Detoxification is a frequent topic of discussion between health care practitioners and their patients. In a world where the toxin burden is heavy it becomes more necessary to support the body’s natural detoxification methods through simple lifestyle habits. Dry body bushing is one habit that can encourage detoxification by stimulating the lymphatic system.

The role of the lymphatic system in health and wellness cannot be underestimated even though this rather large and important organ network is often neglected in the face of health challenges. Care of this system is just as important as consuming clean food exercising regularly and breathing pure air. Being the production and distribution center for lymphocytes and antibodies as well as the control center for both cellular and humoral immunity the lymphatic system must function well to protect the body from a variety of microbes allergens and toxins. Its concentration in key areas of the body including the gut and the mucus linings and its close interaction with every organ system gives evidence to its role in maintaining whole-body health. For optimal detoxification the lymphatic system must be dynamic maintaining a healthy flow through the entire body. Unlike the circulatory system the lymphatic system lacks a regulated organ that maintains pressure and movement; therefore it must rely on gravity muscular movements and stimulation to generate and maintain activity. Routine activities that encourage better lymphatic drainage ensure toxins are delivered to lymph nodes filtered and eliminated and our body fluids kept “clean” and detoxified.

Brushing the body with a stiff bristled brush helps stimulate cells and tissues to deliver fluid to the lymphatic vessels and encourages better lymphatic flow. Stagnant lymph is not actively detoxing the body. During the brushing process both the circulatory and lymphatic cells are stimulated so that accumulated fluid and toxins are moved from the surface cells and circulatory system to the lymphatic system where they can be detoxed and eliminated.

Dry body brushing is an age-old practice that is being revived among health advocates because it is a simple cost-effective method for encouraging lymphatic flow and only takes a few minutes each morning.

Dry body brushing also encourages detoxification through various indirect processes. Exfoliating the skin to remove old skin cells and encourage new skin growth can potentially encourage better detoxification through improved sweating. Brushing the skin with stiff bristles is also a guaranteed method for improving circulation at the skin level as is evidenced by the increased redness at the skin’s surface just after being brushed. Increasing circulation can help move toxins through the circulatory system where they can be delivered to the proper organs for elimination. Likewise the nervous system is stimulated by the stiff bristles and better cellular communication translates into better detoxification. Finally stimulating the skin’s cells will encourage better oil production which is not only aesthetically pleasing for its moisturizing benefits but also acts to better protect the body from invaders at the surface level.

Without an abundance of hard-core scientific evidence specific to dry body brushing the question of just how beneficial it is remains to be answered. However evidence does exist revealing that aspects of dry body brushing have been shown to improve lymphatic flow. For example manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a well-researched practice that involves gently massaging muscles in circular motions to encourage lymphatic flow from extremities back toward the heart. Studies of MLD has been shown it to be effective in reducing cancer-related lymphedema and reducing intracranial pressure indicating that lymph movement and drainage can be enhanced with manual stimulation. Electro-stimulation of the skin has also been shown to activate lymphatic function and though skin brushing does not provide an electrical current it does stimulate dermal cells and may encourage a similar proliferation and migration of lymphatic endothelial cells. So it is apparent that studies support the concept of dermal and muscular stimulation aiding lymphatic drainage.

Technique is important for gaining the benefits of dry body brushing. A stiff bristled brush should be used not a soft brush that feels like stroking a feather over your skin. Instead it will give a bit of an “ouch factor” when initially used and until the skin grows accustomed to this habit. As the name suggests the skin should be dry although some recommend that skin brushing in the shower can also be beneficial. Using a circular motion begin at the feet and brush the skin toward the most concentrated regions of lymph nodes (the groin and armpits) and toward the heart. It is helpful to think of brushing the lymph fluid toward the nodes where it is “cleaned.” It is recommended that dry body brushing be performed for a few minutes prior to showering so that old or dry skin cells can be washed away. The skin may appear red at first as the circulatory system is stimulated but will also feel rejuvenated. Though it is initially uncomfortable for some regular body brushing will quickly become a welcomed practice as both an invigorating experience and a health-boosting detoxification exercise.