How To Get Started With Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is a simple technique that helps stimulate the lymphatic system and exfoliates the skin. It is simple to learn and can be done in the privacy of your home, as a part of your personal care. It is important to bear in mind that the amount of pressure used will make a difference in the type of stimulation your body will respond with, so please read on to learn more about dry brushing and how to incorporate it into your routine.
Lymphatic vs. Muscle-Focused Dry Brushing
When dry brushing for the lymphatic system, use very light, gentle pressure. The lymphatic vessels are located just beneath the skin's surface, so even a light touch is enough to stimulate them. If the pressure is too hard, you're more likely to stimulate the muscles beneath, which isn't the objective of dry brushing for lymphatic health. In contrast, dry brushing for muscle stimulation or deep exfoliation would require firmer pressure.
Always listen to your body and adjust the pressure to what feels comfortable and beneficial to you. Remember, your skin should feel invigorated, not irritated or inflamed.
If you’re new to dry-brushing or looking to fine tune your approach, here are some steps to get you started right:
1. Purchase a dry brush.
Look for a brush with natural, soft bristles and a long handle so you can reach all areas of your body.
2. Start at your feet.
You'll want to start brushing at your feet and work your way upwards. This is because the lymphatic system drains towards the heart, so it's beneficial to brush in the same direction.
3. Use light pressure and long, sweeping motions.
Apply gentle strokes or circular motions, and brush towards the center of your body. Use long, sweeping motions, not scrubbing or back-and-forth movements.
4. Move up your body.
Gradually move up your body, brushing your legs, abdomen, and arms. Always brush towards your heart.
5. Be gentle on sensitive areas.
Your skin should be stimulated and invigorated but not irritated or red, so be extra gentle on sensitive skin areas like the breasts and avoid any areas with cuts, wounds, or rashes.
6. Shower afterwards.
To wash off the dead skin cells, have a shower after you've finished brushing.
7. Clean your brush.
To maintain hygiene, clean your brush with soap and water once a week. Allow it to dry thoroughly to prevent mildew.
Consistency With Dry Brushing
To see potential benefits, aim to dry brush for about 3-5 minutes every day before you shower. As always, if you have any health concerns or if dry brushing is uncomfortable, check with your healthcare provider first.
Related Posts:
Overcome Your Chronic Symptoms & Heal Holistically
Are you looking to get to the root cause of your symptoms? We can help you.
We use holistic approaches and functional medicine lab testing to investigate what is triggering your chronic symptoms so you can address them at their source and start to feel better faster. Our health coaches are masters at guiding the healing of multiple root causes in a personalized order that gets you wellness results that last. We also help you maintain good health and minimize your disease risks.
by sarah southerton
Certified Integrative Health Practitioner (IHP2) & Functional Medicine Health Coach
I specialize in helping people heal chronic illnesses and achieve optimal health. After my own battle with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Lyme disease, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Post Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), I was thrust into the world of alternative medicine, herbal healing, and low-tox/low-stress living. I have since restored my health and no longer suffer with debilitating symptoms and I’m passionate about help other people who are suffering, so they can feel better a lot faster than I did.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as healthcare advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an healthcare professional-patient relationship. We do our best to keep information accurate and up to date, however mistakes do happen, and we cannot make guarantees regarding the accuracy of our information. We are not liable for any information on this website or your reliance upon it.
Feel off, but your hormones are “normal?”
Discover how to rebalance your body and restore hormonal harmony with root-cause strategies and personalized functional testing. Whether you're navigating fatigue, cycle changes, or perimenopause, we’ll help you decode your hormones and create a plan that actually works.
What if your labs say you're “normal” but you still feel off?
Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis goes beyond standard lab interpretation to reveal hidden imbalances, early dysfunction, and root causes of your symptoms — long before they become disease. Learn how we use this approach to guide personalized, whole-body healing strategies that actually move the needle.
What if your symptoms had an energetic root?
Bioenergetic testing reveals the hidden imbalances, toxin stress, and emotional patterns stored in your body’s cells — offering deeper insights for healing chronic symptoms, restoring balance during detox, and supporting fertility, nervous system health, and more.
This blog is part of our Drainage Series. Discover the vital role of the lymphatic system in this introductory guide. We explore how this often-overlooked component of our immune system works diligently to filter and flush out toxins, infections, and cellular waste. Learn about the causes of lymphatic congestion and some practical strategies to enhance lymph flow, boost your immune defenses, and optimize your overall wellness.
Here at Healing Masters, we believe in unlocking the full potential of our health and well-being by focusing not just on the physical aspects of healing, but also the emotional and spiritual elements. Today, we dive into a question that might resonate deeply with many of you that feel stuck or disconnected: Are emotional blocks interfering with your healing?
