FLOW An Inner Beauty Pathway
The Lymphatic Brush Guide
How to use Cecily Braden's Lymphatic Brush on the face and body, and why it works.
The lymphatic system is the body's drainage network, and it sits just beneath the skin. The Lymphatic Brush brings a professional lymphatic technique home in a few quiet minutes a day, with a touch so light the bristles do the work.
What is The Lymphatic Brush?
The Lymphatic Brush is the original, patented lymphatic drainage brush created by esthetician Cecily Braden. It is designed to support the superficial lymphatic vessels that sit just beneath the skin, so both professionals and at-home users can practise gentle lymphatic drainage with ease.
It is not a dry brush. Dry brushing exfoliates the skin. The Lymphatic Brush's patented bristle pattern, density and contoured shape grip the skin gently and move it, which is what encourages lymphatic flow. No pressure and no products are needed.
As its popularity has grown, so have copies sold online. Inner Beauty Shop is the official Canadian distributor, so every brush is the authentic, trademarked original.
How the lymphatic system works
The lymphatic system carries fluid, proteins, immune cells and cellular waste through the body, filters it through the lymph nodes, and returns it to the bloodstream just above the collarbones.
Unlike blood, lymph has no heart to pump it. It relies on movement, breath and gentle stimulation of the skin. Long hours of sitting, stress and shallow breathing can all slow it down, and that's often when people notice puffiness, heaviness, or skin that looks dull or congested.
The vessels closest to the surface are delicate and sit just under the skin. That's why lymphatic drainage uses a very light, rhythmic touch that moves the skin rather than pressing into the muscle.
Lymphatic drainage vs gua sha
Lymphatic drainage
- Works on: the lymphatic vessels just under the skin
- Touch: very light and rhythmic, moving the skin
- What you may notice: less puffiness, a lighter, more sculpted look
- Tool: The Lymphatic Brush
- Pathway: FLOW
Gua sha
- Works on: muscle and fascia
- Touch: light to firm, with an oil
- What you may notice: released tension, warmth, pinkness
- Tool: a gua sha stone
- Pathway: RELEASE
Many people use both. Learn more in the Gua Sha Guide.
Where to begin
Start at the collarbones. This is where lymph from the whole body drains back into the bloodstream. Clearing this area first makes space for fluid from everywhere else to follow.
Then work backwards. On the face, move from the collarbones to the neck, then the lower face, eyes and forehead, always guiding fluid toward the collarbones.
Breathe and slow down. Slow breathing calms the nervous system and helps the vessels open, so fluid can move more easily.
Consistency is far more powerful than intensity.
How to use The Lymphatic Brush
Face
- Start on clean skin, either slightly damp after the shower or completely dry. No oil or product is needed.
- Begin at the collarbones with light, rhythmic strokes or small stationary circles.
- Move to the neck, then the jawline and lower face, the eyes and the forehead, always sweeping toward the collarbones.
- Use the lightest touch. If you can feel the bristles bend, you're pressing too hard.
- Finish back at the collarbones.
The Small brush has longer, softer bristles for the face, neck and delicate areas around the eyes.
Body: the BIG 6®
For the body, begin by clearing the six main areas where lymph collects, a sequence known as the BIG 6®, created by Dr. Perry Nickelston of Stop Chasing Pain:
- Collarbones
- Around the ears
- Underarms and chest
- Abdomen
- Groin
- Behind the knees
Then brush the arms and legs with light strokes, always moving toward the body and up toward the collarbones. The Large brush covers more area and suits the body, and it can also be used on the face and neck.
How often
At least once a day, and twice if you can: in the morning after your shower, and in the evening after cleansing or before bed to help you unwind.
A few minutes is enough. Short daily sessions work better than long, occasional ones. Give your body a short pause between sessions to rest and respond.
The best time is right after a warm shower, while your skin is still slightly damp. Warm water increases circulation, and the brush helps move that extra fluid along.
What you may notice
- Less puffiness, with a more sculpted, defined look
- Brighter, more refreshed-looking skin
- An improved appearance of jowls and dark circles
- Easier-feeling sinuses
- Lighter-feeling arms and legs
- A calmer, quieter mind
Clearing stagnant lymphatic fluid in the face may also help clear skin issues such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. Results vary, and consistency matters most.
