You can bet your sweet Aunt Betsy’s antique Mustang that I dry brush. I do several different things to make sure my body is moving the fluids through the lymphatic system.
Dry brushing is just one of them, and pretty easy to do. Doing a quick dry brushing before getting into the shower is an easy time to do it. I also like to do it while standing on my vibration platform. But there is no bad time to do it, really.
Let’s back up a bit. What is Dry Brushing? It is a wellness practice that involves gently brushing your skin with a dry, natural-bristled brush. Like I mentioned, it is typically done before bathing or showering, and the process involves using long, sweeping strokes over the body and always moving towards the heart.
Here are some of the benefits:
- Exfoliation: (I bet you guessed that one) Dry brushing helps to exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells from the surface. This can leave your skin feeling smoother and softer.
- Stimulates Circulation: The brushing motion stimulates blood flow and lymphatic drainage in the body. Improved circulation can promote healthier skin and many people say it can help reduce the appearance of cellulite.
- Lymphatic Support: Experts say that by supporting the lymphatic system, we are improving immune function and detoxification. It makes sense – having stagnant lymph means toxins and trash just sit there. TAKE THE TRASH OUT! Dry brushing can help move the waste products from the body.
- Energizing: Some people say dry brushing invigorates and energizes them. Sometimes it does that for me, too, but other times it is relaxing. I guess it depends on when and how.
- Mind-Body Connection: I’m not a woo woo person, but this one does ring true. You have to pay attention while doing this so it does cause one to focus on how you’re feeling. This is a good thing.
I have to remind myself to use gentle pressure to avoid irritating the skin. More is not better here. Start with light strokes and gradually increase pressure as needed. Never brush over sores or irritated skin, and for heaven’s sake, don’t brush over mosquito bites or else you’ll start itching again. Ask me how I know. LOL! That’s just my 2 cents. I like to dry brush while standing on my vibration plate, or just before I get into a sauna, but just before a hot shower is a great time to dry brush. I keep a small brush for in my shower and do my face very gently then. Not DRY brushing technically, but it does feel so good. Be careful with the pressure, and also make sure to keep your brush clean and how you do that will depend on the brush you choose. For mine I use a diluted hydrogen peroxide spritz. I would recommend having a natural bristle brush. You can find quite a few choices on Amazon. Here is the one I currently have. Here is more information on technique.
Someone asked if gua sha would elicit similar benefits and it does. It’s different. Let me explain: Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool, such as a jade or quartz stone. Mine is made from stainless steel. It works really well, too, and costs about 1/2 that of a jade tool. I use Gua sha to release tension, improve circulation, and promote the flow of qi (vital energy) in the body. It is often used to address muscle tension, pain, and stiffness, as well as to promote relaxation and overall well-being. I use it on my upper thighs to help with cellulite, too. Be sure to use a good oil, or do it in the sauna after you get a good sweat going.
While both dry brushing and gua sha can support lymphatic flow and circulation, they work on different aspects of the body. Dry brushing primarily focuses on exfoliation and lymphatic drainage, while gua sha targets muscle tension and fascial adhesions. Incorporating both techniques into your self-care routine can provide comprehensive benefits for your skin, muscles, and overall health.
Other things that help for lymphatic flow are
- Walking
- Massage
- Proper hydration (think mineral rich water – quality matters here)
- Sauna
- Infrared light
- SUNSHINE!
- Exercise (whatever you love from Jazzercise, Yoga, Weightlifting or Badminton – do that!)
- Excellent nutrition
So, let’s get in some steps in the sunshine, drink mineral rich water, get in some exercise we love to do from kayaking or pilates to rock climbing or salsa dancing then go shower but dry brush a little first and you’re all set! Don’t forget to fuel yourself with nutrient dense food like meat, fish, eggs and whatever else makes you feel like a million bucks!
Be sure to tag me on Instagram when you post about anything about this topic!
Disclaimer:
Nothing in this post is medical advice. Linda is not a doctor nor a licensed healthcare provider. This blog is for fun, conversation, information and Linda sharing things that have worked for her. As always, before changing your diet or have any health concerns about any practice or protocol, please check with your trusted licensed healthcare provider. Here is Linda’s affiliate link to purchase the same dry brush she uses. Thank you for your kind support
Peculiar article, just what I wanted to find.