Are You Dry Brushing?
Dry brushing is something I actually started doing long before I became sick and housebound. It was one of the first ways I consistently helped to support detoxification in my body. Dry Brushing is a centuries-old method of exfoliating the skin and it provides wonderful benefits for our bodies. It has been touted as an effective way to increase circulation, slough off dry winter skin, accelerate detoxification and digestion, open pores to sweat easier and it even can supposedly help to combat stubborn cellulite. Your skin is actually the largest organ in your body, so it makes sense to give it some extra attention!
Benefits of Dry Brushing
Detoxification:
My personal favorite reason to dry brush everyday is because it helps with detoxification and removing toxins out of the body. It increases blood circulation and promotes lymph drainage. The lymph system is a major part of our immune system that is not talked about enough. This system flushes/filters out waste products and cellular debris from our body. It moves the waste and debris through our system with muscle contractions. Unlike our blood which gets moved by our heart pumping, we have to be the pump that moves our lymph fluid. Anytime you are jumping, moving or dry brushing, you are moving your lymph system and helping your body to detox!
Exfoliation:
Dry Brushing will slough off dead skin cells and help to unclog your pores. By unclogging pores, it will be easier for your body to sweat and eliminate toxins from your system. Removing dead skin cells can also help make your skin softer, smoother and more radiant. All things that are great, especially for winter months or when you are preparing for summer.
Stimulating the Nervous System
Dry brushing can make you feel good since it has the additional benefit of stimulating your nervous system. It stimulates nerve endings making it a great way to give yourself a little energy boost and wake up your senses. It can leave you feeling invigorated like you would after a massage and would be a great way to start your day.
How to Dry Brush
- You can easily order a brush online or find one at your local health food store. Make sure you get one with natural fibers and a firmness that you can comfortably tolerate. I started with a soft one and now I only ever use a firm stiff-bristled style brush.
- Ideally try to dry brush every day to see the difference it can make. I tend to dry brush right before I am about to take a bath or hop in my sauna. That way I can wash off the dead skin cells when I am done. It's also one of my favorite tools to help me sweat and move toxins out of my body easier while I am doing a sauna session.
- Begin by making long and soft upwards strokes starting at neck and moving down your body. Always make sure your strokes are going towards your heart. To start, I brush the palms of my hands and feet to get my system ready and then I move on to my neck and chest, my arms, my torso (front and back) and my legs. For my stomach and torso area, I gently brush in a circular motion clockwise, which is the same direction toxins move out of your large intestine. It will help to keep everything moving correctly. Make sure to brush your underarms and up and down the sides of your body.
- Repeat the strokes several times before moving on to the next area. I tend to always do five to seven upward strokes in one area. It is important to remember to always brush towards your heart.
- Ideally wash the brush every few weeks. But let's be honest, mine has gone months at a time before I remember to wash it!
Please note: While dry brushing may not be right for every person, it is generally a very safe and easy way to take care of your skin and help to support your body. Please do not dry brush over broken or irritated skin. Those with extremely sensitive skin may not do well with brushes and should start with a washcloth.
Let me know if you have any questions or if you try dry brushing for the first time! I would love to hear from you!
Amy<3
