The Lymphatic system
The lymphatic system is the body’s natural “drainage system,” helping to remove toxins, excess fluids, and fight infections. It transports lymph - a clear fluid containing white blood cells - throughout the body, supporting immunity and overall health.
A sedentary lifestyle, low physical activity, an unbalanced diet, and constant stress can slow down lymph flow. Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system does not have its own “pump,” which means it relies on movement and external stimulation to function effectively.
When lymph circulation slows down, it becomes harder for the body to eliminate toxins and reduce inflammation. That is why it is important to regularly stimulate the lymphatic system - and one effective way to do this is through dry body brushing.
An ayurveda-inspired ritual
Dry body brushing is inspired by ancient Ayurvedic rituals. In Ayurveda, this practice is known as Garshana, and today it has become a popular self-care ritual around the world.
Traditionally, Garshana was performed using silk or linen gloves. In modern practice, body brushes are more commonly used. During dry body brushing, the skin is massaged using gentle yet firm strokes directed toward the lymphatic flow, without applying oils or lotions.
One of the reasons this ritual has become so popular is that it is simple to perform at home and can easily be incorporated into a daily routine.
When is dry body brushing not recommended?
It is important to note that if you have varicose veins or are pregnant, you should consult a doctor or healthcare professional before starting dry body brushing.
A copper-bristled body brush may also be too intense for sensitive areas such as the armpits, abdomen, chest, face, neck, and décolleté. In these cases, a softer brush with natural horsehair bristles is recommended.
Always brush gently and avoid applying excessive pressure to the skin. If you have eczema, rosacea, or extremely sensitive skin, dry brushing with a copper brush may not be suitable for you.
Benefits of dry body brushing
When practiced consistently, dry body brushing can become a valuable beauty and wellness ritual. Many women notice that regular brushing helps:
- make the skin smoother and softer
- reduce ingrown hairs
- improve overall skin tone and appearance
Regular dry brushing may also help stimulate lymphatic flow, support the body’s natural detoxification process, and reduce fluid retention.
When is dry brushing recommended?
Many people experience an energy boost after dry body brushing due to improved blood circulation. For this reason, it is often recommended as part of a morning routine.
When practiced in the evening, dry brushing can also become a calming self-care ritual. Gentle body brushing may help release daily tension and prepare the body for restful sleep.
Which brush should you choose?
The ALAUSHU® brand offers two types of body brushes:
- Soft body brush (natural horsehair bristles)
- Copper body brush
Soft body brush: this brush features gentle, soft bristles, making it suitable even for very sensitive skin, including areas such as the décolleté, armpits, and face. It is an excellent choice for beginners. The soft body brush can be used daily or as needed - in the morning, evening, or before sauna rituals.
Copper body brush: the copper body brush is designed for more intensive exfoliation and massage. It is recommended for those who have already used a softer brush and are looking for a stronger exfoliating effect. We recommend using the copper body brush 2-3 times per week, ideally in the morning, before sauna rituals, or prior to applying self-tanner.
How to perform dry body brushing?
Dry body brushing should always be performed on dry skin before showering. Start from your toes or fingertips. If beginning with the feet, use gentle upward strokes from the feet toward the groin area. If starting from the hands, brush from the fingertips toward the armpits using long, directed movements.
Training
We have prepared a professional training session with the help of an experienced specialist. Julija Padagaitė is an occupational therapist and professional massage therapist with more than 11 years of experience. In this training, Julija demonstrates how to correctly perform dry body brushing to achieve the best possible results.
In the training, you will learn:
- how to properly use a dry body brush
- which brush to choose
- when to perform the massage and in which direction to brush
- how body brushes and Gua Sha techniques can help promote smoother, more beautiful legs
- how a soft body brush can prepare the skin for Gua Sha facial massage
- how to perform lymphatic drainage facial massage
We share access to the training recording with customers who purchase a copper body brush, a soft body brush, or a Gua Sha tool from our e-shop.
Recommendation
If you are interested in at-home facial massages and want to achieve visible results safely and effectively, we sincerely recommend joining Julija Padagaitė's self-massage group "Dėl Savęs" and following Julija on social media: @julija_veido_masazai.
Care instructions
Natural bristles are more sensitive to moisture and can absorb dirt more quickly, so it is recommended to clean them more often than a copper brush. If you use the brush daily, it is recommended to clean a soft body brush every two weeks. Copper - clean it at least once a month.
Important: do not leave the brush in a damp room (e.g., bathroom), as natural bristles can start to mold, copper bristles can oxidize (darken), and the wooden base can crack or also mold if it is constantly damp.
Cleaning instructions
Prepare a bowl of lukewarm water. The water should only cover the bristles - not the wooden base. Add a few drops of mild shampoo, body wash, or tea tree oil to the water. Dip the bristles into the water and gently move the brush until dirt and dead skin cells are removed. Rinse the brush in clean water, again submerging only the bristles.
Drying instructions
Place the brush on a dry towel with the bristles facing downward and allow it to air dry naturally. If desired, you can use a hairdryer for a few minutes on a cool or low-heat setting (avoid hot air). Small yet mindful rituals can make a surprisingly big difference to your well-being.
Yours,
Alaushu
