Dry Brushing for Health Benefits
Dry Brushing is a classic Ayurveda ritual. It involves brushing your body to sloth off dead skin and flush the system of harmful toxins by increasing your circulation and encouraging the lymph system to flow. By flushing the system, you will invigorate the nervous system helping you to feel energized naturally. It has also been shown to help reduce the appearance of cellulite bumps by flushing out the trapped fat cells.
1. Natural is best.
It is important to use a natural bristle brush, not one made from plastic as plastic may rupture the skin cells and cause damage to your skin. Try to find a body brush with a long handle as that will make it easier to reach behind your back. Always dry brush before your bath or shower. If you try to dry brush while in the shower or bath, it will rob the skin of natural moisture and cause more dryness.
2. Up and circular.
I typically start from the feet/toes and work my way upward in long fluid strokes on limbs and circular motions on torso and back. I move in the upward direction. It can be sensitive on the abdomen, breasts and neck, so lighten up pressure as needed. It’s important to always go towards the direction of the heart for best circulation.
3. Easy does it.
Use a gentle touch as you are not trying to scrape skin, just gently sloth off dull dry skin and improve circulation. After your shower or bath, apply a natural moisturizer or oil to replenish the moisture barrier. Amazing Earth crafts Lavender Fields, a healing Organic Lavender Oil perfect for calming the mind and moisturizing the body.
4. Dos and Don'ts
If you have very sensitive skin and find dry brushing is too irritating for you, try the same procedure with a coarse washcloth instead. Never dry brush over broken, bleeding or seeping skin or over areas which might be inflamed or have skin cancer. Do not dry brush your face.
Incorporate this simple yet powerful technique into your skin care ritual to boost your immune system, stimulate the nervous system, decrease anxiety and obtain glowing moisturized skin.