The Much-Anticipated Butt Diagram
During our discussion of Dr. Berkowsky’s Vital Chi Skin-Brushing System
As I mentioned in last week’s post, the traditional instructions for dry skin brushing advise starting with the feet and brushing towards the heart. My lymph drainage therapist told me it is better to start with the major concentrations of lymph nodes (in the groin, armpit region, etc. ) and then move toward the heart. Generally speaking, this is good advice. But we are serious cellulite-investigators here. We need the specifics!
Dr. Berkowsky explains that the lymphatic vessels in the gluteal region don’t flow up towards the heart, but around the hip and down towards the lymph glands in the groin. Therefore it’s best to brush the skin in this direction if you are trying to optimize lymphatic flow.
To illustrate this technique, I searched through all the lymphatic diagrams in Gray’s Anatomy, a classic anatomy text first published in the mid-nineteenth century. Gray confirms that the lymphatic vessels in the buttocks drain into the superficial inguinal glands and the superficial subinguinal glands (see the second figure below).
So please let me know if this explanation is better. When dry brushing your butt, start near the center (at the edge of the glute) and brush in an arc up and around the side of your leg.
Then arc down toward the lymph vessels in the groin (shown in blue in the image below).
In the Gray’s Anatomy text, the lymphatic vessels are described as “exceedingly delicate, and their coats are so transparent that the fluid they contain is readily seen through them.”1 That is why a gentle technique such as dry skin brushing (or manual lymphatic drainage) is effective at increasing the flow of lymph through the superficial lymphatic vessels.
I hope this explanation makes more sense. Did the diagrams help get the point across?
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Wow, that made it much more clear. Thanks, Melissa. The lymphatic system just amazes me. Strange that almost no one knows what it is or what it's capable of!
LOL! This is great! Thank you! I have two questions now that I get it though…one is more a comment–I thought everything was supposed to go toward the heart? It's okay to brush down by the groin? Should the groin always be brushed down? And second, I was wondering how hard everyone brushes since you mentioned the word gentle. Bronwen advises to brush until pink, which is pretty hard for me–she likens it to brushing a horse, which I think is pretty accurate. Anyone else do it differently? Thanks again for the diagram. Very helpful!
Elizabeth, your comment reminds me of something I read during my research for this post. I learned that the word lymph comes from the Latin word for water goddess (similar to nymph). Throughout this investigation, in the back of my mind I'm always wondering about any deeper significance behind the modern cellulite epidemic. It must be gender-related, since cellulite is such a predominantly female problem. Isn't it interesting that lymph is associated with the feminine? Is it coincidence that the lymphatic system is historically neglected and undervalued? Now it's got me thinking…
Cass, I always thought you were supposed to brush towards the heart, too. This is mostly good advice, but what you're really trying to do is brush in the direction of lymphatic flow. Usually lymph flows towards the heart but there are a few exceptions. The exceptions occur in the immediate area of lymph node clusters, since surrounding lymph vessels often drain towards those nodes even if they're in a different direction from the heart (this is what I gather from my reading so far, but I'd love to read lymph anatomy texts to learn more). Dr. Berkowsky also recommends brushing away from the heart in order to brush towards the lymph nodes in the armpit.
A solid dry brush technique is firm but not at all uncomfortable. If you are just starting a dry brushing routine, it might take longer to get the skin to turn that rosy glow depending on your circulation. It's important to keep in mind that a lot of other factors can affect circulation too (such as diet, hormones, etc). Dry brushing is only one piece of the puzzle.
That is so helpful! I'll be sure to try it tonight.
Glad you found it helpful, Peach Pit. Thanks for your comment!
I need some clarification…how is the technique dry brushing done. I am hearing about skin color, but can you be very specific? Thank you.
Thanks for your question, Pati. The change in skin color refers to the rosy shade the skin turns when you brush with firm strokes. Don’t brush so hard that it hurts or leaves any lasting mark. Depending on your normal skin tone, the area should just get slightly brighter… like the flush in your cheeks when you come in from the cold.
This post will have more instructions about how to dry brush cellulite. I am still planning on putting together a more detailed guide on dry brushing soon. It will be something you can download and print out as a reference. Please let me know if you have any further questions about it.
Hi Melissa,
Thanks for all of the wonderful posts on dry brushing. I’m stopping to get a brush on my way home from work tomorrow!
I read above that you are working on a more detailed dry brushing guide. Do you plan to include instructions on how to dry brush thighs? I read the original blog you wrote on the subject, but I’m still a bit confused on that end. I’ve scoured the internet for diagrams, but every one I found seems to depict the more “traditional” method of brushing everything towards the heart. I look forward to seeing future posts on this topic!
