Dry Brushing For Lymphatic Drainage

Our bodies are constantly doing so much for us. From filtering out toxins, taking in nutrients, processing sensory information, and moving us from place to place, even when we are sleeping, our bodies are still active.

We support our bodies through eating food, drinking water, exercising, and having fun with friends. But sometimes, our bodies need additional support. One way of providing that support is the practice of dry brushing.

Dry brushing, using a bush usually made of Ixtle (a fiber from a type of Agave plant) to brush the skin, helps support the body by exfoliating the skin and stimulating the lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system is similar to the circulatory system - which uses arteries and veins to transport blood away from and then back toward the heart. Instead of blood, the lymphatic system contains lymph fluid. Some of its main functions are to help move the extracellular fluid back to the heart (otherwise your hands, feet, and calves can become puffy and swollen), to help transport immune cells throughout the body, and to help with transport of larger molecules throughout the body (the ones that are too large to move through the smaller vessels of the circulatory system).

Below you can see a map of the lymphatic system's pathway throughout the body.

Our bodies let us know that their needs are not being met through discomfort. Some of the signs that you could benefit from dry brushing are...

• Puffy hands, feet, and calves (you may notice it's harder to get your shoes than normal, or that you can't see the bones in in your hands, feet, and ankles the way you usually do)

• Seeing the lines of your socks on your skin when you take them off

• Getting sick frequently

• Feeling sluggish

Dry brushing alone may not be enough. If your lymphatic system is needing additional support, check out these tools...

• Jumping (especially on a trampoline)

• Compression garments such as compression socks

• Herbal support such as Cleavers juice or tincture

• Elevation (such as legs up the wall yoga pose)

I find that these practices are especially important for me when I'm traveling because my feet get swollen from sitting for long periods of time.

To dry brush, especially if you are doing it to support your lymphatic system, it's important to start near your heart, and while sweeping towards your heart begin each successive brush stroke progressively further away as you eventually move to the top of your forehead and the tips of your toes and fingers. Then, you continue brushing all the way back to the heart from each extremity. If this is confusing, just check out this video!

Please consult your health care professionals if you have any concerns about dry brushing or any of the above tools to support your lymphatic system, or if you try it and it has an adverse effect. Please also talk to your providers if you have lymphedema or other issues of the lymphatic system to see if there are any considerations specific to your body.

Keep in mind, dry bushing can sometimes be intense at first, but you should feel great after! If you don't, please schedule a visit with a health care professional who can help you.

To learn more about the lymphatic system, check out this video.

Join us on January 25th, 2025 at Five Point Holistic Health in Chicago for a class on how to make a Ixtle dry brush followed by a guided lymphatic drainage class. Check out Five Point's website for more details and to check out their other offerings!

Otherwise, you can buy a handmade dry brush made by Rhonan. Contact us for details.

Love to you and your bodies!