As quoted in the Newspress November 20, 2012

Dr. Kristi Wrightson, a Santa Barbara naturopathic doctor and registered dietitian, recommends this to clients as a possible treatment for sore throat or inflammation or infection of the throat; neck pain; ear infections; headaches; migraines; nasal congestion; upper respiratory infections; coughs; bronchitis; and sinus infections. As always, check with your doctor to find what’s right for you.

1. Soak a pair of cotton socks completely with cold water. Be sure to wring the socks out thoroughly.

2. Warm your feet by soaking them in warm water or a warm bath for five to 10 minutes.

3. Dry off feet and body with a dry towel.

4. Place cold wet socks on feet. Cover with thick wool socks. Go directly to bed. Don’t get chilled.

5. Keep the socks on overnight. The wet cotton socks will be dry in the morning.

The treatment increases circulation and decreases congestion in the upper respiratory passages, head and throat, and it relieves pain and increases healing during acute infections, Dr. Wrightson said. She added it helps patients sleep better.

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.