Dry Brushing 101
What Is Dry Brushing?
Simply put, dry brushing is literally that: using a naturally bristled brush to brush the surface of the skin toward the heart, for lymphatic drainage and skin detoxification.
How Does It Work?
The skin is the largest organ in the body, and one of its main functions is elimination. One-third of your body's toxins are held in the skin. Stimulating the lymphatic system creates circulation and brings toxins up and out. It also enhances energy which is why it's so helpful for pregnancy fatigue and chronic fatigue.
What Are The Health Benefits?
Lymphatic drainage
Detoxifying
Reduces cellulite
Exfoliates dead skin
Energy boosting
Improves muscle tone
Stress relief
Overall wellness
Improves kidney function
Promotes circulation
Fights ingrown hairs Rejuvenates nervous system
Prevents premature aging
Helps digestion
When Should I Use Caution?
Do you smoke or drink; are you sensitive to most detoxing treatments; or are you a first-time brusher?
If any of the above apply to you, take it easy. Bristles on a classic dry brush will be to intense for you, use a dry washcloth instead.
Can I dry brush when I'm sick?
Yes! It's thought to help boost the immune system and move along stagnation in the lymphatic system.
Can I dry brush when I'm pregnant?
Yes! Dry brushing helps many pregnant women feel a boost of energy during pregnancy. (Yes, please!) It also tightens the skin and can reverse cellulite which is very helpful in the 4th trimester.
How Do I Do It?
SET UP
-You will need a natural bristled brush*, found at most natural grocery stores or ordered online. -To access the most skin surface possible, be in the nude or near-nude.
-Dry brushing is best done in the morning before your shower, and in the bathroom to catch the dead skin cells.
*If you fall into the cautionary category mentioned above, utilize something gentler such as a dry wash cloth.
1. Brush your skin in long sweeping motions toward your heart, starting at the feet and moving upward in long sweeping motions.
2. Brush up the leg, the rear, over the hip toward the groin. This is the natural movement of the lymph.
3. Then start at the outer limbs of the hands beginning at the fingers with long strokes up the arms toward the armpits and over the shoulders.
4. Then brush over your chest, gently over the breasts, with movements down toward your stomach.
5. Brush in circular motions over the abdomen.
6. Brush from the low back up toward the back of the neck.
7. Work the front of the neck from the jawline down.
(Repeat each stroke 6 -10 times. The total time should be roughly 5 mins.)
8. Shower. TIP: Alternate between as hot and as cold as you can stand to bring more circulation to the skin and aid in flushing the toxins.
9. Moisturize with a natural oil such as coconut or jojoba.
Repeat daily.
Clean your brush weekly with soap and water; let it air dry in a sunny location to avoid mildew.