Supporting Circulation and Lymphatic Flow

Our circulatory and lymphatic systems work hard behind the scenes every day, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients to our tissues, maintain fluid balance and support our immune system. When living with lipoedema, understanding how these systems work and how we can support them is an important part of looking after our bodies.

Our circulatory and lymphatic systems work together, but they have different jobs.

- Blood circulation: The heart pumps blood around the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and carrying waste products away. Moving your muscles helps blood circulate around the body. The calf muscles, in particular, act as a pump when you walk, helping blood return towards the heart. Muscle movement also supports the normal movement of lymph fluid through the lymphatic system.

- Lymphatic system: This network collects excess fluid from the tissues and returns it to the bloodstream. It also plays an important role in immune function. Unlike blood circulation, the lymphatic system doesn't have a central pump like the heart. It relies partly on muscle contractions, breathing and movement to help lymph travel around the body. Gentle, regular movement can support this natural process. It is particularly useful for maintaining mobility and supporting lymphatic health, although it does not remove lipoedema fat.

Every time you move your muscles, you are giving your body another opportunity to support its natural circulation.

You don't need to do an intense workout. Sometimes a ten-minute walk, a short Pilates class or simply getting up and moving your legs can be a wonderful place to start.

Remember, little and often is better than a long workout once a week. If you can fit in daily exercises, the absolute best would be a short Pilates class in the morning, a walk at lunchtime and a swim in the evening (or another short Pilates session). This would take 30 - 60 minutes total… I think you’re body deserves that.