Safety: when to skip it
Don't use The Lymphatic Brush if you have:
- Active cancer, unless cleared by your medical team
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Congestive heart failure
- An acute infection or inflammation
Don't use it in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Use with care:
- Work around raised moles
- Don't brush directly over the thyroid
- With bronchitis, avoid the sternum
- With low blood pressure, keep sessions short
- During your period, avoid the abdomen
If you've had lymph nodes removed or recent surgery, or have ongoing swelling, check with your healthcare provider or a certified lymphedema therapist first. When in doubt, leave it out.
Caring for your brush
- Quick clean: spray the bristles with 70% isopropyl alcohol and wipe with a soft cloth.
- Deep clean, once or twice a month: lather a little mild cleanser in your palm and gently swirl the bristles through it. Rinse with the bristles facing down, shake off the water and pat on a clean towel.
- Dry fully with the bristles facing down before putting the brush back in its case.
- Store it in its case with the bristles facing down.
Choose your brush
Small Brush
Longer, softer bristles for a feather-light touch on the face, neck and delicate areas. The best place to start, and suited to thin or sensitive skin.
Large Brush
A larger brush for the body that can also be used on the face and neck. Covers more area for the BIG 6®, arms and legs.
Large & Small Set
Both brushes, one for the face and one for the body. Saves $30 compared with buying them separately.
Travel Set
Both brushes with the zippered Travel Case, a complete face and body kit for home, travel or practitioners.
Travel Case
A structured, zippered case that fits both brushes. Brushes sold separately.
Every brush comes with a hard protective case and a drawstring bag. Inner Beauty Shop is the official Canadian distributor of The Lymphatic Brush by Cecily Braden.
Tutorials
Inner Beauty Shop's lymphatic brushing series
Six short videos to learn the face routine step by step. Follow them in order the first few times, then come back whenever you need a refresher.
From Cecily Braden
Cecily has created a full library of free video tutorials and visual guides for the face and body, for both at-home users and professionals: The Lymphatic Brush tutorials.
More questions? See The Lymphatic Brush FAQ or Cecily's official FAQ.
Explore the Pathways
RESET
Create space to pause, reconnect and become present.
FLOW
Support lymphatic movement, circulation and the body's natural fluid flow. The Lymphatic Brush lives here.
NOURISH
Support the skin and body from the outside in and the inside out, with the skin care you apply after brushing.
There's no set order. Begin with the Pathway that fits what you're noticing. Learn about the Inner Beauty Approach.
The Lymphatic Brush FAQ
Is The Lymphatic Brush a dry brush?
No. Dry brushing exfoliates the skin. The Lymphatic Brush is designed to gently move the skin and support lymphatic drainage, without pressure.
Small or Large: which brush should I choose?
The Small has softer bristles for the face, neck and delicate areas. The Large is made for the body and can also be used on the face. The Large & Small Set includes both.
How often should I use The Lymphatic Brush?
At least once a day, ideally twice: after your morning shower and in the evening. Short, consistent sessions work better than long, occasional ones.
Do I need oil or product?
No. Use it on clean skin, slightly damp or dry, and apply your skin care afterwards. If you'd like hydration first, use a light serum that fully absorbs.
Where do I start?
At the collarbones, where lymph drains back into the bloodstream. On the body, clear the BIG 6® first, then brush the arms and legs toward the body.
How is it different from gua sha?
The Lymphatic Brush supports lymphatic drainage with a very light touch on the skin. Gua sha works on muscle and fascia with an oil. Many people use both.
Can I use it if I have acne?
Yes. Brush the neck first, then work around and below breakouts rather than directly over them, with light strokes.
Can I use it after Botox or fillers?
Yes, with an extremely light touch around the treated areas rather than directly over the injection sites. Lymphatic drainage may shorten how long Botox lasts.
Can I use it while pregnant?
Not in the first trimester. It can be used in the second and third trimesters and while breastfeeding. Check with your healthcare provider if you're unsure.
Can I over-use it?
It's unlikely, because the touch is so gentle. Leave a short pause between sessions so your body can rest and respond.
How do I clean my brush?
Spray with 70% isopropyl alcohol for a quick clean. Once or twice a month, wash gently with mild cleanser, then rinse and dry with the bristles facing down before storing.
How do I know my brush is authentic?
Buy from an authorized retailer. Inner Beauty Shop is the official Canadian distributor of The Lymphatic Brush by Cecily Braden, so every brush is the original, patented design.