Another tip to move our lymph
As we shift into summer, this week’s edition brings us another way to keep our lymphatic system flowing.
This week’s missive is also asking us to consider more counter culture behavior and to go against the social norms directing us toward restrictive clothing.
That’s right, this week, let’s rethink bras and other tight clothing.
Working from home was a boon for less bra wearing and more soft clothes wearing. But from what I’ve read, this more recent chucking of bras was out of comfort, not an understanding that they impede lymph flow.
In just the past month, I’ve seen women in online groups asking for bra recommendations. And it made me realize that every time we buy another product, it’s a moment to pause and consider if the item is truly serving us. So do we need them at all? Is there a looser option?
It’s not just about lymph
Wearing bras all the time allows the Cooper’s ligaments to become lax. These connective tissues need to experience the gravitational force of holding up breast tissue to remain fully functioning, thus the symptom of excessive bra wearing being called Cooper’s Droopers.
Consider other connective tissues that naturally support our bodily bits, bobs, and curves. There isn’t another fun droopy name for other parts of the body that have gone slack, but if those tissues are duct taped to your frame rather than experiencing gravity, they too can droop.
And what about while sleeping? Are your jammies nice and loose? Or are you like me and sometimes sleep in athletic pants that leave marks on the skin?
While they are certainly flexible, lots of of popular yoga pants are really tight. If clothes are difficult to remove or make markings of seams on the skin, the fluid below won’t be moving as easily and connective tissues will not be tasked with performing their duties.
Back in the Closet
The whole point of habits is to support us with fewer brain cycles. But for the love of lymph and vanity, let’s switch out of autopilot and consider refining our habits:
Am I choosing the item because I genuinely enjoy how it makes my body feel or because it’s the social norm to wear this item?
When I buy clothes next, can I find items I love that do not leave marks on the skin?
I hope you are having a vibrant day and are staying safe out there. See you next week.