Can Dry Brushing Spread Cancer Throughout Your Body?

Dry brushing, a popular wellness practice, has gained immense popularity in recent years for its potential health benefits. Advocates claim that it can exfoliate the skin, improve circulation, and even aid in detoxification. However, there have been concerns raised about whether dry brushing could potentially spread cancer throughout the body. In this article, we will explore the science behind dry brushing, its potential benefits, and whether it has any link to cancer spreading.

Dry Brushing and the Lymphatic System

One of the primary claims associated with dry brushing is its ability to support the lymphatic system, which plays a vital role in the body's immune system and detoxification. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes responsible for carrying lymph, a colorless fluid that contains white blood cells and waste products, away from tissues and back to the bloodstream.

Proponents of dry brushing argue that the gentle strokes and increased blood circulation can stimulate the lymphatic system, helping it remove toxins and waste more efficiently. 

While this idea is appealing, little research and scientific evidence to directly link dry brushing to significant detoxification is limited.

The Body's Natural Detoxification Processes

It's essential to understand that the human body possesses sophisticated mechanisms for detoxification that primarily involve the liver, kidneys, and digestive system. These organs work together to break down and eliminate waste products, toxins, and metabolic byproducts from the body.

While dry brushing may support the lymphatic system, it's not a replacement for the body's inherent detoxification processes. 

In reality, the liver is the primary organ responsible for processing and eliminating toxins, not the skin. The skin's main role is to serve as a protective barrier and regulate temperature, not as a major detoxification organ.

Remember that for significant detoxification, it's crucial to support the body's natural processes through a balanced diet, hydration, and a healthy lifestyle.

Understanding Cancer and Its Spread

Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. When cancer cells break away from the primary tumor and travel through the bloodstream or lymph nodes to form new tumors in other parts of the body, it's known as metastasis. This process is how cancer spreads throughout the body.

Metastasis is a critical factor in the progression of cancer, and the spread of cancer cells is a significant concern in cancer treatment. However, it's important to note that cancer cells spreading through the body occur within the internal systems, such as the circulatory and lymphatic systems. The external practice of dry brushing affects the skin and is not directly linked to the spread of cancer cells internally.

Debunking the Myth

The idea that dry brushing can spread cancer throughout the body is a misconception. There is no scientific evidence to support such a claim. 

Cancer spreads through complex biological mechanisms, and external factors like dry brushing do not have a direct impact on these processes. It is essential to rely on scientific research and medical expertise when evaluating health practices.

Dry brushing, when done correctly and gently, poses minimal risk and is generally considered safe for most people. 

However, it's crucial to follow some guidelines to ensure a safe and effective dry brushing routine:

Best Technique for Safe and Effective Dry Brushing 

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

Before you start dry brushing, it's crucial to have the right tools on hand. Here's what you'll need:

1. Dry Body Brush: Choose a type of brush with natural bristles eg. natural fibre brush. Look for a brush with a long handle to help you reach your back easily. Avoid buying a synthetic or stiff-bristled brush, as they can be too harsh on your skin compared to a softer natural bristle brush.

2. Towel or Mat: To catch any loosened skin cells and avoid a mess, place a towel or a mat on the floor in the area where you plan to dry brush.

Step 2: Prepare Your Skin and Brush

Before you begin dry brushing, there are a few preliminary steps to follow:

1. Undress: Start by undressing completely or wearing minimal clothing. This allows you to access the skin you want to brush effectively.

2. Inspect Your Skin: Check your skin for any irritations, cuts, or open wounds. Avoid dry brushing over these areas as it can exacerbate the condition or cause discomfort.

3. Start Dry: Make sure both your skin and the brush are completely dry. Dry brushing is most effective on dry skin.

Step 3: Dry Brushing Technique

Now that you're ready to begin, it's time to practice the proper dry brushing technique. Follow these steps:

1. Start at the Feet: Begin with your feet and work your way up. Use long light strokes, sweeping motions, always brushing towards your heart. This direction helps support lymphatic drainage and blood circulation.

