Migraines can be debilitating, but understanding and utilizing the body’s natural detox systems, such as the lymphatic and glymphatic systems, can offer some relief. Here’s how enhancing lymphatic drainage can help mitigate migraine symptoms.

Understanding the Glymphatic System

The glymphatic system is a critical part of the lymphatic system specifically dedicated to the central nervous system (CNS). It plays a vital role in clearing waste from the brain and spinal cord, including beta-amyloid and other metabolic byproducts, which, if accumulated, can contribute to inflammation and various neurological issues, including migraines.

How Glymphatic Function Impacts Migraines

Migraines have been linked to inflammation and the buildup of metabolic waste in the brain. Poor glymphatic function, exacerbated by factors like poor sleep, stress, and dehydration, can worsen these conditions. Therefore, improving glymphatic drainage can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

Ways to Enhance Glymphatic Drainage

• Get Consistent, Quality Sleep: The glymphatic system is most active during deep sleep. Ensuring you get sufficient deep sleep can enhance waste removal from the brain. You can assess your deep sleep patterns with tech devices such as a Smart Watch or Oura Ring.
• Sleep Position: Sleeping on your right side can aid glymphatic drainage more effectively than sleeping on your back or stomach. This is because most of your lymphatic drainage happens in the left side of the body.
• Hydration and Diet:
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Consuming foods rich in omega-3s, such as walnuts, chia seeds, and fatty fish, supports brain health and reduces inflammation.
• Intermittent Fasting: This can help reduce the overall load on the glymphatic system, allowing it to function more effectively.

• Minimize Alcohol Consumption: Frequent alcohol intake can reduce brain volume and impair glymphatic function, so limiting alcohol can help maintain optimal brain health.
• Regular Exercise: Physical activity increases blood flow, which in turn enhances lymphatic and glymphatic drainage.
• Stress Management: Chronic stress can impair glymphatic function and increase the risk of migraines. Practices such as mindfulness, using a heart rate variability (HRV) tracker, and setting healthy boundaries can help manage stress levels.

The Big 6 Lymphatic Drainage Technique

A hands-on method to encourage lymphatic drainage involves targeting six major drainage points in the body: behind the ears, armpits, belly, groin, behind the knees, and the clavicle. Here’s a brief overview of the technique:

• Clavicle Drainage: Place your index and middle fingers above and below your collarbone. Move them laterally along the bone’s edges to open the main drainage spot.
• Behind Ears (level C1/C2): Gently massage behind the ears (where your jaw ends) to stimulate lymphatic flow from the head.
• Armpits: Massaging the armpits can help clear lymph nodes in this area, reducing toxin buildup.
• Belly and Groin: These areas contain major lymph nodes that can be stimulated to enhance overall drainage.
• Behind Knees: This can help reduce fluid retention and improve circulation.

Additional Techniques for Migraine Relief

• TMJ Spot Massage: Mobilizing the tissue around the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can relieve tension and improve drainage around the head.
• Posterior Neck Stretch: This technique creates space for better fluid drainage from the brain at night. Position your hand at the base of your skull and gently stretch the tissue upwards and over.
• Eye Pump: Stimulates blood flow to the brain, helping to clear toxins. Place your index fingers on the outer corners of your eyes, press gently towards the nose, and release slowly.

By incorporating these practices into your routine, you can support your glymphatic system, potentially reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines. Regularly engaging in these drainage techniques can help maintain a healthier CNS, contributing to overall well-being and migraine management.

Did you know we offer in person workshops at Longev Clinic, teaching our clients and community how to perform these self-drainage steps at home? If interested, sign up for our fall workshop series. Additionally, our in-house lymphatic drainage specialists offer glymphatic, face, neck and full-body drainage services to help you best achieve your lymphatic drainage goals. For more information or To book an appointment with either of us please click on our names to see availability Cassandra and Thais. Feel free to book a complimentary discovery call if you have questions before booking a treatment.

Contraindications:

The concept of glymphatic drainage, which clears waste from the brain, is typically discussed in terms of optimizing sleep and hydration rather than as a manual procedure like lymphatic drainage. However, using the above-mentioned techniques aimed at promoting glymphatic

function through mechanical manipulation has some general contraindications and considerations:

• Severe Sleep Disorders: Individuals with severe sleep disorders such as sleep apnea should address these conditions with appropriate medical treatment, as disrupted sleep can impair glymphatic function.
• Intracranial Pressure Issues: Conditions that involve increased intracranial pressure (e.g., brain injury, hydrocephalus) should be managed by medical professionals. Techniques that might increase intracranial pressure should be avoided without medical advice.
• Severe Dehydration or Electrolyte Imbalance: Proper hydration is crucial for glymphatic function, but individuals with severe dehydration or electrolyte imbalances should seek medical treatment first.
• Acute Brain Injury: People who have experienced a recent traumatic brain injury or stroke should follow their healthcare provider’s advice for recovery and should avoid self-treatment without guidance.
• Certain Medications: Some medications may affect brain fluid dynamics. Patients on such medications should consult their healthcare provider before attempting any glymphatic-promoting techniques.
• Neurological Disorders: Individuals with certain neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease) should consult their healthcare provider for tailored advice, as these conditions may affect the glymphatic system differently.

In general, promoting glymphatic function through lifestyle changes such as improving sleep hygiene, staying hydrated, and managing stress is beneficial for most people. However, individuals with specific medical conditions could benefit from mechanical lymphatic support via a trained practitioner.