Body Brushing Basics
Body brushing – also called skin brushing - is one of the best ways to care for your skin. It not only removes dead skin cells but aids in lymphatic drainage and detoxification, helps break up fatty deposits, and stimulates circulation.
Skin care is considered one of the most essential elements of our health and well-being. The skin is the body's largest organ, eliminating up to one third of all the body's toxins through its pores. Dry brushing stimulates the skin to help it rid itself of stored toxins.
Dry brushing is based on ancient Chinese theories of acupuncture. Chinese acupuncture is based on the idea that there are many acupuncture points spread over the surface of the skin. When these points are stimulated through dry brushing, all the organs in the body directly benefit.
Top 10 reasons to body brush:
1. Stimulates blood circulation to increase nutrient delivery to cells
2. Improves lymph flow to carry toxins and waste products out of the body, improving The function of your internal organs
3. Removes dry, dead skin cells
4. Encourages cells to regenerate
5. Results in smooth glowing skin
6. Stimulates production of sebum (oil), to nourish dry skin
7. Helps combat cellulite and fatty deposits
8. Boosts energy levels and stimulates the body
9. Soothes sore muscles
10. Feels great
Technique
Make sure the room is warm. Find somewhere comfortable to sit so that you can easily reach your feet and lower legs.
1. Take the brush and begin with the sole of your right foot. Use firm, rhythmic strokes to cover the sole several times. Next, brush the top of your foot, brushing up towards your ankle. Then go on to your lower leg, making sure you cover the whole surface. Always brush in an upward direction, towards the heart.
Stand up and brush the area from your knee to the top of your thigh. Using long rhythmic strokes - make sure you cover the whole area several times. Brush your buttock area as far up as your waist. Then repeat the whole procedure on your left leg, starting again with the sole of your foot. Now, starting from the top of your buttocks and moving in an upward direction, brush the whole of your back several times all the way up to your shoulders.
Next, brush your right arm. Start with the palm of your hand, then move on to the back of your hand. Next, ensuring that the whole surface of your skin is brushed, brush from your wrist up to your elbow. Brush your upper arm, working from your elbow towards your shoulder, again covering the whole surface of your upper arm.
2. Repeat on your left side, starting with your hand. Then, very gently, brush your abdomen, brushing in a circle, always in a clockwise direction. Cover the area several times but with less pressure than on your arms and legs. If it feels uncomfortable, stop.
3. The neck and chest are sensitive areas, so, again, brush here very gently. Always work towards your heart. If the bristles are too hard on your neck, don't brush here. Lastly, work on your face. Use a small, soft brush or a dry face towel and soften the pressure, as vigorous rubbing can stretch or otherwise damage the facial skin.
Overall it should take between 3-7 minutes to brush the entire body. It is great followed up with a body moisturiser.
Types of brushes
When you first start dry body brushing, it is best to use a softer brush like sisal, and then as you get more used to the feel of it, you can move onto a brush with firmer bristles like jute. Brushes with natural bristles always feel good.
Body brushing is a cost efficient and effective way to make you feel great and keep your skin looking radiant. Once you make it a habit, you will wonder what took you so long to start in the first place!
