Dry Brushing
As the largest organ in the body, your skin plays a role in the process of natural, daily detoxification. Skin is made up of cell layers that serve to protect you from the environment and even produce antibacterial substances to protect you from infection. When your skin is overloaded with toxins and dead skin cells, it cannot eliminate wastes or properly perform natural detoxification.
Dry brushing your skin in a deliberate pattern promotes healthier, firmer and brighter skin by sloughing away dead skin cells and promoting better circulation and cell renewal. It helps to soften hard fat deposits below the skin while distributing fat deposits more evenly, helping to remove toxins, diminishing the appearance of cellulite. By releasing toxins, it encourages the body’s discharge of metabolic wastes so that the body is able to run more effectively. Dry brushing rejuvenates the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings in the skin.
The basic concept of dry brushing is to use a brush in long sweeping and gentle circular motions from your feet to your head. Always sweeping towards your heart. The process should not take more than five minutes. Breathe deeply as you sweep the brush over your skin and enjoy the process. Your skin should feel stimulated and invigorated but not be irritated or red. Brush softly at first and eventually work up to firmer pressure. Avoid skin around the groin and breasts. Never brush inflamed or sun-burnt skin. Avoid areas with irritations or abrasions, varicose veins and patches of eczema or psoriasis. Start by dry brushing once a week and build up the frequency, which will ultimately depend on the sensitivity of your skin.
Do not use the dry brush you use for your body on your face and neck. Instead, use a soft brush made for the face like the Clarisonic Mia*, for example.
For the body, good quality dry brushes are inexpensive and available at most health food stores. Purchase a brush made with natural, densely packed, moderately stiff bristles. Invest in a smaller, hand-held brush and also a brush with a long handle that will help you reach your entire back easily. After you finish dry brushing, shower or bathe and then massage your skin with your favorite body oil or creamy moisturizer. This calming, stress-relieving act of self-care is healthy, invigorating and can be quite addictive.
By Dasha Ross, Certified Integrative Health Coach
*Not sponsored by Clarisonic TM