9. Try Dry Brushing
The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in your immune system’s function and dry brushing can help to boost the flow of lymph, which allows the body to fight infection better and rid itself of toxins. Dry brushing is an ancient Ayurvedic practice and though no formal studies have been carried out on the process, there is anecdotal evidence showing that it could bring benefits, helping to improve circulation, reduce cellulite, and calm the nervous system.
Your skin takes in multiple toxins every day and as dry brushing helps to shed dead cells, it allows your body’s largest organ to more effectively aid the natural detoxification process. Ideally, you should aim to do it once a day, before you get in the shower, but even if you can only manage 2-3 times a week, you should still see some benefits.
Select a long-handled natural bristle brush and start from the tip of your toes, making sure to use long, sweeping strokes. Make sure you’re brushing towards the heart, not away from it and don’t brush too hard or you could overstimulate or scratch your skin. It’s important to brush in this upwards direction, as three quarters of your lymphatic system is filtered into your left armpit.
Take special care around the abdomen, making sure to dry brush this area thoroughly, as your stomach contains up to 70% of your body’s lymphatic tissue. To dry brush the abdomen correctly, use a clockwise action, beginning from the right side then moving round to your left.
When dry brushing, begin carefully, so your body has time to get used to the process – it’s probably better to start off brushing 1-2 times a week and then build up. Make sure you don’t brush over open sores, rashes, or cuts and stay away from varicose veins, peeling skin or sunburn – ouch!