2. Legs: Brush your legs in upward strokes, covering each area several times. Pay special attention to the backs of your thighs and knees.

3. Abdomen and Chest: Move to your abdomen, using gentle circular motions in a clockwise direction. Brush the chest area with upward strokes, avoiding the sensitive breast tissue.

4. Arms: Brush your arms, starting with your hands and moving towards your shoulders. Again, focus on brushing towards the heart.

5. Back: If your brush has a long handle or you have a helper, you can also dry brush your back. Use upward strokes, and be gentle in this area.

6. Neck and Face: It's generally recommended to avoid dry brushing the neck and face, as these areas are more sensitive.

Step 4: Adjust Pressure and Frequency

As you dry brush, be mindful of the pressure you apply. The goal is not to scrub aggressively but to stimulate the skin gently. If you experience any discomfort or irritation, lighten your touch.

In terms of frequency, dry brushing can be done a few times a week. However, it's essential to listen to your body and adjust as needed. Some people may find that once or twice a week is sufficient, while others may prefer a daily routine.

Step 5: Aftercare

After you've completed your dry brushing session, take a few extra steps to care for your skin:

1. Shower: Follow up with a warm shower to rinse away the loosened skin cells and promote circulation.

2. Moisturize: Apply a natural moisturizer or body oil to keep your skin hydrated and nourished.

3. Clean Your Brush: Periodically, clean your dry brush with warm water and mild soap to remove any accumulated dead skin cells and maintain hygiene.

When You Shouldn't Dry Brush

Dry brushing is generally considered a safe practice for most individuals, but there are specific situations where cancer patients should exercise caution or avoid it altogether. It's essential for individuals with cancer to consult with their healthcare team before incorporating any new wellness practices into their routine. Here are some instances when someone with cancer should be cautious or refrain from dry brushing:

1. During Active Treatment: Individuals undergoing active cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, may have compromised skin and heightened sensitivity. Dry brushing may irritate the skin further and lead to discomfort. It's advisable to avoid dry brushing during this phase and wait until treatment is complete or until your healthcare team gives the green light.

2. Skin Complications: If you have skin complications related to cancer or its treatment, such as radiation burns, surgical wounds, or skin infections, dry brushing should be avoided in the affected areas. The practice can exacerbate these sensitive skin conditions and delay the healing process.

3. Low Platelet Count: Some cancer treatments, like chemotherapy, can lead to a drop in the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets play a crucial role in clotting, and when their count is low, it increases the risk of bleeding and bruising. Dry brushing, which involves using a firm brush on the skin, may increase the likelihood of skin bruising, making it an unsuitable practice for individuals with low platelet counts.

4. Lymphedema: Lymphedema is a condition characterized by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid, leading to swelling in specific areas of the body. Cancer treatments, particularly surgery and lymph node removal, can increase the risk of developing lymphedema. In cases of lymphedema, it's important to consult with a lymphedema specialist or healthcare provider before considering dry brushing. If approved, any dry brushing should be done with extra caution and tailored to the individual's specific condition.

5. Pain or Discomfort: If you experience pain, discomfort, or skin sensitivity due to your cancer or its treatment, dry brushing may exacerbate these symptoms. In such cases, it's best to prioritize comfort and avoid dry brushing until you are in a better physical condition.

6. Individual Health Status: Cancer is a complex disease with various types and stages. The appropriateness of dry brushing can vary from person to person, depending on their overall health, cancer type, and treatment plan. Always consult with your healthcare team to determine whether dry brushing is safe for your specific situation.

7. Prescription Medications: Some cancer medications can affect the skin's integrity and make it more prone to dryness, sensitivity, or reactions. If you are taking any prescription medications, discuss your intention to dry brush with your healthcare provider to ensure it won't interfere with your treatment or skin health.