Just to let you know, I am so glad to have found your website! I’ve been thin all of my life, and I’ve had cellulite since I was a teenager (I’m now almost 30). I’ve alway been somewhat active, but in the last 6 months I’ve been even more so. I haven’t gained or lost any weight recently, but I’m convinced that my cellulite is getting worse (I did lose about 2% body fat). I went bathing suit shopping last week, which turned out to be exasperating and depressing (and after sever stores, I still do not have a bathing suit). I haven’t worn a bathing suit, or shorts for that matter, in many, many years. My coworkers and friends all think that I’m crazy, but I’m definitely not being unnecessarily hard on myself.
Here’s to hoping that dry brushing is the answer for me! Thanks again!
I’m so glad you find the info here useful, Sarah! My body definitely responded to the dry brushing. Many women see an improvement with it right away, especially if your lymphatic system is particularly congested at the time (like mine was, since I did not yet understand how sensitive my body is to fluoride). Yes, I will include more detailed instructions for dry brushing in the guide. But don’t worry too much about doing it “the right way.” Brushing towards the heart is a good enough general method to follow. That’s what I used when I first tried it and it worked well.
You are joining our investigation at a very exciting time! Please check out the links in the top left sidebar to read our cellulite FAQs and to discover more natural options for treating cellulite at its root cause. Let me know if you have any further questions!
I have a question..or observation. I’ve just started this….today! The first thing I noticed INSTANTLY was that my cellulite was suddenly much more visible! I was seeing it in places I hadn’t thought I had any, and what I did know about really seemed to stand out. Is there a physiological reason for this, or is it just that I was focused on it and noticed it more? Any thoughts?
Interesting observation, Sheryl. My first thought is that since you just started this today, the change in appearance is probably because you are focusing on it more. But then again, I had a very strong reaction to dry brushing the very first time I did it, too. I think it depends on how sluggish your lymphatic system is to begin with, if your pored are congested, or perhaps how “stagnant” the circulation is just under the skin. In any case, my body certainly reacted to the dry brushing right away. I felt instantly invigorated and within a day or two, I developed an itchy rash on my legs and a huge canker sore (another detox sign for me).
Some cellulite experts claim that losing weight can cause the appearance of cellulite to increase. Do you think the dry brushing could have jump started any weight loss from water retention? This could make the cellulite look worse since there isn’t as much “fat” around to mask it. Just an idea, but like you said it could also be that you are just noticing it more.
Thanks for your question, Sheryl! Let us know how it continues to go with the dry brushing!
Day two and it’s absolutely a real phenomenon that makes my cellulite STAND OUT when I brush. It’s also absolutely temporary! For a few minutes it’s all extremely noticeable….and it almost appears as if my skin is visibly trying to tighten. ( I say trying because I’m 47 and just lost 30 lbs and “tight” is not a word I can in good conscience associate with my skin.) It’s a little creepy how weird it looks when I put the brush down. But, by the time I get out of the shower the effect is gone and everything looks the way it has.
I will say I do notice the places I’m bumpy that I didn’t realize I was….my upper arms and calves for instance! What’s up with THAT? I hadn’t noticed it before.
I have another question….with regard to the lymphatic system. I would say that mine’s a mess. I have a regular herbalist I’ve worked with for years, and she makes an herbal potion that’s supposed to be good at clearing congested lymphatic systems. Has anyone here had any experience, good or bad, using herbal supplements? It sounds promising but I don’t want to waste my money.
After reading over this whole site, my diet is getting a definite revamp, too, btw.
That’s really interesting. Thanks for reporting back! Do you think it has something to do with fluid retention? Perhaps the dry brushing is helping your lymphatic system temporarily release fluids?
Working with an herbalist sounds like an excellent way to treat cellulite. That is exactly what I recommended in my review of Celluscience, an popular pill designed to treat cellulite.
Herbal remedies are one of those things I want to learn more about for our investigation. If you do ask her about cellulite, I would love to know what she suggests. I’ve only dabbled with herbs up until this point. I’ve used a few herbal tinctures and teas along the way. I had a noticeable reaction to horse chestnut seed extract. I see herbs as nature’s medications (after all, they are what most prescription drugs are either derived from or trying to replicate), so they definitely deserve our respect and attention. Thanks again for your question, Sheryl!
Can i dry brush if i am pregnant?
I don’t see why not. It’s such a natural practice. If you’ve never done it before and your body is really overloaded with “toxins,” I would take it slow in the beginning –maybe try it once every other day and see if you notice any adverse reactions (such as a rash). If so, this should only last a week or two. Once its gone you should be fine dry brushing every day. It is recommended to take a break here and there (one day a week and one week every couple months or so). I hope you enjoy it, Kathy! Congrats on your new little one!
I just came across your site today (thanks to a recent post on Naturally Knocked Up).
