The Nest: Santa Barbara Naturopathic Medicine, Integrative Doctor, Dr. Kristi Wrightson-Harter, Naturopathic doctor

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Dry Brushing For Lymphatic Health

In order to understand the incredible health benefits of Dry Brushing, we need to talk a bit about the lymphatic system itself.

Here is some basic information from Wikipedia…

The lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system, comprising a network of lymphatic vessels that carry a clear fluid called lymph directionally towards the heart.  Unlike the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system is not a closed system. The circulatory system processes an average of 20 litres of blood per day through capillary filtration which removes plasma while leaving the blood cells. Roughly 17 litres of the filtered plasma actually get reabsorbed directly into the blood vessels, while the remaining 3 litres are left behind in the interstitial fluid. The primary function of the lymph system is to provide an accessory route for these excess 3 litres per day to get returned to the blood.

The lymphatic system is an important part of the immune system but unlike the circulatory system, isn’t circulated through the body the pumping of a heart. It depends on movement and other mechanics to be moved and drained correctly.

This is where dry brushing comes into play. Dry brushing stimulates the body’s circulation and lymphatic systems.  One of the immediate effects of dry brushing is smoother skin, but it can also help improve immune function, digestion, kidney function, and more.

Here’s a short (approx. 11 minutes) video with specific dry brushing techniques that are easy to understand and follow. Please download my dry brushing technique for a visual reminder of how to perform this effective technique each day.