Dry brushing is exactly what it sounds like… brushing the skin in a particular pattern with a dry brush, usually before showering. In dry brushing, the skin is typically brushed toward the heart, starting at the feet and hands and brushing toward the chest. Dry brushing feels great and makes your skin softer, but there are other health benefits as well:
Lymphatic Support: The lymphatic system is a major part of the body’s immune system. It is made up of organs and lymph nodes, ducts and vessels that transport lymph throughout the body. Many of these lymph vessels run just below the skin and proponents of dry brushing claim that brushing the skin regularly helps stimulate the normal lymph flow within the body and help the body detoxify itself naturally.
Exfoliation: This benefit is often noticed the first time a person dry brushes. The process of running a firm, natural bristled brush over the skin helps loosen and remove dead skin cells, naturally exfoliating skin. Dry brushing is one of the simplest and most natural ways to exfoliate skin.
Clean Pores: The added benefit of exfoliating the skin, is clearing oil, dirt and residue from the pores. Though it isn’t recommended to dry brush the face unless you have a special, more delicate brush, dry brushing helps improve pores on the rest of the body.
Cellulite Help: Though the evidence is anecdotal, there has been many accounts of people who claimed that regular dry brushing greatly helped smooth away their cellulite.
Increased Energy and Blood Flow: We don’t recommend dry brushing at night because it tends to give people a rush of energy. One theory is that because it increases circulation, it also increases energy. Either way, dry brushing is best as a part of any morning routine.
How to Dry Brush
Dry brushing can be done daily, preferably in the morning before showering, then followed by an after shower application of a natural lotion. Don’t brush too hard! A soft and smooth stroke often works best. You will find your skin is slightly pink after brushing, but it should never be red or sting.
Selecting Dry Brush: A firm, natural bristle brush with a handle, which allows you to reach your entire back and easily brush the bottoms of your feet and the backs of your legs is a good choice. There are many options in dry brushes, just make sure to find one with natural bristles. You can find a brush in a local health store or on-line. Starting at the feet, brush the bottoms of the feet and up your legs in long, smooth strokes. Typically brush each section of skin 10 times.
For lymph flow, always brush toward the heart/chest area where the lymph system drains.
Repeat the same process with the arms, starting with the palms of the hands and brushing up the arm toward the heart. Again, brush each section of skin 10 times.
Repeat the process on your abdomen and back, and your face with a more delicate brush.