Wow! This is AWESOME! I will definitely be back for more tips.
Thanks.
I’m glad you like the site, Holly. Thanks for stopping by!
Great website! Thank you for your useful advices. My cellulite has grown up immensely within last 4 months, for the sedentary way of life. I have read a lot about dry brushing, and practiced doing it for a while, but I guess not long enough to see visible results.So now after confronting my cellulite and seeing it under the bright light in the changing room, while shopping, I had decided to start a battle with cellulite, cause it’s affecting my life negatively.Here what I have included in my battle against cellulite: scrubbing – home made scrubs based on coffee/ honey/ olive oil, mud wraps, massage with a mixture of oils such as rozmarin, red pepper, orange and lime and of course dry brushing. As well, as the these, i am starting on a fitness regime and healthier diet.I ll be reporting here on a progress I made! Good luck to everyone!
This is very exciting, Gunei! It sounds like you are off to an excellent start. Are you using red pepper oil in your massage mixture? I’ve never heard of that before but it seems like it would be a great one to try. I’m eager to hear your progress. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us!
Hi Melissa:
I don’t know how I found this site but man, do I need it. How/where to begin and then progress? Diet/brushing/oil/scraping/exercise? What do I do and in what order?
Thanks,
Lynnita
Hi, Lynnita. I’m so glad you found us! Great question. There’s a lot to take in, but no need to feel overwhelmed. I recommend starting with whatever treatment seems most intriguing to you–not what you think you SHOULD do, but what you think would be the most enjoyable. Are you naturally drawn to exercise? Then that’s a good place to start. Intrigued by the initial reports about dry brushing? Give it a go!
My personal favorites are dry brushing and oil scraping, although experimenting with nutritious foods will always be high on my list. I find that if you start making improvements in one area, you will naturally want to address other areas in time. Two years ago, I never would have believed you if you told me I would be the proud owner of an aeropilates machine, and yet here I am. It sounds like you already read through the different treatment rooms, so my best advice is to pick what sounds fun and run with it!
I hope that answer gives you enough to get started. Please let us know how it goes!
Best,
Melissa
Hi Melissa, I just found your website and found much useful info. I have been dry skin brushing for some time and found it helpful but nothing too wonderful but recently have discovered thru research that I have been doing it incorrectly. could be why I wasn’t getting the results I have been reading about? Did you ever put together a more detailed guide on dry brushing that would be something you can download and print out as a reference? You mentioned in an above comment about half a year ago that you were looking into doing. You really should do a video that would be comprehensive (where to start, over entire body and how to end). 1-2-3. Or is there one out there you could reference me to? Thanks for your time! I just made the coffee/coconut oil lotion and look forward to using it daily with some results. Will let you know. Going to forward this link to a friend who might find all this info. helpful.
Glad you found us, Kibby! I hate to say it, but I haven’t written the dry brushing guide yet. Has it really been that long already? Yikes!! I did manage to publish my free guide about acne, so the dry brushing guide is next on my list. In the meantime, I know Teresa Tapp has a dry brushing pamphlet and a video like the one you are desccribing. Unfortunately, it comes with her CRT skin tightening system so you have to buy the whole thing. Carol Maggio’s No Lipo Lipo dvd is supposed to be really good although I haven’t tried it yet. You could also check out Dr. Berkowsky’s book on dry brushing.
When you say you were doing it incorrectly, what do you mean? I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the coconut oil cream! Oh, and thanks for sharing CI with your friend.
The diagram made the technique very clear. Thank you! I have begun the thirty day challenge. I will be brushing, drinking lots of water, I will entering into the end of my first thirty days of my parasite cleanse. It is a ninety day cleanse. I will be rebounding at least ten minutes a day and no artificial sugars, white flour…basically eat only real food. I will follow your posts.
I love it! Good luck, Leila. I’m going to come up with a 30-day challenge for this summer, too. Sounds like fun! I’d like to make it something that’s easy for a lot of people to join in. It will definitely include dry brushing, a movement aspect (yoga or other exercise), and a diet aspect (perhaps the one dietary change you suspect would have the biggest impact on your cellulite?). Maybe there will be a bonus feature for people who want to include one additional treatment of their choice, such as cupping massage or saunas. What do you think?
Hi!
This website is lovely. It really gives hope to all the people that have been told time and time again to make peace with the rocky slopes that are their thighs. Cheers for that.
I do intend to start dry brushing as soon as today, but I do have a question : is it mandatory to drybrush the whole lymphatic system, meaning the whole body, or is it possible to skip to the concerned bumpy areas sometimes? I understand that it is recommended to get the whole system going, but I am certain I won’t always have the time to do it as thoroughly as that. I am constantly on the run. So do you know if it would still work or is it pointless to focus the drybrushing on the thighs and butt areas?