Dry Body Brushing vs. Wet Body Brushing: Supporting Your Lymphatic System

By Gaynor Leech, Patient Advocate and Founder of LWO Community

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Living with lymphoedema means being proactive about self-care and skin health. The most popular technique we see in blogs or social media groups is dry body brushing. However, I recently met a lovely therapist who lives in my area named Vida Probert from the Restorative Body Clinic, and she suggested that I try wet body brushing. For me this would probably make more sense, as I have extremely dry skin despite daily moisturising and keeping myself hydrated.

While I have covered and written about dry body brushing before, this was new to me, and I was intrigued to see what the difference was, but more importantly, I wanted to look at whether there were any benefits to the lymphatic system.

Vida has an east-vs-west approach to her practice, which got me thinking, and so I did some research, and it was surprising how long-ago body brushing has been in existence. Before I look at body brushing, I thought I would take a look at when and where body brushing came from and the benefits it was thought to achieve.

Global Traditions of Dry and Wet Body Brushing

infographic countries and brushing history

India – Ayurveda & Garshana

Ayurveda (5,000+ years old) introduced Garshana (“rubbing/massaging”), using raw silk or linen gloves for gentle exfoliation.
Done on dry skin before bathing, it boosted circulation and detoxification and prepared the body for herbal oils.
Often followed by warm, herb-infused baths, linking cleansing with spiritual renewal.

China – Loofah Origins

Ancient Chinese practices used dried silk squash fibres, precursors to the modern loofah.
Soaked and used wet, they scrubbed away impurities and improved skin texture.
Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the ritual symbolised harmony between external cleansing and internal health.

Japan – Cloths & Herbal Baths

Bathing culture emphasized purification and relaxation.
Textured cloths and mitts were used in hot baths with herbal infusions like green tea or yuzu.
Gentle wet brushing paired with oils was central to the onsen (hot spring) tradition, blending physical and spiritual cleansing.

Korea – Exfoliating Cloths

The Korean body cloth (Italy towel) became a hallmark of jjimjilbang (“heated room”) bathhouses.
Wet scrubbing followed hot pool soaks to soften skin.
Still widely practiced today, trusted by aestheticians worldwide.

Middle East – Hammam Rituals

Turkish hammams and Persian traditions used coarse mitts (kese/kiseh) with soap and steam.
Mineral pastes like sefidab (animal fats + minerals), dating back to 2000–4500 BC, enhanced exfoliation.
Rituals emphasized renewal, skin health, and community bonding.

Why It Endured

Eastern traditions have long held that exfoliation and circulation help remove dead skin cells while stimulating blood flow. Body brushing is believed to encourage detoxification and vitality, supporting the lymphatic system. Beyond its physical benefits, the practice symbolises renewal, balance, and preparation for oils and herbal remedies. In bathhouses and hammams, brushing became a communal and spiritual ritual, fostering both physical well-being and emotional connection.

Here’s what you need to know about each, how they differ, and how to use them safely.

What is Dry Body Brushing?

Dry body brushing involves using a dry, natural-bristle brush to gently stroke the skin, usually in the direction toward the heart. The technique is believed to:

Stimulate lymphatic flow and encourage fluid drainage
Exfoliate dead skin cells, helping to prevent skin cracking and infection
Exfoliation is gentler on the skin and better that using exfoliants full of chemicals that may strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to skin dryness
By removing dead skin cells, dry brushing allows the skin to absorb more moisture
Improve blood circulation and skin appearance
Improves skin elasticity leaving the skin feeling softer and more silky

Product Tips:

Choose a brush with soft, natural bristles and a long handle for hard-to-reach areas. Avoid synthetic or stiff brushes, which can irritate sensitive skin. Some people prefer brushes with detachable heads for easier cleaning.

How to Dry Brush:

Always brush toward the heart, using gentle, circular strokes.
Focus on areas with lymph nodes (armpits, neck, groin).
Avoid areas with broken skin, rashes, or active swelling.
Clean your brush after each use to prevent bacteria buildup.

What is Wet Body Brushing?

body brushes

Wet body brushing is similar but performed in the shower or bath, often with a brush or exfoliating mitt. The water can help soften the skin, making the process gentler and less likely to cause irritation.

Wet body brushing in Eastern cultures has deep roots in traditional bathing rituals, where exfoliation, circulation, and spiritual cleansing were intertwined. Practices in India, China, Japan, Korea, and the Middle East all contributed to the heritage of brushing and scrubbing the body with water, oils, and herbal infusions.

Product Tips:

Use a soft-bristled brush or a gentle exfoliating mitt.

How to Wet Brush:

Wet the brush and your skin before starting.
Use gentle, upward strokes toward the heart.
Rinse the skin thoroughly after brushing.
Moisturize after showering to keep skin hydrated.

Safety Considerations for both Dry and Wet Body Brushing

Never brush over broken, infected, or inflamed skin.
Stop dry brushing if skin becomes irritated or inflamed.
Avoid dry brushing on post-surgical skin, as skin will be extremely sensitive. Dry brushing may cause irritation, inflammation, or even skin tears, especially if the area is healing or has stitches.
To reduce the risk of infection, avoid brushing over open wounds or cracked skin, as this can introduce bacteria and increase the chance of spreading infection.
Be extra gentle if you have sensitive skin or are prone to skin tears.
If you notice redness, pain, or increased swelling, stop immediately.

Dry brushing may not be suitable for people with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea.

Dry brushing is not a substitute for medical care or professional lymphatic drainage massage.
Consult your lymphoedema therapist before starting any new self-care routine.

When dry brushing, remember that the brush will collect dead skin cells and bacteria within the bristles and the base of the bristles. To prevent cellulitis/infection, please cleanse the brush after each use. Use hot soapy water and dry in natural sunlight or face down on a clean towel.

What Does the Research Say?

There are currently no scientific studies specifically proving that dry or wet body brushing reduces lymphoedema or improves lymphatic drainage.
Some practitioners and patients report benefits such as reduced swelling and improved skin health, but these are anecdotal.
Dry brushing is widely used as a complementary self-care technique, especially for exfoliation and circulation.
One study on a similar technique (Kanpumasatsu, a dry towel massage) showed immune stimulation, but more research is needed.

Final Thoughts

In essence, wet body brushing in Eastern cultures was never just about skin care; it was a holistic practice blending health, beauty, and spirituality. It linked the body to nature (herbs, oils, and fibres) and community (shared baths), which is why it remains a timeless ritual across Asia and the Middle East.

Dry and wet body brushing can be gentle, practical additions to your self-care routine, especially for maintaining healthy skin. While research is limited, many people with lymphoedema find these techniques helpful for skin health and relaxation. It’s important to note that some therapists do not recommend dry body brushing. My aim, as always, is to provide information so you can make your own informed choice. However, I strongly encourage you to consult your lymphoedema therapist before trying any new methods.

Disclaimer:

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The L-W-O Community encourages you to consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or care routine.

READ MORE BLOGS FROM GAYNOR LEECH

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