What is lymph & how do I dry body brush?

We asked Bec, Founder of Stass & Co to give us the run-down on the lymphatic system + how to use the dry body brush in support.

Stass and Co products were created to support the lymph system and the healthy outcome of daily maintenance of this system.

A basic overview of the Lymph System

We have around 500–600 lymph nodes distributed throughout the body, with clusters found in the underarms, groin, neck, chest, and abdomen.

The function of the lymphatic system is to help the body to get rid of toxins, fight off diseases and infection. The most common diseases related to the lymphatic system is blockage in the lymph nodes.

Why it’s important to care for this system.

The lymph system is a crucial part of removing toxins from our bodies. When our body is healthy, our lymphatic system, our hearts, blood, fascia, in turn our minds are healthy, our emotional state is more balanced and we’re more capable of handling the challenges life sends our way. We find more joy and see the charm in all things and follow it.

Ways to take care of this system:

From a gentle lymphatic self massage, specific lymphatic breath-work, yoga, rebounding, infrared saunas, walking, and of course dry-body brushing.

• Slow breath work from breath retention to Kundalini Kriya (a type of yoga based on moving energy through the body)

• Rebounding is key to lymphatic health, as it helps to improve circulation of the lymphatic fluid. It increases blood flow and helps the body release endorphins.

• Walking helps to move lymph fluid through the lymphatic system.

• Lemon water. The lymph system is composed of about 95% water, which is why it is essential to stay hydrated.

• Any kind of MOVEMENT will help stimulate the lymphatic system.

• Dry Body Brushing - As we ignite and stimulate the skin, the lymphatic system, the detoxification pathway and we see improvements in the nervous system.

additional benefits of dry body brushing:

• Tightening of the skin

• Skin exfoliation

• Encouragement of new cell renewal

• Toning the muscles

• Increase in energy

• Improvement of digestion

• Increases lymphatic flow

• Lymphatic support and drainage 

• Relieves ingrown hair follicles

• Improves appearance of cellulite

• Smoothes and softens skin

• Cleans pores, removing oil, dirt and residue

How to use the body brush, when to use and how often to use for support of the lymph system:

You can dry body brush anytime of the day before bathing. First thing in the morning is especially invigorating, giving you a boost of energy for the day ahead. If you are brushing in the evening you can use a more gentle, methodical stroke; which will help calm the system and can result into beautiful meditative self-care ritual.

Take three to five minutes every day or a few days a week. Begin brushing by starting at your feet and moving in long sweeping motions toward your heart as this moves with the flow of the lymphatic system. Use firm, small strokes upwards, several times in each area: 

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how to dry body brush: 

• Begin sweeping your feet, starting with the soles of your feet as this area has many little nerve endings that need to be stimulated

• Continue brushing up your legs and groin area

• Proceed to your hands moving up your arms. Move to your armpits as there are many lymph nodes here and it will get any toxins and stagnant energy moving. 

• From your neck stroke down towards your heart

• Use circular clockwise strokes on your abdomen - this follows the path of your colon and helps stimulate elimination.

• Brush upwards from your buttocks, lower back and down from your neck

Please be sure to avoid areas that have an open wound, varicose veins, sun burn or rashes. 

After you have brushed your entire body take a cool shower, I like to alternate between hot and cold to keep stimulating blood circulation.

After you have dried off use an organic sweet almond, sesame or coconut oil on you skin with an invigorating essential oil blend to keep you uplifted and your body glowing.

“just a few minutes of the powerful daily practice of dry body brushing is all it takes to calm your entire nervous system”

- BEC JAKSTAS