Have you heard of dry brushing but wonder what it is and why you should do it?
Here is a simple guide and explanation.
If you are more interested in lymphatic massage/drainage for the face, you should read about the techniques for lymphatic drainage in the facial area instead.
Dry Brushing
By dry brushing the skin, you remove old skin residues and waste products. It helps keep the pores clean and stimulates blood circulation.
But dry brushing also has perhaps an even more important role. It stimulates and activates the body's own lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system is responsible for removing waste substances and toxins, and when it doesn't function optimally, you may feel swollen and stiff in the body. You can read more about the lymphatic system on Morotsliv.
By deep breathing, bouncing on a trampoline, or exercising, you help the flow of lymph. But 5 minutes of dry brushing can be as effective for lymph flow as 30 minutes of physical exercise!
The Brush
The best is to invest in a brush made of natural fibers.
If your skin easily becomes red and irritated, choose a softer brush, and if you have more resilient skin, you can choose a medium or firmer one.
It should not scratch or hurt, but a brush that is too soft is not as effective.
A glove also works well. If it is hard to reach your feet and back, you can use a brush with a long handle.
Different models of brushes and gloves are available in our range.
How to Do It!
Take a few deep breaths to awaken the lymphatic system.
You can also tap yourself below the collarbones and rise onto your toes a few times while deep breathing to get the lymph flowing.
When dry brushing, use circular, massaging movements.
Scrub carefully, but not too hard. Your skin may also become slightly red as blood circulation starts, but this is completely normal.
How to Dry Brush (5-10 min)
- Start from the feet and brush/massage in circles up along the entire legs. Do the front, inside, back, and outside. Be extra thorough in the knee creases and groin areas.
- Dry brush the stomach below the navel in circular motions down towards the groin, and above the navel brush in circles upwards towards the heart and collarbones.
- Then continue with the hands and arms. Massage from the hands up to the shoulders. Be extra thorough in the elbow creases and armpits.
- Brush the back in circles from the spine out towards the sides.
- Shower off all dead skin cells.
- Finish by moisturizing. You can, for example, use cold-pressed coconut oil, another skin oil, or lotion while the skin is still slightly damp.
Repeat dry brushing for 5-10 minutes every morning on dry skin for 3 months. After that, 1-2 times a week is enough.
Avoid varicose veins, superficial blood vessels, and the face.
Here you can watch a tutorial on lymphatic massage.
Have you used lymphatic massage and experienced positive effects?
Share in a comment so that the rest of us can get inspiration from your experiences!
