Dry body brushing is a traditional natural health practice, which
involves running a dry, soft-bristle brush in circular motions over the
body. It is a sort of spa like method that provide numerous health
benefits. The dry brushing technique open up the pores of the skin,
increases circulation and also deals with detoxification of the skin.
Below are some key benefits of dry body brushing:
1. Increases skin functions
Healthy, breathing skin contributes to overall body health. Dry skin brushing can effectively opens up the pores on your skin and helps your skin absorb more nutrients. Daily skin brushing promotes healthy, breathing skin and excrete toxins that become trapped in the skin.2. Stimulate Lymphatic System
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 under the skin layer. Dry brushing the skin regularly can help stimulate the normal lymph flow within the body and help the body detoxify itself naturally. The stiffer the bristles on the brush, the better the lymphatic stimulation it’ll create.3. Exfoliation
Dry brushing is one of the simplest and most natural ways to exfoliate skin. The process of running a firm, natural bristled brush over the skin helps loosen and remove dead skin cells, naturally exfoliating skin. This can help improve skin texture and cell renewal.4. Reduces Cellulite
The unsightly bumps of cellulite are the result of pockets of fat collecting just below your skin’s surface – a place blood flow just can’t reach. Though cellulite can occur anywhere on the body the most common areas cellulite are the thighs, abdomen and bottom. Dry Brushing tightens the skin by increasing the flow of blood. It help to soften hard fat deposits below the skin while distributing fat deposits more evenly. This can help to reduce the appearance of cellulite.5. Promotes Circulation
When you dry brush your skin, it stimulates blood circulation, bringing more blood to the top layers of the skin. This encourages the elimination of metabolic waste. By activating the circulation you can also prevent varicose veins.Dry Brushing: How to Do It
- The bristles should be natural, not synthetic, and preferably vegetable-derived. The bristles themselves should be somewhat stiff, though not too hard.
- Brush your dry body before you shower or bathe, preferably in the morning.
- When brushing, always brush toward your heart, which is best for circulation and your lymphatic system. Work in gentle circular, upward motions, then longer, smoother strokes.
- You can brush your entire body (including the soles of your feet). Start at your feet and work your way up your legs to your arms, chest, back, and stomach. If you have cellulite on your hips and thighs, concentrate there a little longer.
- Avoid brushing anywhere the skin is broken or where you have a rash, infection, cut or wound.
- It could take 5-10 minutes to dry brush your entire body.
- Finish by taking a shower, use cold/hot therapy to further stimulate the lymphatic system and improve circulation.