Dry-Brushing: A traditional boon!
It is very easy to judge what’s going wrong in our internal bodies with a glance at the skin. Skin is the largest organ of our bodies and responsible for daily detoxification and yet it’s one that’s mostly taken for granted. Detox is best when taken as an inside-out approach. There’s so much that you can do to help remove toxins – a detox drink, a colon cleanse, an enema solution and so on. But you can also detox your body by showing some love to that extra-large organ that occupies your outer body. And to show that extra love, the best thing that you can do for that inside-out detox is – Dry Brushing.
Dry brushing is a traditional practice of meticulously swiping a bristle brush over your damp skin to exfoliate, stimulate the lymphatic system and unlock other powerful health benefits in the process.
The Array of Benefits:
With age the skin becomes less efficient at shedding layers of dead skin cells. Dry body brushing is fantastic at exfoliating these dead skin cells away. Furthermore, alongside smooth skin, regular brushing encourages cell turnover so that your limbs look and feel supple, and a quick brush is fantastic at keeping pesky, ingrown hairs and congested pores at bay.
Dry brushing helps to mobilize and contribute even distribution of fat deposits under the skin. A regular routine encourages important blood flow and has a plumping effect on the skin, which really helps reduce the appearance of cellulite. It helps deliver much needed oxygen to skin cells and that prevents not just the formation of cellulite but also varicose veins and skin discoloration.
As blood flow and circulation is stimulated by the enthusiastic brushing action, it lends the body, skin and mind a much-needed boost. Stimulating the lymphatic system may help to move the lymph (a fluid in the circulatory system containing white blood cells) along, and as a result, our own bodies can remove toxins at a faster rate.
Dry brushing is one of those rare traditions that feels just as good when you do it yourself and it’s incredibly easy to incorporate into your routine. It is best to have dry brushing as an a.m. vs. p.m. session because it has energizing and invigorating qualities. All you need to do is purchase a bristle brush preferably made with natural materials. One with a long handle would be a bonus, as it means you can reach all areas of the body.
How to dry brush:
The directions are pretty simple: Starting on dry skin before bathing, work in gentle circular, upward motions following up with longer, smoother strokes. It is best to begin at the ankles in upwards movements towards the heart - the lymphatic fluid flows through the body towards the heart, so it's important that you brush in the same direction. Your back is the only exception to the preceding rule – brushing from the neck down to the lower back. Be watchful of softer and sensitive skin areas and never brush over inflamed skin, sores or sunburnt skin. Ensure you follow-up with a shower to wash away the dead skin cells and impurities.
An essential tip: alternating hot and cold showers will further invigorate the skin and stimulate blood circulation. Finally, don’t forget to pamper yourself with an After Bath Oil to nourish the skin.
This technique works best when incorporated as a routine. Begin with a 21-day habit forming ritual and follow up with a 40-day habit ingraining routine and observe your body fall in love with you for the rest of your life.