Get Your Lymph Moving!

I’m so excited to welcome my dear friend and fellow yoga teacher, Annie Milstead, as a new regular contributor. Annie is also a wonderful massage therapist, and I’m thrilled she has agreed to share some self-massage techniques with us here at Every Breath I Take! You can read more about Annie in the Voices section here. 

Today she is sharing a simple technique to help stimulate the release of toxins from the lymphatic system. Remember, unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system does not have a pump. Lymph is circulated by the action of the body muscles, which pushes the fluid through a series of one-way valves. The vessels need to be squeezed to get the blood or lymph moving through them. You squeeze them whenever you move and contract your skeletal muscles. Yoga is very beneficial for the lymphatic system, and Annie’s talking today about another thing we can do to get our lymph moving!

By: Annie Milstead

Image Source: http://www.realbodywork.com (used with permission)

It is well-known that the skin is the largest organ in the body, and is responsible for one-fourth of the body’s detoxification each day, also making it one of the most important organs of elimination.

Toxicity can gather underneath the skin’s surface from common influences such as improper pH levels in soap, skin creams, antiperspirants, and synthetic fibers worn next to the skin. This toxicity can contribute to a variety of skin problems and conditions.

Through a practice called “Dry Skin Brushing” we can help our lymphatic system to clean itself of toxins that collect in the lymph glands. The gentle pressure of the brush stroke stimulates contraction of the lymphangions, which improves the lymphatic movement. Increased lymphatic flow helps to reduce edema, and increase the rate at which toxins are processed in the body.

Dry skin brushing can also help your skin look and feel healthier. In addition to exfoliating the skin and moving lymph, many people find it helps to calm the nervous system, too.

The Technique

You will need a natural bristle brush, as a synthetic brush can scratch the surface of the skin. It is also helpful if your brush has a long handle, so you can reach all parts of your body.

Dry skin brush before showering or bathing, once or twice a day. Your skin should be completely dry. Your brush stroke should be toward the lymph nodes in each part of your body (as indicated by the arrows on the lymphatic drainage map pictured above). You should brush each part of the body at least 3 times vigorously.

Brush the soles of the feet first, the nerve endings found there affect the whole body. Next brush the ankles, calves and thighs.

Do circular counterclockwise strokes on the abdomen. As you look down at your abs, brush up your right side across to the left and then down, following the colon’s direction of elimination.

Brush across your buttocks and the rest of your trunk. Do lighter strokes around the breasts, avoiding the nipples.

Lastly brush your hands and arms. Take a warm bath or shower, followed by a cool rinse to invigorate blood flow.

You should wash your bristle brush every few weeks in warm water and allow it to air dry.

Have you tried Dry Skin Brushing? We’d love to hear about your experience. Do you have a massage question you’d like Annie to cover in a future post? Let us know in a comment below.