The immune system is this incredible system within our bodies that works to defend against pathogens that attempt to invade our bodies. As the season begins to change and we fall into cooler weather we often find ourselves catching the common cold and flu around these transition times. It may not be entirely possible to prevent these nasty cold and flu viruses from creeping around at this time however, there are things we can do to stimulate and increase the activity of our immune systems to better defend ourselves from these unwanted invaders.
Frictions are a great hydrotherapy application that you can use at home to help increase the activity of your immune system. Dry brushing can work to stimulate normal lymphatic flow and help detoxify the body naturally. Schwartz et al (2019), suggests that a dry brushing massage technique can be used to relieve lymphatic congestion that is thought to contribute to both stress and disease.
Dry Brushing
A dry brush is a dry natural fibre brush that can be used to massage parts of the body to directly stimulate circulation of the skin (Intro to Hydrotherapy, 2017). This treatment can work to exfoliate the skin and bring blood to the surface of the skin. This exfoliation can help to increase skin tone, unclog pours and therefore potentially excrete toxins that can become trapped in the skin (we must not forget that our skin is part of our massive integumentary system of the body!). Also note that dry brushing should be avoided when already struck with cold and flu symptoms as well as skin lesions and varicose veins.
How to Dry Brush:
1. You can start with your lower extremities starting at the feet and working your way up the leg. Start on the outside of the limb and move toward the centre of the body with a long stroking movement toward the heart
2. You may also choose to dry brush on the upper extremities starting with the hand and moving your way up the arm moving laterally to medial and directing your strokes toward the heart
3. You may also dry brush areas, such as your chest and abdomen
4. Try to change areas of treatment to avoid acclimatization to treatment
5. Do not exceed 5 minutes of dry brushing as this can start to irritate the skin and underlying structures
(2017). Introduction To Hydrotherapy. Centennial College School of Community and Health Studies. 26-27.
Schwartz et al, (2019). Lymphatic Function in Autoimmune Disease. Front Immunology. (10) 519
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