Dry brushing versus hands for Self-Lymph Massage aka Manual Lymphatic Drainage, and other tools

Dry brushing is something I get asked about a lot. I also get asked about other tools that are all over the market to help with the lymphatic system. I always say, if it is motivating to you, and helps you care for your body, then go for it. The hands however, are the most affective. It’s the method of lymphatic drainage (self-lymph massage) that matters, not the tool. Although the hands are the most effective, if you will not do it without a tool, then use a tool. The thing you do need, is to know how to support your lymphatic system, the technique, not the tool.

            I will caution that with a dry brush (bore bristle brush for example), you can’t do daily self-lymph massage aka lymphatic drainage, as the skin will get quite irritated, but weekly can work.

            So why are the tools all over the market if hands are best? Because people buy them, and they can't sell your hands, your hands are free! The tools sold are touted as helping the lymphatic system, and if you are doing the pattern of lymph massage that is effective with them, it will do that. If not, if you are using the tool in some way, at least you are taking time to care for your body with them, and that is helpful in more ways than I think most realize. I think most aren’t actually learning proper self-lymph massage or manual lymphatic drainage, from a proper physical therapist or certified manual lymphatic drainage therapist however, and it is probably much less effective than it could be. Learn with us. The tools are touted to rejuvenate, restore, to support the lymphatic system, the fascial system, and re-hydrate tissue, as well as support the metabolic system, weight loss, skin health, on and on. The thing is, manual lymphatic drainage aka self-lymph massage does these things and more, with the proper techniques. Therefore, with the proper techniques, the tools can support offer these things too.

            However, you don't need to spend the money on the tools. Your hands are free, and they truly are the most amazing tool. Skin to skin contact has so many benefits. It is also so gentle. You get proprioceptive benefits with a tool too, but not on the hand. It is easier to be present, and notice what you are doing, and be gentle with a hand verses a tool. You can feel if you are moving the skin or not, and get the warmth of the hands as well (once they warm up if they start off cool).

I heard recently that there is an understanding that it is the dry brush that helps strengthen your skin, but there isn't research for that specifically. Not saying it doesn't, but the hands have so many benefits, and there is research that shows that the tissue gets strengthened and healed under the care of the hands with self-lymph massage. They were specifically looking at lymphatic vessels and venous tissue, but it helps give feedback to the body to everywhere we touch to go in and send healing and new tissue to that area. We also know from other hands on treatment research that the skin is supported with the bare hands.

            I have heard a few people say they prefer a tool on their face because they are not willing to touch their face. In that case, of course, a tool is better than skipping the face. However, the benefits of skin-to-skin touch are helpful everywhere.

            To sum it up, my recommendation is to definitely go with the hands, with skin-to-skin contact. It has the most benefits! However, if you are using a tool, and you can be gentle with it, and you are actually following the lymphatic flow, and the tool motivates you, and you will not do it otherwise, go ahead and use that tool all you want!

            Have an awesome day!

            Want to learn and practice self-lymph massage (manual lymphatic drainage) with me? We have our Align Membership HERE which includes unlimited live sessions, unlimited streaming of sessions, including exclusive content for specific body areas, and many other videos, including exercises, etc. We have drop-in classes HERE, and individual use, permanent downloadable sessions HERE.

            I have a doctorate in Physical Therapy, and am a Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist.