Our Lymphatic System provides an often overlooked vital function in our bodies.  Because it works silently, we usually don’t pay much attention to it, taking notice only when our lymph nodes are swollen or tender.  However, it is a critical and essential daily drainage pathway that we need for proper natural detoxification.  It also plays a significant role in our protective immune function.

The Lymphatic System is a network of vessels and nodes that carries cellular waste to the lymph nodes, where it is cleaned, filtered, and emptied back into the blood, and then eliminated.  Waste from our cells is simply a normal part of doing business, as there’s a certain amount of leftover “trash” from processing nutrients and performing normal functions.

Likewise, lymph protects our bodies by filtering out and neutralizing harmful stuff like dead or damaged cells, bacteria, pathogens, and cancerous cells.  It’s also responsible for filtering environmental toxins and pollutants from the air, water, food, and products we are using on and near our bodies (think cleaning, personal care, and beauty products).  Proper functioning of our Lymphatic System is essential for our bodies to heal from injury, ward off disease, and maintain (and restore) health.  It “takes out the trash,” so to speak, as it acts as our main drainage system.

Interestingly though, the Lymphatic System does not have a pump like the circulatory system.  It relies solely on our movement to function properly.  That means that the only way to release all the harmful toxicity through the lymphatic system is to move it ourselves.  We need to exercise!  Without enough manual “pumping” of the lymph through movement, the toxins and trash accumulate and create a body burden that can potentially compromise our health.

The good news is that the act of walking is one simple and efficient way to pump the lymph fluid.  Think about it.  What parts of your body move when you walk?  That’s right, your arms and legs.  Where are the largest concentrations of lymph nodes?  Yup, in our underarms and groin area, the exact places where we move the most during walking.

Another fantastic way to get your lymph moving is dry brushing.  Believe it or not, it can be effective!  Not only can dry brushing stimulate the lymphatic system, it also exfoliates the skin, increases circulation, reduces cellulite, and improves digestion and kidney function.  How’s that for a win?

So what is dry brushing?

It’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like – brushing the skin with a dry brush.  It’s considered an ancient healing practice, but it has been gaining popularity in natural wellness circles as a natural detoxification support.  It’s a practice I gift myself just about every morning.

How do you dry brush?

Using a dry body brush before getting into the shower, light circular motions are applied all over the body, working up to the heart.  All brushing should move toward the heart to encourage optimal drainage flow.  Sensitive areas like the face, genitals, irritation spots of any kind, stretch marks, or varicose veins should be avoided.  Skin should not turn red from dry brushing, so gentleness and caution must always be used.  Some sources suggest working from your feet up to your neck, but I typically start with my upper body and work downward.  I’m not sure that it matters, but the brushing should move toward the heart.

HERE is a great video about dry brushing if you’re a visual person like me.  I also like THIS video as another option.  Though I don’t personally brush my face, she does.  She’s using a special side of the brush, so that’s something to take into consideration.  If you’re looking for a dry brush, I use THIS one but there are many options.

I look forward to this part of my morning ritual every day.  Not only does it feel good, my skin also feels amazingly soft afterward.  I happened upon dry brushing when I was looking for ways to support my body’s natural detoxification processes after my breast biopsies in April.  I’m ALL about prevention, so dry brushing has been a nourishing addition to my self care routines.

Is dry brushing actually working to keep my lymph moving optimally?

I don’t know for sure and I want to be honest about that.  But it feels great and I love what it does for my skin.  And what I do know is that my most recent breast thermography scan showed that I had no lymph congestion.  I also haven’t been sick since starting the practice, so that’s another win.  I am not a doctor and cannot say with certainty whether or not dry brushing will help move lymph properly.  I also am not suggesting that this practice is necessary in your health journey, I’m simply sharing what’s working for me.  If it’s something you’d like to consider adding into your self care routine, don’t take my word for it.  I always advocate doing your own research before making any decisions about your wellness routines.

Now I want to hear from you – who are my fellow dry brushers?  What do you love about it?  Share in the comments!