More likely than not, you’ve come across these large or small wooden brushes at a local health food/beauty shop or market. These miraculous brushes are typically associated with skin, but little did we know, this was just the beginning…
Dry Brushing has been a part of my beauty/detox regime for quite some time now, and always will, and once you discover what I discovered I know it will become a part of yours too.
Why Should I Dry Brush?
Exfoliation, increased circulation, reduced cellulite, lymphatic system stimulation, improved digestion, improved kidney function, stress relief, and pure invigoration are just a few of the unknown powers of dry brushing. Surprised? I was too! It turns out, dry brushing is a detox method in itself ( LOUD APPLAUSE)
SKIN
It’s commonly known that dry brushing removes dry skin, clears clogged pores, and improves appearance as it allows your skin to “breathe”. It can help soften hard fat cell deposits, distributing them evenly, reducing the appearance of cellulite. There’s no shame in that! By removing toxins, connective tissue may break down. The ability to create tight, glowing skin can become addictive, and the beauty, is that you can dry brush as often as you’d like!
Now, onto DETOXIFICATION!
Dry Brushing goes deeper than just the skin.
“In your body, your lymphatic system is the system responsible for eliminating cellular waste products. Hundreds of miles of lymphatic tubules allow waste to be collected from your tissues and transported to your blood for elimination, a process referred to as lymphatic drainage. When your lymphatic system is not working properly, waste and toxins can build up and make you sick. Lymphatic congestion is a major factor leading to inflammation and disease. By stimulating your lymphatic system and helping it release toxins, dry skin brushing is a powerful detoxification aid” -(Dr. Mercola).
Aside from lymphatic detoxification, dry brushing increases circulation by encouraging the elimination of metabolic waste, as well as supporting digestive and organ function. By massaging and stimulating the lymph nodes, you are helping your body shed excess water and toxins, therefore resulting in less bloating and improving digestion and kidney function, according to many naturopathic doctors.
STRESS RELIEF
The benefit we all clamor desperately for (don’t doubt it my friends). Once you actually dry brush, you’ll realize how meditative it actually is, reducing muscle tension, calming your mind, and therefore, reducing stress, physical and mental. Many actually describe it as a “light whole-body massage”. Personally, I would consider dry brushing a major act of. SELF-CARE. So brush away friends!
How Do I Dry Brush? Is There A More Proper Brush?
Dry brushing is actually a very simple process, which can take some practice, according to personal preferences and skin sensitivities. This is where “brush type” is important.
You might have noticed, there are a variety of different brushes to choose from, and while they may seem similar in some ways, they are quote different. If your like me, and you have quite sensitive skin, you’ll want to aim for the middle right (pictured above), a brush with softer bristles. At the end of the day, it really depends on YOU , find what works for you!
As far as how-to dry brush, you can follow the steps I use below!
- Starting at the feet, I brush the bottoms of my feet and up my legs in long, smooth strokes. I typically brush each section of skin 10 times. For lymph flow, I always brush toward the heart/chest area where the lymph system drains. As a good rule of thumb, always brush toward the center of the body.
- Repeat the same process with the arms, starting with the palms of the hands and brushing up the arm toward the heart. Again, I brush each section of skin 10 times.
- On the stomach and armpits, brush in a circular clockwise motion.
- I then repeat the process on my abdomen and back and my face with a more delicate brush.
- I always use a moisturizing, calming lotion afterwards
Note: Don’t brush too hard! A soft and smooth stroke often works best. My skin is slightly pink after brushing, but it should never sting too much or turn too red. If your skin burns hurts at all, use less pressure!
If you haven’t already jumped out of your seat to go purchase your own brush, remember your body is YOUR temple, take care of it.
