DRY BRUSH THERAPY
There is nothing like a brisk body-brush to get you awake in the morning {or during that afternoon slump}. Sluggish skin is warmed and revitalized by a few strokes from a natural-bristle brush and perhaps a few drops of gentle essential oils—lavender and patchouli for me.
Briefly, dry body-brushing is a detoxification therapy that involves gently brushing the skin with a natural-bristle brush. The resulting increase in blood and lymphatic circulation causes a number of health and cosmetic benefits—from a strengthened immune system to a glowing complexion. I have been using a dry body-brush, on and off, for several years; every time I start again, I wonder why I ever stopped. Let me encourage you with an explanation of how dry brush therapy can benefit you.
Dry brushing gently removes dead skin layers. Dry brush therapy provides gentle, energizing exfoliation for the entire body. It removes dead skin cells, improves skin texture, and renews the skin cells.
Dry brushing stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation. Skin brushing increases blood circulation in the skin surface, causing a healthy glow and clear complexion. Skin brushing also speeds the movement of lymph and clears the lymph vessels, strengthening the immune system and helping to prevent swelling from slow-moving lymph.
Dry brushing tightens and regenerates the skin. This is a benefit that has always been very clear to me. By stimulating blood circulation in the skin, body-brushing increases skin tone. It ‘wakes up’ the skin, and keeps it alive and perky.
Dry brushing helps remove cellulite. It requires daily brushing for several months before these results are seen. Massage and stimulation of the skin helps break up the toxic deposits of fatty tissue that cause unsightly puckering of the skin.
Dry brushing improves the function of the nervous system. By stimulating nerve endings in the skin, dry body brushing improves the function of the nervous system.
Dry brushing tones the muscles. By stimulating nerve endings in the skin, dry brushing activates individual muscle fibers. Dry brush is no substitute, though, for the toning that comes from using your body!
Dry brushing stimulates the glands, helping all the body to perform at peak efficiency. I tend towards dry and irritated skin, and brushing helps keep my skin soft and supple, perhaps by stimulating those oil glands. {The time I spend brushing also makes me aware of any skin that needs the additional help of moisturizing oils.}
Dry brushing increases your body’s elimination of toxins. Dry body brushing increases your skin’s ability to eliminate toxins. By enabling the skin to take on a greater load of your body’s detoxification, dry body brushing gives your liver and kidneys a little break.
One of the benefits I personally enjoy is an improved mood. I feel rested and cheered by the methodical brushing, the fragrant oils, and the energetic feeling that comes from increased blood flow. {Don’t do this before going to bed!} I always feel better after a body brush.
Choose a brush with natural bristles, with a handle that will allow you to reach your back. You must brush the skin gently, enough to cause a gentle flush but not red marks or scratches. Brush towards the heart to prevent pressure on vessel walls that that may result in broken capillaries or varicose veins.
Everyone has their own routine for body-brushing. Choose one that works for you and fits your schedule. ‘Dry Body Brushing’ by Debby and Penny Swann explains the simple and energizing routine that I use myself. It takes only 5-10 minutes a day to gain those beneficial effects!
• lavender and natural-bristle brush •
September 13, 2013