Benefits of Dry Brushing

While the concern about cancer spread through dry brushing is unfounded, there are potential benefits of this practice:

1. Skin Health: Dry brushing can help exfoliate the skin, removing dead cells and promoting a healthier complexion.

2. Improved Circulation: By stimulating blood flow, dry brushing may help reduce the appearance of cellulite and promote overall skin health.

3. Lymphatic Support: Advocates believe that dry brushing can aid in lymphatic drainage, potentially supporting the body's natural detoxification processes.

4. Relaxation: Many people find the act of dry brushing to be a soothing and meditative practice, promoting relaxation and self-care.

5. Enhanced Absorption: Some individuals use dry brushing as a way to help the skin better absorb skincare products.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the idea that dry brushing can spread cancer throughout the body is a myth not supported by scientific evidence. Cancer spreads through complex biological processes within the body, and external practices like dry brushing do not have a direct impact on cancer metastasis.

Dry brushing, when done correctly and gently, can offer potential benefits such as exfoliation, improved circulation, and support for the lymphatic system. However, it's important to approach dry brushing as a self-care practice rather than a medical treatment for serious conditions.

As with any wellness practice, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating dry brushing into your routine, especially if you have any underlying health concerns or skin conditions. When used appropriately, dry brushing can be a safe and enjoyable addition to your self-care regimen.

Getting Back to Healthy Eating + Helpful Tips for the Busy Person

When I was first diagnosed with cancer, it was a huge wake up call for me to evaluate my lifestyle and made me aware of how unhealthy I was living. Because I was so scared that cancer would get the best of me, I was hugely motivated and changed my eating habits instantly. 

I would juice a few times a day, eat all the cruciferous vegetables, minimised my meat consumption and avoided dairy and sugar. It was easy peasy because at that point in my life, fear was driving me to eat healthy in a way I had never done before.

However, it’s now been six years from diagnosis. The anxiety and fear of a cancer recurrence has somewhat dissipated and frankly so has my motivation for healthy eating.

My life also looks different now. Busier. (Who's life isn't?).

I'm now focused on caring for my daughter. And it's hard work, taking up all my time and energy.

I've finally managed to get her to love broccoli.

Ok, I lie.

She's finally developed a taste for the green florets. The stem? Not so much.

She's only 18 months, so she hasn't gotten to the stage where she is super picky.

But what about when she gets older?

Healthy eating or lack thereof starts when we're young.

The dishes she grows up eating will most likely be her favourite foods in the future. Think about your favourite foods? Most likely these dishes were the ones your mum cooked for you.

So I wonder, how else am I shaping her beliefs towards eating and food?  

We don't think about it much, but food has powerful emotional, social and cultural associations.

The foods that we eat can be driven by these influences, so I'm not surprised that eating habits are hard to change.

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“If my health declines, the people that will suffer most are my family.
”

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For me, everyday is a battle of priorities. Take care of my daughter or take care of me.

Often I put her priorities ahead of mine. But isn't that what moms do?

We want the best for our kids, but I have to gently remind myself that my health is a priority above anything else in my life.

If my health declines, the people that will suffer most are my family.

It's hard to find a healthy balance. But at least I must try.

I could eat healthy before, so I know I can do it again!

Unlike last time, I want this change to be permanent. If I'm going to make an impact on my longevity, then I need to be consistent. Not just for a month, 2 months, not even a year. I need to do this for the rest of my life.

This time I won't be driven by fear, but by love. Love for my body, health, and family. I'm a mother now, so I need to be an example for my little girl.

So to get started and get back on the right path, I wanted to gain some insights into other people's healthy lifestyle.

I asked nine amazing women bloggers in the health & wellness field, what their tips are for busy people who want to eat healthy and avoid the junk food and take-out.

Check out their responses below. I'm sure they'll be as helpful to you as they are to me.

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Before you read their responses below, think about what's stopping you from eating healthy?

