Dry brushing is a simple way to support your lymphatic system. Using long, light, repetitive strokes directly on your skin in a particular pattern (videos and diagrams can be found online - when in doubt brush toward the heart) can help increase circulation and improve lymphatic flow.
Dry brush your dry and naked body before you shower or bathe. Start at your feet and sweep in an upward motion, always moving towards your heart. Sweep toward the inner thighs, where the lymph nodes are. For arms, sweep toward the arm pits also where there is a cluster of lymph nodes.
“Dry brushing unclogs pores in the exfoliation process. It also helps detoxify your skin by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymph flow/drainage,” says Dr. Khetarpal. Also, by unclogging pores, it's easier for the body to sweat and eliminate toxins in your system.
For best results, dry brushing should be done in the morning, just before a shower or bath but it may also be done in the evening. For optimal benefit, dry brushing should be done at least once daily. 2. After removing all clothing, stand in the shower or bath tub.
Regular physical exercise is a great way to get your lymphatic system pumping and detoxing your system of waste. Jumping, walking, stretching, yoga, Pilates, and other moderate exercises done on a daily basis will really improve the state of your lymph.
No, you don't have to shower after dry body brushing unless you'd like to, so you can do it any time of day. That said, it's likely easiest to incorporate into your routine before a shower or bath, or when you're changing in the morning or evening.
Having water after a massage is beneficial for the lymphatic system which is a major part of the bodies immune system, and thus will help reduce the symptoms of a cold or flu.
How often should you get a lymphatic drainage massage? For the best effects, a professional may recommend lymphatic drainage from once per month to once per week. For home use, they may also advise the person massage one to two body parts per day.
Depending on the severity, most cases should begin to see results after 1-2 sessions. Frequency is dependent on the clients goals and how congested the lymph system is.
Lymphatic drainage also improves circulation, relaxes the body and combats localized fat. Many clients report a slimmer waist and loss of excess water weight after their massage.
Instructions for doing self-massage
Use a light pressure and keep your hands soft and relaxed. Use just enough pressure to gently stretch the skin as far as it naturally goes and then release the pressure. Let your skin come back as it was.
Dry brushing is a technique used to perform lymphatic drainage at home, as well as detoxify the skin, and break down cellulite. As opposed to a massage using your hands, the brush allows for a slightly deeper skin cleanse and circulation boost making the process even more beneficial to your body.
Acute inflammation, Malignant tumors, Thrombosis and major heart problems are all contraindications to lymphatic drainage massage. Lets look at these one at a time.
For your arms, begin at your palms and brush toward your armpits in sections, 10x per section. Breast tissue can be gently brushed out toward your arm pit (avoid brushing nipples!!). Emphasis should be on the area where your bra band/underwire sits as this is typically the most congested area of breast tissue.
Dry brush the side of the abdominal area, moving toward the pelvic area from the oblique in a downward motion. When working on the abdomen itself, you want to work in a clockwise circular motion, encouraging the flow of digestion.
Vargas claims you should start seeing results, including improvement in overall skin quality and firmness, in as little as two days. “And two weeks straight of dry brushing will give you the bottom you have always wanted,” she says.
Secondary lymphoedema
Symptoms may include a feeling of tightness and heaviness in a limb, altered sensation, tenderness, reduced range of movement. The oedema is initially pitting, however, over time it becomes non-pitting. The skin can ooze a clear or yellow fluid, and/or can have a foul-smelling odour.
Choose a time that works for you
In the morning, lymphatic drainage is ideal for helping to reduce puffiness in the face after waking up. It also helps to prep your skin for your daytime skincare products, before you start the day.
The lymphatic system requires water to flow properly. After all, lymph fluid is primarily composed of water and must be hydrated to function and flow. Drinking at least 1 litre of warm lemon water in the morning is a great way to get the lymphatic system moving to help expel toxins.
Citrus. Citrus fruits aid hydration, carry powerful antioxidants and enzymes, and help cleanse and protect the lymphatic system.
Coffee and caffeinated drinks can be consumed in moderate amounts but having an excessive number of them can dehydrate your body thus causing your lymphatic system to clog with toxins and your body to swell.