Dry brushing the skin is a part of the Ayurvedic tradition, its use dating back thousands of years. There isn’t a great deal of research to support the claims, but it is a simple thing that many people swear works. It’s a good therapy to try and see how it makes you feel. At the very least, it can be quite invigorating and gets you feeling ready for the day.
Some of the possible benefits include stimulating the lymphatic system and circulation, helping the body get rid of toxins, exfoliation, and reducing cellulite. It can also be very soothing as it is a form of massage.
If you have extremely sensitive skin or psoriasis, exercise caution and talk to your doctor to see if it is okay for you. Also avoid brushing over open wounds for obvious reasons.
Action – When a therapy has been in use for thousands of years, it is likely that many of the claims made about its benefits are valid. There just hasn’t been that much research done on dry brushing because there is no profitable reason to do it. That doesn’t meant that it isn’t a solid method of improving your overall health. The best thing is that, other than the initial purchase of the brush, it costs nothing other than a few minutes of your time.
Steps – It is what it sounds like – you take a dry, natural-bristle brush preferably with a long handle and use long strokes to brush the skin in the direction of the heart. If nothing else, it is a great way to exfoliate and to keep track of what is going on with various parts of your body that you don’t pay attention to otherwise. A brush costs about $10 and can be bought almost anywhere.
Starting at the feet, brush in long strokes under the soles and then up the legs towards the heart. A good rule of thumb is to always brush towards the centre of the body. Five to ten strokes in each area is enough. Brush the arms from the hands towards the armpits, and then the stomach and back in a circular motion. It’s a great thing to do before a shower.
Don’t use a stiff brush on the face. There are special ones that are much gentler than the one you will use for your body.
At first your skin will likely be quite sensitive, but after regular brushing this tends to lessen. Clean the brush with soap and water once a week and make sure it dries. Don’t keep it in the shower as it can begin to mildew, and replace it about every six months because the bristles will wear out.
Why It Makes You Feel Better – Anything you can do to stimulate the lymph system and help the body remove toxins is worth trying. The skin is the largest organ in the body and it is an important part of keeping us healthy. The exfoliating action of dry brushing alone is a good reason to devote a few minutes to this routine daily or at least every other day.
Example – Before getting in the shower is the perfect time to dry brush. That way you can wash away the dead skin cells that the brush removes. After the shower, applying a light moisturizer or oil to the skin will keep it looking and feeling good.
When something is easy to do, doesn’t cost much and may have multiple real health benefits, there is no reason not to give it a try. Work dry brushing into your routine and add it to the list of things you are doing to make yourself feel better.