Two occasions inspired this need to communicate. First, a recent visit to the Korean Family Sauna with the purchase of one Full Body Scrub. Second, a swollen node along my son’s jawline that cleared up with focused massage, along with removing an infected nose piercing!
What do these situations have in common you may ask? The lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system acts like a sewer system in our body, removing any toxins,
waste, and unwanted materials from organs, tissues and cells. It has a role in our
immunity, maintaining bodily fluids, absorbing fats in the digestive tract, and
detoxifying the body. Lymph nodes are storage sites for cells along the
lymphatic system. There are hundreds of these nodes throughout the body. Predominant
lymph nodes are in the neck, groin, or axillary regions. The catch is that the lymphatic
system has no pump and relies on muscle activity and exercise for the lymph to
circulate.
Signs of a congested lymphatic system include lethargy, tiredness, headaches, poor
circulation and blood quality, skin issues and lack of vitality. If you are sick or exposed to a lot of toxins, the system may become backed up and clogged. Swollen nodes closest to the site of infection can often be felt,
such as in the case of my son’s angry nose piercing appearing to be directly
related to the enlarging of a node along his jawline. This is a fascinating alarm
system to what is happening inside our body that I do not believe we have given
enough attention to.
There are plants that we can ingest in decoctions or use topically to assist in getting the lymphatic system flowing by the penetration and breakup of fibrous tissue and calcifications in the body. In the case
of my son, I brewed up a few excellent lymphatics supports that I had on hand,
including Galium aprine (Cleavers) and Calendula officinalis (Marigold). You
can prepare these as a tea and drink after steeping 10 to 15 minutes covered. Alternatively, to get a potent decoction is to steep a handful of freshly
chopped, or a couple tablespoons of dried herb overnight and drink it throughout
the next day.
In The Energetics of Western Herbs by Peter Holmes, apricot kernel oil is one
of the topical oils said to promote catabolism and cleansing. Catabolism is
what happens when you digest food, and the molecules break down in the body for
use as energy. Large, complex molecules in the body are broken down into
smaller, simpler ones. I massaged the areas of my son’s lymphatic system around his
face, upper body by the neck and inside the arm pits with a mixture of apricot
kernel oil, calendula, frankincense and peppermint essential oils. This being only one part of a whole-body protocol, but an essential part.
This brings us to our Korean Family Sauna Full Body Scrub experience and my dry
brushing lymphatic epiphany! A long while ago I did an article about dry
brushing and cellulite. It amazes and disappoints at times that my sight was
focused on the mere surface level of this activity. I am a sauna voyager. It was by
chance that I stumbled on a traditional Korean Family Sauna, and it was a new
experience for me. In short, I booked a Full Body Scrub, wherein I found out
once in my appointment that no clothing items are allowed, and you are washed
and scrubbed down with a type of gritty salt blend and glove. I was a bit too
shocked to move. Amid the scrubbing, sudds and cleansing, I realized the Korean
lady who must have been about 60 or so was going into all the areas highly
associated with the lymphatic area. It dawned on me how superficial I had been
about the dry brushing and cellulite reduction.
Dry brushing helps with
cellulite because it supports the lymphatic system. In aiding the lymphatic system
to move; fluid retention is decreased, fat cells may break down, pores open to increase sweating, the nervous system relaxes, and blood
circulation is improved. In turn, the body is more readily able to remove
toxins and it is all this that may result in lessening the appearance of cellulite.
It is important to note that dry brushing is not for everyone. Some people
should avoid dry brushing or proceed with caution. If you have inflamed or sensitive skin, eczema or psoriasis, the last thing you want to do is scrub raw and broken skin. Avoid dry brushing over an open wound. This could
lead to introducing bacteria to the wound, potentially creating infection. In
this case, you could explore a lymphatic drainage massage. There are also activities that
activate the lymphatic system, including walking, swimming, yoga, Pilates, Qigong
and Tai chi.
How to Practice Dry Brushing
To dry brush, use a natural
fibre brush. I have a small oval handheld one but a long handle will help you
reach all areas of your body. I love taking a good steam and make dry brushing a part of the ritual.
1. Start at your feet and move up your body. DO NOT BRUSH FACIAL SKIN.
2. Brush your skin using wide, circular, clockwise motions.
3. Use light pressure in areas where your skin is thin and harder pressure on thicker
skin, like the soles of your feet.
4. Brush your arms after you have brushed your feet, legs, and mid-section. You
should brush upward towards your armpits.
5. After dry brushing, take a cool shower to help remove the dry skin.
6. After your shower, dry off and then consider massaging in a natural plant oil, such
as olive oil, any one of our body blends, or treat yourself to one of our Flow + Fortify Body Oils at bee23.ca!
When you first start dry brushing, it’s best to begin with light brushing. As
you get used to it, you can increase the pressure. DO NOT as I have said in previous posts use anything coarse or gritty on fragile facial skin! It will cause micro tears that lead to a loss of fortitude and elasticity, while also allowing surface bacteria to enter the deeper layers of your skin.
Brush Maintenance
Make sure you rinse your brush
after you have completed your brushing routine. Dry it in an open, sunny area
to prevent mildew. Clean your brush once a week using soap and water. You
should also avoid sharing your brush with anyone. This can help prevent the
risk for infection.
Enjoy and let us know what you think of dry brushing in the comments. To brush or not to brush, that is the question!?
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