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Originally posted November 2025 - Updated August 2026
Lymphatic brushing is all about technique. The pressure is lighter than you might expect, the direction of each stroke matters, and the facial protocol uses both the Large and Small Cecily Braden Lymphatic Brushes.
Once you understand where to begin, which brush to use and where you're directing the lymph, it becomes an easy ritual to incorporate into your skincare routine.
In this guide, I'll walk you through the complete technique for using the Cecily Braden Lymphatic Brushes on the face, neck and body.
What Is a Lymphatic Skin Brush?
A lymphatic skin brush is specifically designed to stimulate lymphatic flow just beneath the surface of the skin. The Cecily Braden Lymphatic Brushes have a patented design with a unique bristle pattern and density that gently grips the skin and targets the superficial lymphatic vessels.
Because these vessels are so close to the surface, lymphatic brushing requires a feather-light touch. More pressure isn't better. Proper technique and direction are what matter.
If you're still deciding which brushes you need, read my Cecily Braden Lymphatic Brushes: Which Do You Need? guide, where I explain why the facial protocol uses both brushes and what makes the authentic Cecily Braden design different.
What Are the Benefits of Lymphatic Brushing?
Lymphatic brushing is about much more than de-puffing. By gently stimulating lymphatic flow and circulation, regular lymphatic brushing can support healthier-looking skin in several ways.
Benefits may include:
- Reducing puffiness and the appearance of dark circles
- Helping decongest the skin and support acne-prone skin
- Helping diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation
- Supporting brighter, more radiant-looking skin
- Helping reduce the appearance of redness and skin sensitivities
- Supporting more defined-looking facial contours
- Encouraging healthy circulation and oxygenation of the skin
- Helping relieve myofascial tension and adhesions in the tissue
- Supporting the skin's natural renewal process
- Softening the appearance of fine lines and deeper wrinkles
- Creating a calming, soothing effect through slow, rhythmic movement
What I especially like is that none of this requires aggressive pressure. Lymphatic work is subtle. With the proper technique, a feather-light touch is enough.
How to Use the Cecily Braden Lymphatic Brushes
Before you begin brushing the face or body, start by stimulating the main lymphatic drainage points. Think of this as preparing the pathways before you begin moving lymph toward them.
The movement should be gentle and rhythmic. Use a feather-light touch rather than pressing into the tissue. You're gently stretching the skin, not working into the muscle.
Step 1: Stimulate the Main Lymphatic Drainage Points for the Face
Before you begin lymphatic brushing the face, stimulate the main drainage points to help prepare the pathways for lymphatic flow.
Use gentle half-circle or crescent-shaped movements, almost like drawing small moons over the skin. Keep your touch feather-light. You want to gently stretch the skin, not press into the muscle.
Under the arms: Use small, gentle circular movements to stimulate the axillary lymph nodes.
At the collarbone hollows: Using small “J” strokes, move down and out at the terminus, the main drainage point where lymph returns to circulation.
Around the ears: Place your fingers in a “Spock” position and use gentle half-moon movements in front of, beneath and behind the ears.
I also demonstrate this opening sequence in my 3 Things to Do Before Lymphatic Brushing Instagram video.
Step 2: Use the Cecily Braden Lymphatic Brushes on the Face, Neck and Chest
Start with the Large Lymphatic Brush on the chest. Beginning at the center of the chest, gently sweep outward toward the armpit.
Next, use the Large Brush on the neck and jawline. Begin at the center of the chin, hug the jawline as you sweep toward the ear, then continue down the neck to the hollow of the collarbone, or terminus.
Switch to the Small Lymphatic Brush for around the mouth, across the cheeks, along the sides of the nose and around the eyes. Sweep outward toward the ear, then continue down the neck to the terminus.
Switch back to the Large Brush for the forehead. Sweep upward, catching the eyebrow and brushing into the hairline. Then move from the center of the forehead toward the temples and continue down the side of the face and neck, ending at the terminus.
Finish with the Large Brush on the scalp, using it almost as if you're brushing your hair. Begin at the hairline and brush back toward the crown and down toward the base of the skull.
Repeat each movement 3–5 times before moving on to the next area. Complete the entire sequence on one side of the face, then repeat the same sequence on the other side.
How Much Pressure Should You Use?
Lymphatic brushing should always feel feather-light. The superficial lymphatic vessels are located just beneath the skin, so pressing harder isn't more effective.
In craniosacral work, we're taught to think of the pressure as being about the weight of a nickel gliding over the skin. I use that same principle with lymphatic brushing.
Let the brushes do the work. The weight of the brush itself is enough. You should feel a gentle movement of the skin, not pressure into the muscle.
Slow, rhythmic strokes with a feather-light touch are all you need.
How Often Should You Use Your Lymphatic Brushes?
You can use your Cecily Braden Lymphatic Brushes every day if you'd like. The facial protocol only takes a few minutes, making it easy to incorporate into your regular skincare routine.
Consistency is more important than doing a long session. A few minutes of gentle, intentional brushing with a feather-light touch is all you need.
If you're sick or feeling unwell, wait until you're feeling better before resuming lymphatic brushing.
When Should You Avoid Lymphatic Brushing?
Although lymphatic brushing is gentle, there are certain conditions where it should be avoided or used with caution.
- Do not use the Lymphatic Brush if you have:
- Active cancer
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- An acute infection or inflammation
Use caution and consult your healthcare provider if you have bronchitis, are menstruating, have low blood pressure or hyperthyroidism.
When in doubt, Cecily recommends checking with your doctor or a Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Specialist before beginning lymphatic brushing.
Want to Learn the Complete Lymphatic Brushing Technique?
When you purchase the Cecily Braden Lymphatic Brush Combination Set from Heaven on Earth, you'll receive complimentary access to my Lymphatic Brushing Master Class.
In the class, I walk you through the facial lymphatic brushing protocol step by step so you can see the pressure, direction and movements rather than trying to figure them out from written instructions alone. I also share additional techniques for specific skin concerns, including my technique for acne-prone skin.
I'll email you the link to the Master Class after your purchase.
Shop the Cecily Braden Lymphatic Brush Combination Set
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I use my Cecily Braden Lymphatic Brushes?
A: You can use your lymphatic brushes every day if you'd like. A few minutes of gentle, intentional brushing is enough. If you're sick or feeling unwell, wait until you're feeling better before resuming lymphatic brushing.
Q: How much pressure should I use when lymphatic brushing?
A: Use a feather-light touch. The superficial lymphatic vessels sit just beneath the skin, so more pressure isn't better. Let the weight of the brush do the work.
Q: Which Cecily Braden Lymphatic Brush should I use on my face?
A: The complete facial protocol uses both brushes. The Large Brush is used on the chest, neck, jawline and forehead, while the Small Brush is used around the mouth, cheeks and eyes.
Q: Can lymphatic brushing help with puffiness and dark circles?
A: Yes. Reducing puffiness and brightening the appearance of dark circles are among the facial benefits of lymphatic drainage included in Cecily Braden's training.
Q: Can lymphatic brushing help acne-prone skin?
A: Lymphatic brushing can help decongest the skin and support acne-prone skin. I also teach an additional technique specifically for acne-prone skin in my Lymphatic Brushing Master Class.
Q: Can I use the Cecily Braden Lymphatic Brushes if I have Botox or filler?
A: Yes. Cecily's protocol says the Lymphatic Brush can be used with Botox and fillers. Use an extremely light touch and focus on areas around and below fillers, as well as areas other than the injection site.
