Dry Brushing

How To Dry Brush – Benefits and Pro Tips

Dry Brushing for the skin : Tips, benefits and how a lymphatic practitioner does it


     Dry brushing is one of those holistic wellness treatments that has been around for a while, but is definitely having a spotlight shining on it currently.  It’s not just hype, there are some really beneficial reasons why you should be using dry brushing for your lymphatic self-care routine. 

     So let’s get into the benefits, tips and how – to’s. 



Dry Brushing Benefits

    Before I list off the benefits, let’s pay homage to the beginnings.  Dry Brushing dates back to ancient Indian wellness practices also referred to as Ayurveda.  It was treated very much as a self-care ritual with a cleansing hot bath to follow. This practice is still very popular in the Ayurvedic communities and has now gained momentum in holistic wellness practices and homes everywhere. 

  • Exfoliation

 Skip the chemicals, enzymes and scrubs. The bristles and the movements of the dry brush are your manual or mechanical exfoliate. The idea is to easily slof off the very top layer of dead skin cells.  

  • Lymphatic Drainage

     Lymphatic drainage is also getting more hype and we are here for it !  I see the benefits all the time in my massage and skincare practice.  I love educating my clients on the benefits of lymphatic drainage massage, also referred to as MLD in the wellness profession.  I’ve talked about how I use lymphatic drainage in my previous posts :  Everyday Rituals to Raise Your Vibration  and  Holistic Treatment Room Essentials.  

     The technique is important when addressing the lymphatic system.  The slight pressure of the dry brush on the skin is moving the lymph from the lymphatic vessels toward the lymph nodes.  This assists with the detoxification process. 

  • Improves Tone & Texture

   When you spend time assisting the lymphatic system, you are helping your body to detox and de-puff.  This can help improve the look and feel of the skin.  Many people report a reduction in the appearance of cellulite and an improvement in the firmness in the skin.   

     An article in Pubmed shows a study that was done on 60 subjects that received 3 different types of MLD or manual lymphatic drainage treatment. The results showed that regardless of the type of treatment, they all showed improvement in the focused areas.  

  • Increased Circulation & Chi

     Not only does dry brushing work with the lymphatic system, it also addresses the circulatory system.  When we are doing our brushing, we are essentially working the fluid ( blood and lymph ) toward the direction of the heart.   As a holistic practitioner I like to look at things in a whole body approach.  That being said, a more energetic benefit of dry brushing would be clearing the aura and waking up the Chi or Qi.  This is your Vital Life Force Energy.  The act of movement with breath and intention make for a beautiful self-care routine. 


The reader and user of this blog acknowledges that the information in this website, FullyJoy.com is for general information only.  It is not intended for medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare practitioner that knows you and your medical needs personally. 


How – To Do a Dry Brush Body Routine


  1. I like to apply a quality Castor Oil or other Herbal Infused Oil to my skin just before
  2. Starting at the abdomen, I use short upward strokes starting 1 to 2 inches below the belly button.  Brushing with small upward passes from the lower abdomen to the ribs.
  3. Chest :  Choose a side to focus on first and move the brush in short, sweeping movements from the sternum of the chosen armpit.  Remember to cover the side of the chest/rib area and sweep up to the same side armpit.
  4. Arm :  start at the elbow crease and move up toward the underarm nodes, working all around the upper arm.  Move to start at the wrist up to the elbow.  After you’ve completed the lower arm move to the hand.
  5. Finish the arm with a full sweeping over the entire arm to the underarm nodes.
  6. Legs :  At the knee work upwards to the groin with short stroke on the entire upper half of the leg
  7. Move to the ankle and using the same pattern of strokes up to the knee
  8. Now dry brush the feet , covering the toes and soles of feet.  Once you have cleared the feet, dry the entire leg with short sweeping movements all the way up to the groin.
  9. When you have finished all four quadrants on both sides, I like to finish at the belly.

At this point you can have a shower or what I like to do is apply my Castor Oil Pack  on my liver area and focus on my guasha facial massage.   


The reader and user of this blog acknowledges that the information in this website, FullyJoy.com is for general information only.  It is not intended for medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare practitioner that knows you and your medical needs personally. 


the Wildling Beauty Dry Brush for body brushing.
lymph node location and names of the lymph nodes sites.

Bonus Tips for Your Dry Brush Routine

  • Drink warm herbal tea to prepare the lymph & nervous system. I have a few of my favorite herbal blend on this Post check it out!
  • You skin will flush a bit, but it shouldn’t get angry red or scratches. If you experience this, switch to a softer bristle brush or do hand massage.
  • For added lymphatic and digestive support use a Castor Oil Pack like The Queen of Thrones Pelvic Pack.
  • When doing your daily routine, focus on quality belly breathing to stimulate those deep abdominal lymph nodes.

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