🍾1st Issue: 3 Comforts that Cured my 5 Different Stagnation Feelings

Ever notice how being stuck comes in different flavors? I spent years wrestling with 5 distinct types of stagnation - each one its own special brand of quicksand.

Affirmations didn’t work. Coffee only caused frustration with stagnation.

Then I discovered 3 unusual comfort solutions that changed everything.

They weren't just random fixes - they were backed by science, and each one tackled a different shade of stuck.

"The body is not a machine... The body is a garden to be cultivated." - Moshe Feldenkrais

1st Comfort: 6-Point Lymphatic Massage

This technique is fast, easy to do and this is the first thing I do in the morning after testing 10+ different techniques.

Perry Nickelston, DC is a Chiropractic Physician with a primary focus on treating chronic pain and inflammation via the lymphatic and vascular systems.

I could not believe the effectiveness of techniques he was teaching. Walking and other exercises won’t have the same effect. Trust me.

In short about this Comfort:

❓Where, why and when did I find about it? I was watching Youtube and diving into vagus nerve issues, when I found Perry Nickelston and his enthusiasm about lymph grabbed my attention. It was 6 months ago.

😊 What emotions and feelings can it help? stagnation, feeling trapped, depressed, low energy, motivational paralysis.

💪 Effort:  Low to Medium (depends how you feel about it)

💰 Cost:  FREE

⏳ Time it takes to complete: 8-12 minutes

🕰️ When: Morning after 1-2 glasses of water

🔬 Science:

The connection between lymphatic massage and emotional well-being operates through multiple physiological pathways that directly impact our emotional state. When we experience stagnant emotions, our body's stress response system becomes activated, releasing cortisol which can create metabolic acidosis and impede lymphatic flow[4]. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) helps break this cycle by promoting the removal of these stress hormones and other toxins that accumulate during periods of emotional stagnation[3].

Research has demonstrated that lymphatic massage creates measurable changes in brain activity associated with relaxation. Studies show that MLD significantly increases alpha wave activity while decreasing gamma waves, indicating a shift from states of anxiety and psychological stress to ones of calm and relaxation[2]. This neurological shift helps explain why people often report feeling emotionally lighter and more clear-headed after lymphatic massage sessions.

The therapeutic impact of lymphatic drainage extends beyond immediate stress relief through its effect on the parasympathetic nervous system. The gentle, rhythmic strokes of MLD activate the body's "rest and digest" response, countering the fight-or-flight state that often accompanies emotional stagnation[1]. This activation helps reduce muscle tension, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall mood, creating a comprehensive approach to releasing stuck emotions[3]. The process works by not just addressing the physical manifestations of emotional stagnation but by creating physiological conditions that support emotional release and renewal.

Citations:

[1] https://alorahealthspa.com/2023/10/12/the-surprising-connection-between-lymphatic-massage-and-anxiety-regulation/

[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5361017/

[3] https://getcheckedclinic.com/therapeutic-impact-of-lymphatic-drainage-massage-for-stress-relief/

[4] https://www.phillylymphbodywork.com/blog/manual-lymphatic-drainage-for-anxiety-and-stress-reduction

Watch this video and add this routine to your morning.

Believe me when I day I am horrible person with exercise BUT once I tried this - it had such a strong effect on me that I am waiting for morning to do it!

I obviously had problems with my lymph and that manifests with water retention but I never assumed lymph stagnation could make me feel so emotionally trapped.

And here is the technique:

What I'm Reading

"The Body: A Guide for Occupants" by Bill Bryson - fascinating insights into how our lymphatic system acts as a silent guardian of our health.

Historical Moment I Am Thinking About

The 1800s discovery of the lymphatic system by Gasparo Aselli, who first observed these vital vessels while examining a well-fed dog. His discovery revolutionized our understanding of human anatomy.

Discovery of lymphatic system is as complex as the continous research that will help us understand more how it interacts with all other systems and keeps us healthy.

Natale, G., Bocci, G. and Ribatti, D. (2017), Scholars and scientists in the history of the lymphatic system. J. Anat., 231: 417-429. https://doi.org/10.1111/joa.12644

Which Comfort I Am Most Excited About in this issue?

I'm particularly thrilled about the 2nd comfort tool as I have been doing for 3 years.

🙄 Not clear why I am calling them Comforts?

I am starting this newsletter with a strong message - Your feedback matters and it will be my driving force. Mental landscape is wide.

Kindly let me know what specific emotions You would want to read about and I will make sure to include tools very specific to them.

2nd and 3rd Comfort…