extended.
Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the ground, hip-width apart.
Slowly bring your right knee towards your chest, hugging it with both hands. Hold this stretch for 20-30 seconds.
Release your right leg and repeat the stretch with your left knee, bringing it towards your chest. Hold for another 20-30 seconds.
Release the stretch and bring both legs back to the ground.
Remember to breathe deeply and listen to your body while performing this stretch. Regular practice can help release tension in the hips, supporting the balance of the sacral chakra.
blockage: neck and chest
we call this ‘the Bermuda triangle’
presents as:
pigmentation issues
breakouts
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or under the chin
Puffiness or swelling in the face, neck, or chest
Feeling of heaviness or tightness in the neck or chest
Reduced range of motion in the neck or shoulders
TMJ
feeling stressed and anxiety
common causes:
lack of facial and neck massage, stress, poor posture, cosmetic surgeries - face and neck,
aligned chakra: the throat
The chakra associated with the neck and chest is the throat chakra. The throat chakra governs communication, self-expression, and authenticity.
signs of a Blocked Throat Chakra
Difficulty expressing oneself
Fear of speaking up or speaking the truth
Feeling consistently unheard or misunderstood
Trouble with communication and self-expression
Inability to set clear boundaries
Lack of confidence in one's voice and opinions
Tendency to hold back emotions and thoughts
Struggles with creativity and finding inspiration
stretch to open the pathways
To open and balance the throat chakra, you can try the following stretch:
Find a comfortable seated position.
Relax your shoulders and gently tilt your head forward.
Slowly tilt your head to the right, bringing your right ear towards your right shoulder. Hold this stretch for 20-30 seconds.
Return your head to the center and repeat the stretch on the left side, bringing your left ear towards your left shoulder. Hold for another 20-30 seconds.
Release the stretch and bring your head back to the center.
Remember to breathe deeply and listen to your body while performing this stretch. Regular practice can help release tension in the neck and throat area, supporting the balance of the throat chakra.
blockage: underarms and lats
presents as
smelly underarms
underarm fat or back fat
Swollen or tender lymph nodes
Painless lumps or bumps
Skin discoloration or changes (dark underarms)
Persistent or recurrent infections in the armpit
Limited range of motion or discomfort in the arm
rotator cuff issues
common causes
tight bras, breast implants, breastfeeding, botox in underarms
aligned chakra: the heart
The chakra associated with the underarm is the heart chakra. The heart chakra governs love, compassion, and emotional well-being.
Signs of a blocked heart chakra include:
Difficulty forming or maintaining healthy relationships
Lack of empathy or compassion towards others
Feeling closed off or guarded emotionally
Fear of intimacy or vulnerability
Holding onto grudges or resentment
Feeling unworthy of love or affection
Difficulty forgiving oneself or others
Feeling disconnected or out of touch with one's emotions
stretch to open the pathways
To open and balance the heart chakra, you can try the following stretch:
Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart.
Extend your arms out to the sides, parallel to the ground.
Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, slowly bring your arms forward, crossing them in front of your chest.
Continue to breathe deeply as you hold this stretch for 20-30 seconds.
Release the stretch and bring your arms back to the starting position.
Remember to breathe deeply and listen to your body while performing this stretch. Regular practice can help release tension in the underarms and lats, supporting the balance of the heart chakra.