Explore the profound power of a best-case mindset on your health and well-being. Learn how optimistic thinking and visualization can reduce stress, boost gut health, and improve your overall outlook. Discover the mind-body connection and practical steps to cultivate better healing results.
Uncover the nuances of Terrain Theory and its impact on health. Explore the great debate between Germ Theory and Terrain Theory. Learn how toxins disrupt internal harmony, affecting bacteria, and discover the path to enduring wellness. Terrain theory explains why several people who are “exposed” to the same disease or conditions don’t have the same reaction and intensity of illness. Learn why foundational medicine starts with getting the environment of our body ready to heal and rebalance before beginning any treatment.
In the quest for optimal health, it is essential to recognize the intricate interplay between environmental factors and physiological wellbeing, especially when it comes to hormonal balance. The research is clear: environmental toxicity influences our hormone levels, upsetting the delicate balance of the endocrine system and more. This blog explains how environmental pollutants and higher toxic burden within the body contribute to hormonal dysregulation, and how holistic evidence-based strategies can be followed to mitigate these effects.
Despite what conventional medicine tells us, our bodies are marvelous, complex systems where every part is connected. This is particularly true when considering the relationship between our emotions and our physical health. Have you ever noticed that stress can cause stomach upset or that anxiety can make you feel physically drained? This isn't just coincidence; it's a reflection of how closely our emotions are tied to our body's functions, particularly the brain, nervous system, and drainage pathways. In this blog post, we'll explore how your emotional world is deeply interconnected with your physical well-being and ability to eliminate waste from the body.
This blog explores an often overlooked aspect of gut health and overall wellness: the impact of parasites on your body's drainage pathways. It's a topic that might seem a bit daunting at first, but understanding it is crucial for anyone striving for optimal health, especially if you're dealing with gut health challenges, hormonal imbalances, fatigue, allergies, brain fog, or anxiousness.
In this blog, we will discuss a topic that is fundamental yet often overlooked: how the health of our drainage pathways profoundly impacts our hormonal balance and overall wellness. These pathways — the liver, lymphatic system, kidneys, and colon — are the unsung heroes of our body's elimination and detoxification processes. They work tirelessly to eliminate toxins and waste products, helping to maintain a harmonious balance within our body.
Unlock the secrets to optimal health with magnesium—the often overlooked mineral that's crucial in over 300 bodily reactions. Discover the importance of choosing the right type of magnesium for your specific health needs, whether it's to promote relaxation or aid digestion. In this blog, we simplify the selection process of choosing a magnesium supplement and even highlight our top picks available on Fullscript for 20% off MSRP. Don't miss out on personalizing your path to wellness with this comprehensive guide on magnesium.
In this blog, we dive into the gut-brain connection. It’s no surprise that the state of our physical health impacts our emotional well-being. But have you ever considered that the bacteria in your gut could be directly influencing your mood and brain health? The gut-brain axis is the interaction between our gut microbiota and our brain. This means the bacteria in your gut are capable of playing with your feelings and cognitive function. The good news is that you can directly influence the composition of your gut, helping to positively improve your mood. A healthy gut microbiome = a happier brain.
Ever felt sluggish, mentally foggy, or just not yourself? These signals often point to clogged internal drainage pathways. The ancient remedy of fasting, while trendy today, has a rich history. This blog explores the science and potential benefits of fasting, helping you understand if it's right for you.
By recognizing the connection between trauma, limbic system cross-wiring, and MCAS, we start to have an even deeper appreciation of the profound interplay between emotional and physical health. This understanding highlights the need for a holistic approach to wellness that addresses not just the physical symptoms, but also the emotional and neurological roots. In this blog, we’ll explore how our emotional brain and psychological triggers can influence your physical reactions.
In the realm of holistic healing and wellness, two terms often stand out: drainage and detoxification (detox). Both are processes dedicated to clearing out harmful substances and toxins from our bodies. But while they might sound interchangeable, they serve unique and equally important roles in ensuring our health. For those who struggle with gut health challenges, fatigue, allergies, and brain fog, understanding the distinction is pivotal. In this blog, I’ll discuss the differences between drainage and detox, and why supporting drainage before moving into a deeper detox is so important.
As concerns over antibiotic resistance grow and awareness spreads about the damage both synthetic antibiotics and pesticides can inflict on our gut, many are turning back to the ancient wisdom of herbal remedies. Dive into the world of herbal antibiotics with this enlightening guide to natural gut healing. Discover the potent powers of garlic, oregano, berberine, ginger, and cloves as formidable allies against the detrimental effects of synthetic antibiotics and the widespread use of glyphosate in modern agriculture. Embrace the age-old wisdom of herbal remedies and embark on your journey towards a revitalized gut microbiome.
