To get started, follow the simple steps below:
- Purchase a natural bristle brush with a long handle so can reach all areas of your body. I like this brush
- Get naked and stand inside the shower, so the surface can catch the falling skin and will then be rinsed down the drain when you shower.
- Begin brushing by starting at your feet and use the brush in long sweeping motions toward your heart. Remember to always brush toward your heart.
- Brush several times in each area, overlapping the areas as you go.
- Take care as you brush over more sensitive areas, like the breasts. NOTE: Your skin will become less sensitive the more you dry brush.
- Once you’ve brushed your entire body, turn on the shower and rinse under the hottest water you can, then reduce the temperature to the coldest water you can tolerate, then back to warm water. (This stimulates blood circulation, bringing more blood to the top layers of the skin.) At this point I like to use my sugar coffee scrub to remove any excess dry skin and moisturize my skin. You can find my recipe here.
- After getting out of the shower, pat dry skin. If you did not use my sugar scrub apply either organic coconut oil or avocado oil.
- Continue to dry brush your entire body at least 3 times a week. Remember to clean your brush with soap and leave to dry in a clean, sunny spot to avoid any mildew accumulation on your brush.
Dry brushing is a type of Ayurvedic medicine that has been around for centuries. It’s believed to have many health benefits.
Some of the benefits may include:
- stimulating the lymphatic system
- exfoliating the skin
- helping the body rid itself of toxins
- increasing circulation and energy
- exfoliation
- helps to minimize the appearance cellulite
Dry brushing works by exfoliating the skin. Practitioners of dry brushing rub a brush with coarse, natural-fiber bristles over their bodies in a particular pattern.
Lymphatic system and the removal of toxins
The lymphatic system helps your body fight off infections. Fluids flow through the system and are filtered through the lymph nodes. If you’re sick or exposed to a lot of toxins, the system may become backed up and clogged. That is why your lymph nodes often become swollen when you have a cold. Dry brushing is thought to help the body release toxins through sweat. The course bristles on the brush stimulate the pores and open them up. This makes it easier for the body to sweat, which in turns reduces the amount of toxins flowing through the lymphatic system.
Exfoliation
The coarse bristles can brush away dry, dead cells from the skin. This can leave your skin more smooth and soft.
Relaxation
Similar to a massage, dry brushing may make you feel relaxed which is great for stress reduction.
Risks of Dry Brushing
Some people should avoid dry brushing or proceed with caution. People with open or inflamed skin, including people with eczema and psoriasis, should avoid dry brushing over the inflamed area. You should also avoid dry brushing over an open wound. You could introduce bacteria to the wound, which could lead to infection.