In today’s technology-driven environment, the average person spends several hours a day hunched over a laptop or smart phone. The implications of this fact is significant: slouching tightens the chest muscle, which in turn pinches down on the underlying lymphatic vessels—sort of like a foot on a hose—resulting in lymphatic congestion.

Think of the lymphatic system as the body’s sewer system. When body can’t properly flush the toxins out of its muscles and organs, it will not function optimally, and disease can result.

Fortunately, there’s a simple exercise that can help prevent lymphatic congestion.  Here’s how to do it:

1. Place the heel of one hand on the opposite shoulder. 

2. Drag the heel or the knuckles of that hand under the collarbone (clavicle) and over to the breastbone (sternum). Use a continual, back-and-forth, ironing-type motion as you diagonally work your way down the breastbone. (You’ll be going over the breast, under the breast, and then to the side, under the armpit.) Then switch sides.

3. “Iron out” each section of the chest for one to two minutes using moderate pressure. The pressure should be evenly dispersed throughout the hand and should be more than is needed to move the skin, but not as much as is required for a deep-tissue massage.

Performing this simple exercise twice a day can help you achieve a higher level of health. For further instruction, call Integrity Chiropractic for a complimentary demonstration.

Dr. Jodi Kennedy practices at Integrity Chiropractic, 11 Miller Rd., Mahopac, NY. For more info, call 845.628.7233 or visit LiveBetterNaturally.info.