What if I told you that a few extra minutes out of your morning routine could help reduce the appearance of cellulite, stimulate circulation, help your body detox, and more? Would you hit the snooze button one less time? That is the beauty of dry brushing.
Dry brushing is incredibly easy to do and only takes a few minutes out of your day. It’s a fantastic way to ultimately rid your body of impurities.
Our skin, which is our biggest organ, is one of the five key organs for detoxification along with lungs, liver, colon, and kidneys. Two other channels of elimination are the blood and lymph. Some say an estimated one pound of waste is eliminated by the skin ever day.
What are the benefits of dry brushing?
- Improves circulation and stimulates lymphatic drainage – since blood and lymph are two channels of elimination, dry brushing will help speed along your body’s detoxification. Stimulating circulation also helps bring oxygenated blood to your organs making them work more efficiently.
- Removes dead skin – This leaves your skin smoother and brighter. Also, skin clogged by dead skin and toxins can’t function properly so what better way to help it along than by the simple act of dry brushing?
- Firms up the skin – Who doesn’t want firmer skin? I know I do!
- Reduces the appearance of cellulite – Since cellulite is the result of impurities trapped in fat cells, it would make sense that dry brushing would help reduce those unwanted dimples.
So, how do I start dry brushing?
- First you need a good quality body brush. Buy a medium to firm body brush with natural bristles (no nylon or synthetic). One with a long handle is ideal for those hard-to-reach places. You can find them at health food stores or on my website. I like my #76, a bamboo brush with a detachable head from Bass Brushes. It’s green and makes it easier for travel.
- Begin with your feet or ankles in upwards movement towards your heart. Then move up to your legs, thighs, stomach, back and arms.
- Work in a gentle, upward motion with circular or longer strokes towards your heart. Avoid back and forth movements. This upward movement mimics the flow of the lymphatic fluid.
- Since your skin needs to be dry (hence the name dry brushing!), it is best to do this every morning before you shower.
- Take a shower afterwards to remove any dead skin.
- It’s normal for your skin to be a little flushed after dry brushing because of the increased circulation. If your skin is irritated or red, however, you’ve applied too much pressure.
- The whole process should take no more than 5 minutes.
Tips On Dry Brushing
- If your skin is really dry, apply some oil after your shower.
- Don’t brush areas where you have a cut, rash, sunburn, or wound.
Give dry brushing a go for 30 consecutive days and your body will love you for it! It is of course best to do every day not just for 30 days.
Happy brushing and cleansing!
Sources
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7955/why-you-should-start-dry-body-brushing-today.html
Thanks for a great post. I bought a dry brush with a detachable handle about 6 years ago and it is one of the best purchases I have ever made. I use is often and have found many benefits. I’m glad I found your site. You’ve got some great stuff here. I’ll be back to peruse other posts.
WOW – thanks for expanding my horizons! I had never heard of dry brushing before, but you certainly explained the benefits and “how-to” really well. I’m going to try it! How would you compare this technique to getting periodic massages?
Thank you Tandy! I’m delighted to “hear” you’ve been dry brushing for 6 years. That’s fantastic. Cheers!
Thanks Lisa! I’m glad you found it beneficial. Periodic massages are wonderful and key to overall health. While both dry brushing and massage have their cleansing benefits among others, one shouldn’t replace the other. I highly recommend both. 🙂