In the body, detoxification is performed by a number of different organs, glands, and transportation systems, including the skin, gut, kidneys, liver, lungs, lymphatic system, and mucous membranes. Dry brushing helps to detoxify the skin and also stimulates the other methods of detoxification due to its internal massage.
Dry brushing simply uses a soft, dry brush to gently brush the skin. It removes dead skin cells, improves the circulation of blood and lymph, and enhances detoxification through the skin. Dry brushing is also thought to have a calming effect.
Benefits of Dry Brushing
Dry brushing has the following benefits:
- removes cellulite
- cleanses the lymphatic system
- removes dead skin layers
- strengthens the immune system
- stimulates the hormones and oil-producing glands
- tightens the skin, preventing premature ageing
- tones the muscles
- stimulates circulation
- improves the function of the nervous system
- helps digestion
- fat deposits are better distributed
- unplugs the pores in the skin
- increases the skin’s ability to absorb nutrients
- increases cell renewal
How to Dry Brush
To dry brush the skin, you will need a soft, natural fibre brush with a long handle, so that you are able to reach all areas of your body. A loofah sponge or rough towel can also be used. Do not use synthetic fibre brushes as these may be too rough for your skin.
When dry brushing, always do so before bathing or showering. You can brush from head to toe or toe to head, as long as the entire body is brushed. Use long, sweeping strokes that start from the bottom of your feet upwards, from the hands towards the shoulders, and upward on the torso in order to help lymph fluid drain back towards the heart. Be aware that stroking away from the heart puts extra pressure on the valves within the veins and lymph vessels and can cause ruptured vessels and varicose veins.
When brushing, use lighter pressure in areas where the skin is thinner and heavier pressure where it is thicker. Perform the brushing once a day, preferably first thing in the morning. A thorough brushing should take about 15 minutes to complete but any amount of time you spend on it will be of benefit. If you are feeling unwell, you can brush twice a day. Dry brush areas of cellulite for 5 to 10 minutes twice a day to help it dissolve. To see results, you will need to do so consistently for at least five months.
Do not brush sensitive areas or where the skin is broken. Once you have finished the brushing, take your shower as normal and finish with three hot and cold cycles – turning the shower on as hot as you can handle for several seconds, and then as cold as you can handle it. This further invigorates the skin and stimulates blood circulation.
Originally published on Sep 28, 2008
