The Dry Brush, an invaluable aid to so many things… most notably detox.
The How
On a daily basis, or as often as you prefer, pick up your dry brush (I use the Touch Me All Natural Spa Dry Skin Brush- 9″ Length) – it’s actually kind of pretty so doesn’t junk up the bathroon, has a small handle to help get those hard to reach areas but keep a good grip on the brush. Whatever brush you chose, start at your feet and work your way up towards your heart. Use gentle strokes continuing up your body. When you get to your stomach, work in a counter-clockwise circle. When you get to your arms, start at your hands and work your way up.
The purpose of dry brushing is to stimulate your lymphatic system. When brushing you should you use the lightest pressure possible. Think of a wave in the ocean, it starts small but continues for miles without “breaking”. When you create a large wave, it peaks then breaks early. Your lymph fluid is generally pretty viscous, think of the consistency of honey, so the slower and lighter you can keep your waves, the more fluid you are able to move.
Morning vs. Evening – dry brushing energized the body so it’s a great kick-start before getting into the shower to start the day with your best food forward. It can also be used as a method of meditation & relaxation so for that reason I actually like to do it before getting into the bath to wind down at night. There isn’t a right answer here… leave it to preference.
Why brush counter-clockwise on your belly? – The rational is based on the flow of your intestinal tract. Your ascending colon pushes matter from your lower right abdomen up to your transverse colon, transverse colon moves matter from your right upper abdomen across to the left, from here your descending colon moves matter down the left side of your abdomen for exit. Your intestines/colon are involuntary smooth muscles so by gently massing them in the proper direction, you are aiding their process.
The Why
Lymphatic Support:
The lymphatic system drives your body’s immune system. Brushing the skin regularly helps to move the lymph vessels that run jun below our skin, transporting lymph throughout our body. This brushing effort helps stimulate the normal lymph flow within the body and assists in natural detoxification & toxin release into the blood for elimination. Ditching these toxins helps reduce bloating.
Exfoliation:
This one seems obvious! The dry brush removes your body’s dead skin helping the skin to feel softer and appear brighter. In turn, we clean the dirt/oil from our pores in those hard to reach areas.
Natural Energy Boost!:
Dry brushes increases circulation throughout our body & as a result, that added blood flow increases energy. Try it once… you’ll feel light as a feather (oh, and that’s before it helps you poop).
Increased circulation give skin a glow, tone your legs, and may even lessen the severity of cellulite.
Stress Relief:
When you build dry brushing into your routine, you quickly realize how relaxing it is. Make a “zen zone” for yourself when you do this. Light a candle, turn down the lights, and give yourself some self-love & meditation. Doing this will reduce muscle tension, calm your mind, and relieve stress.
Thats the Healthy Truth!
Jess