Life is ever-changing, filled with shifts and transitions that can bring both excitement and uncertainty. Whether you're moving to a new city, starting or ending a job, going off to school, retiring, having a baby, grieving, or experiencing a significant relationship change, the stress that accompanies these major life transitions can be overwhelming. However, with the right healthy habits, it's possible to navigate these changes effectively with less stress and anxiety. This blog post explores various practices that can make these transitions smoother and more bearable.
Dive into the surprising connection between histamine levels and your bowel movements. Discover how histamine, beyond just causing allergies, plays a crucial role in digestive health, affecting everything from your stool characteristics to overall gut function. Learn practical tips for balancing histamine to unlock optimal gut health and immune function. If you've ever wondered about the link between your diet, digestive issues, and how you feel, this blog will shed light on one of the key factors influencing your wellness.
This blog focuses on a unique aspect of our body's protective responses to stress and illness. We are looking at the unconscious habit of breath-holding. Why does it occur, what impact does it have, and how can we utilize conscious breathing practices to counteract it? We explore the connection between breath holding, mold illness, and dysautonomia, shedding light on how these conditions intertwine and impact an individual's wellbeing.
Stay cool and hydrated this summer with our expert tips! As temperatures soar, understanding the importance of hydration becomes crucial for maintaining your health and vitality. In this informative blog, we explore why staying hydrated is essential, especially during the hot months, and provide you with our top 10 strategies to ensure you drink enough water. From the dangers of dehydration to practical tips like infusing water with natural flavors and managing your activity levels, we've got everything you need to beat the heat and keep your body functioning at its best. Dive in to discover how simple changes can make a big difference in your summer wellness routine.
Dive into the vital importance of staying hydrated. We uncover why water is not just a beverage, but a critical component of your health and well-being. From aiding digestion and regulating body temperature to cushioning joints and supporting brain function, learn how water keeps you at your best. Plus, discover its role in managing histamine levels and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Water, despite its simplicity, is at the core of our existence. Without adequate amounts daily, our bodies cannot function correctly.
Chronic diseases can leave the body in a constant state of stress, over-stimulating the sympathetic nervous system and underutilizing the calming parasympathetic nervous system. Learn how diaphragmatic and Pilates breathing techniques can transform health, reduce stress, and promote a profound sense of calm, especially beneficial for those managing chronic symptoms and conditions like MCAS. Unlock the path to relaxation and healing through focused, intentional breathing practices detailed within.
Discover the secrets of your body's lymphatic system, an essential part of your health's drainage pathways, often neglected but crucial for detoxification and immune function. In this insightful post, we dive deep into the lymphatic system's workings, exploring its critical role in flushing out toxins and combating lymphatic congestion caused by biofilms. Learn about the interconnectedness of lymphatic health with overall wellness and arm yourself with effective strategies to invigorate your lymph flow. Whether you're looking to enhance your immune defense, reduce inflammation, or simply improve your general health, this blog offers valuable tips and insights to get your lymph moving and keep your body in harmony.
Dry brushing is a simple technique that helps stimulate the lymphatic system and exfoliates the skin. It is simple and can be done in the privacy of your home, as a part of your personal care routine. Learn more about dry brushing and how it can support optimal drainage and healing.
You might be wondering, what exactly is fascia, and why should we care about it? Fascia is like the hidden superhero of our bodies. It's the intricate web of connective tissue that surrounds and supports every organ, muscle, and bone, creating a vast network that runs from head to toe. Think of it as the ultimate support system for our physical structures. Learn simple yet transformative ways to nurture fascia. From enhancing flexibility to easing chronic pain, find out how attention to this crucial connective tissue can lead to profound improvements in your overall health and well-being. Whether you're an athlete, battling chronic conditions, or simply seeking to optimize your health, these insights into fascia and lymph health are a must-read.
Are you showing signs and symptoms of intestinal parasites? If you’re constantly running to the bathroom, managing digestive issues, nausea, extreme sugar cravings, insomnia, mood swings, or feeling completely exhausted and rundown, an intestinal parasite cleanse may be a great way to improve your symptoms.
Facing the aftermath of COVID-19, many are grappling with persistent, perplexing symptoms, a condition now widely recognized as Long-COVID. But could there be a deeper connection to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)? In this revealing post, we explore the parallels between these two health challenges, shedding light on the significant overlap in symptoms and the theory that COVID-19 might trigger or exacerbate MCAS. Dive into the science behind the symptoms, understand the impact on your health, and learn actionable strategies to navigate the road to recovery with insight and hope.
Explore why getting a Lyme disease diagnosis is notoriously difficult. From its mimicry of other conditions to the inadequacies of standard testing, learn about the stages of Lyme, the importance of recognizing its diverse symptoms, and the cutting-edge approaches for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Your blood holds the root-cause story of your health.
Learn why functional bloodwork is one of the most powerful tools for prevention, personalized wellness, and long-term vitality—and why retesting every 6–12 months can transform your healing journey.