Which tip would be most helpful to you? Do you have any tips to share? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below. 

 

 

 

Amanda Barnes (registered dietician @ Amanda barnes nutrition)

"Don’t leave junk food around the house. Having a bowl of candy or access to junk food often leads to mindless eating. Instead have a bowl of fruit or healthy snacks already prepared. If you are really craving sweets try to make them a bit healthier- dates, dark chocolate, or a chocolate avocado pudding. It will satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising too much on health. As for fast food, I like to have a few quick go-to meals so when I don’t have time to cook I am not left without options. Veggie burgers in the freezer, frozen vegetables and rice for a quick stir fry, if you know you have options you won’t have to go for the fast food."

Cassie spanner @

Be forever healthier

"Meal prep is key! You don’t have to go crazy like those people I see who prepare an entire week's worth of meals and snacks on a Sunday! Just start with making a bit more food for dinner so you have leftovers for lunch. Or planning your snacks for the week so you steer clear of your work’s biscuit jar. Also pick weeknight dinners that are easy to prepare (ready in less than 30 minutes) but also delicious so you aren’t tempted to stop on the way home and pick up some takeout. "

amy miller @ I heart the new me

"Meal prep is a tremendous help. Make a plan for the entire week. It also helps with portion control and mindless eating. I like to make energy balls for before my workout and I make a crustless veggie quiche in a pie pan and cut slices all week long for breakfast."

Chantal Drouin-Charters @ Mindful munching

"Prep is key. Even if you don’t want to go into big meal preps, having a few things done ahead of time will help you tremendously. Figure out what types of foods you like that are quick and can be eaten on the go. Oatmeal can be made at the office or hotel, nuts and seeds can go anywhere, a good/clean food bar in your purse or car for emergencies.Make a large cold bean salad to keep in the fridge and grab a serving when you’re short on time."

Wendy Hodge (precision nutrition certified coach @ Wendy's Way to Health)

"It all comes down to planning, but it doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. Just find what works best for you. It might be planning a week of dinners, chopping up your fruit and veggies for the week or prepping your snacks. Always cooking more than you need when you do cook, is an easy way to have leftovers for lunches or to keep in the freezer. If you really have no time to cook, you can easily avoid take-aways by using a local healthy meal delivery service."

joanna zervas (accredited exercise physiologist @ balanced posture online)

"Meal Prep! If you want to make sustainable changes, you need to set aside time to buy healthy foods and prep your own meals on your free time. I like to make a huge Sunday and Wednesday dinners so I have leftovers for the other days or for the freezer. I also pack food items that I can keep in my bag or workstation, such as nuts, protein balls, or cans of tuna - which stink, but they’ll get me through a few meetings without a rumbling belly. I also source out surrounding areas for healthy food options, so if I need to get take-away, I already know where I’ll go and what menu items to order. "

Susan minich @ my real dish

Meal prep is so important. Spending an afternoon of chopping and cutting to make crockpot freezer meals saves me! It’s an easy way for me to have something that I thaw the night before and throw in the crockpot. I’ve had luck with Wildtree Organics (if you are in the US look into it!). They have organic healthy sauces and spices, and tasty easy freezer meals recipes. Also, on Sundays I prep my veggies and salads for lunch and overnight oats and smoothies for breakfast, so that I can quickly walk out the door in the morning. Meal prep makes my life less stressful and eliminates my need to eat out.

Mj ong

(accredited exercise scientist, pregnancy, postpartum health & fitness coach @ the baby wearing health coach)

Planning ahead helps tremendously. At our house, we usually do a big shop on one day and we will wash all the fruits and vegetables and cut it up, ready to eat. But as life happens to us and we do need to quick meal, there is still takeaway and fast food that are healthier than others.

Ciara Doran @ cool things i love

A way to avoid junk food is to steer past that aisle in the supermarket and keep them out of the house. Out of sight out of mind.