Lymphatic Health 101: The Benefits of Dry Brushing
As a Constitutional Skin Health Practitioner I am often asked how the Lymphatic System plays a role in skin health, what is manual lymphatic drainage, and why is it important. This is a subject I love to talk about as I believe that it is the most important subject to understand in one's overall health.
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels in the body which collect lymph fluid. These vessels route the fluid through the lymph nodes, which house immune cells that kill off abnormal cells and other harmful substances. Your body relies on your lymphatic system to remove waste, like bacteria, viruses, toxins and abnormal cells that can lead to disease. The lymph fluid then drains back into the bloodstream, which flows through the kidneys where waste is removed and passed out in your urine. (PRO TIP: Hydration is key. Drink plenty of mountain spring or filtered water.)
It's very important to know that the lymphatic system does not pump itself. That's because the lymphatic system does not have an organ like the heart to pump fluid around your body. Lymph fluid relies on the movement and the contraction of your muscles to make it flow. It needs this movement to stimulate and activate the lymph flow. Literally every step you take helps it do its job.
You can help the lymphatic system do its job is through the use of dry brushing. Dry brushing plays a significant role in maintaining optimal functioning of your skin. It stimulates both the circulatory and nervous system, improving blood circulation throughout the body as well as boosting your metabolism. It encourages a reflex response in the lymphatic system stimulating lymphatic drainage of dead skin cells, pathogenic material, and metabolic waste. It's also a way to hydrate the fascia and move fluid throughout the body. It resurfaces and energizes the skin. It's like a tonic for the whole person, increasing resistance to colds, flu, and general fatigue while giving you beautiful, soft, glowing skin.
If you are wanting to remove toxins from your body, increase your energy, and strengthen your immunity, dry brushing is the ritual for you. Just by stimulating the lymphatic system with regular dry brushing you will accelerate the removal of waste material and allow for the re-nourishment and rejuvenation of your skin and tissues.
DRY BRUSHING GUIDE FOR LYMPHATIC FLOW:
You'll want to use a soft brush. I recommend a sisal fiber body brush by Prana. Start with dry, naked skin. No oil is needed. Best performed before showering or bathing.
Use light to medium pressure. Your skin may turn slightly red or pink, which is a normal reaction to dry brushing. Always make long, sweeping strokes in the direction of your heart, that way you are working with your body's lymph flow.
Use positive, conscious thoughts to release negative energy. “MY BODY IS HAPPY, HEALTHY AND WELL.” Additionally, you can thank your body for all the hard work it does for you.
Begin with the tops of your feet.
Continue brushing up the legs and behind the knees.
Move to the hands and up your arms. Use circular strokes in the armpits.
For breast health, sweep from the center of the breast outward in every direction.
From the neck, brush downward towards the heart.
Use large, counter-clockwise circular strokes on your abdomen. This motion helps stimulate digestion.
Sweep upwards from the lower back.
Once you are finished brushing, take a quick rinse with neutral temp water. Then you may apply body oil.
Contraindications: Avoid dry brushing over open skin lesions or palpable tumors. Eczema and psoriasis sufferers should avoid areas of distress. Avoid brushing sensitive pink parts, as well as any irritated areas of the body. Dry brushing is not recommended if the lymphatic system has been compromised due to insufficiency, radiation, or surgical removal of lymph nodes.
Meme Mae Curtis
Constitutional Skin Health Practitioner