Dry brushing is one of the latest beauty trends, but its healing roots are in ancient medicine.
This simple self-care practice was developed thousands of years ago as part of the Ayurvedic medical system. It was used to encourage healthy circulation through the body, beautify the skin, and prevent disease.
Here’s the good news: dry brushing isn’t just a fad. This therapy has several proven health benefits, ranging from better immune health to glowing skin. Let’s find out how dry brushing can help boost your health and how you can practice this technique at home!
What is Dry Brushing?
Dry brushing is a simple technique that uses a brush to glide over the body in a specific pattern. This not only stimulates the skin and sloughs away dead skin cells, but daily dry brushing also has a holistic effect on the entire body.
The Health Benefits of Dry Brushing
Exfoliates and beautifies the skin. Daily dry brushing prevents clogged, dry, or cracked skin and keeps the skin soft and healthy. While you may be used to exfoliating your facial skin, the rest of the body often gets forgotten. This skin needs exfoliation from time to time, too, and dry brushing is an easy way to keep up.
Increases circulation and boosts energy. Nothing gets you ready for the day quite like a dry brushing session and a warm shower. Dry brushing stimulates the skin of the entire body, which causes increased circulation through the entire body. You’ll feel more awake, focused, and naturally energized.
Breaks down cellulite and reduces edema. Cellulite is a frustrating condition that gives certain areas (often the thighs or buttocks) a cottage cheese appearance. Thankfully, simple techniques can help to reduce the visibility of cellulite, including massage and dry brushing.
Rids the body of toxins and stimulates the lymphatic system. One of the most impressive benefits of dry brushing is its ability to detoxify the body by stimulating the lymphatic system. Each pass of the dry brush along your body encourages a healthy flow of lymph, which traps and removes potentially harmful toxins from the body. Additionally, removing dead skin cells boosts the skin’s ability to breathe and eliminates toxins through the pores. This reduces the toxic load on the lymphatic system so it can work better.
How to Dry Brush at Home
Ready to try dry brushing yourself? Here’s how:
First, choose a brush. Look for a coarse brush with natural-fiber bristles. The brush should feel stimulating but not painful on your skin.
Before you start, make sure to note any cuts, sores, rashes, or other wounds and avoid dry brushing near those.
With a dry brush and dry skin, start brushing upwards from your feet. Use wide, circular, clockwise motions.
Continue up the body, from the feet to the legs to the torso to the arms. Always brush upwards or towards the heart.
Adjust the pressure as needed. Some skin is delicate and needs a softer touch (such as the underside of your arms), while other areas are thicker and require more stimulation (such as the thighs or back).
After you are done brushing, take a shower to remove any lingering dry skin. Then, rehydrate the skin with a natural oil like almond or coconut oil.
Improve Your Health with Better Lymph Flow
Dry brushing is a simple habit with big benefits. Use dry brushing daily or a few times per week to stimulate healthy, nourished, and vibrant skin - as well as a healthier lymphatic system. Then, continue your healing journey at Coastal Colon Hydrotherapy with a lymphatic massage. Schedule your visit today!