Dry Brushing 101 – All you need to know
According to research, 60% of toxins enter our bodies through our skin. Think lotions, cleaning products, and make-up. While there are many ways for you to get rid of these chemicals, like drinking more water and moving your body, dry brushing can actually improve the way your body detoxifies itself naturally.
When toxins enter our skin, they can wreak havoc on our immune system as it goes into overdrive to try to rid the body of possible threats.
So the problem is, how do you detox naturally without having to change everything at once?
Introducing dry brushing, it is easy, beneficial for your health, and it feels good too!
So what exactly is dry brushing, how do you do it and how can it help you to detox so well?
Keep on reading to learn more about the benefits of dry brushing and why you should be doing it every day.
What is dry brushing?
Your skin is the largest organ in your body. The average adult’s skin is about 8 pounds and 22 square feet. Our skin (epidermis) basically prevents us from basically evaporating, protects from sunlight, manufactures vitamin D, and of course, rids our bodies of toxins. However, with the massive amount of chemicals and toxins in our environment, cleaning and beauty products, it can only do so well in terms of detoxifying.
When most people think of “detox” methods, they picture a strict diet, a juice cleanse or maybe a liver cleanse. All of which can be hard to follow and can cause bigger problems if you do not follow a safe protocol.
Dry brushing is like a juice cleanse for the skin, it helps to get rid of toxins and helps your body keep healthy.
Exactly as the name suggests, dry brushing is an ancient Ayurvedic method of basically brushing your skin, done in a methodical manner towards the heart for ultimate circulation benefits.
What are the benefits of dry brushing?
Since certain nutrients are absorbed through the skin, and the skin is also where essential vitamins are manufactured, it only makes sense that keeping your skin clean of gunk and toxins will help you to stay healthy.
Wearing artificial clothing and slathering on chemically ladened moisturizers and deodorants are some of the leading causes of toxins absorbed through the epidermis (skin layer) causing the lymph system to become overwhelmed and become backed up.
There are many incredible benefits to daily dry brushing, some we will cover in further detail later in this article.
Stimulates blood circulation throughout the entire body
Increases blood circulation to all underlying organs and tissues
Removes dead layers of skin and impurities
Keeps pores open and operating functionally
Helps to prevent colds in combination with hot/cold showers
Stimulates oil and hormone-producing glands
Increases your body’s ability to eliminate toxins
Keeps your skin looking youthful
Reduces premature aging by reducing cellulite and tightening the skin
Stimulates nerve endings on the skin, aiding in good nervous system health
As you can see, no matter your age, sex, or level of health, there are numerous benefits of daily dry brushing for your body.
Cleansing the lymphatic system
Fluids flow freely throughout the body where they are filtered in the Lymphatic system, in the Lymph nodes which are basically small swellings where Lymphocytes are formed.
Lymphocytes are the white blood cells in the body, which are the main immune cells, defending the body and fighting off any foreign substances and sicknesses such as bacteria, disease cells, and viruses. Without these cells, your immune system is basically helpless, it is vital for that you keep your Lymphatic system healthy.
If you are often exposed to chemicals or toxins in your environment, your lymph nodes can become clogged, which is why they become swollen when you have a cold.
When dry brushing, the course dry bristles stimulate the pores on the skin to open them up and induce sweating which helps to detox the skin and body.
How to dry brush properly
Dry brushing is best done before a shower to get the best benefits in improving circulation and removing dead skin cells. Using a dry brush with a long handle, follow these simple steps to dry brush effectively:
Start at your feet and move upwards through your body
Going clockwise, use wide, circular motions towards your heart.
Use more pressure where your skin is thick (bottoms of the feet) and lighter pressure where it is thinner, (armpits, etc)
After your feet, legs, and torso, dry brush your arms from your hands up towards your armpits
Take a cool shower afterward to help release the dead skin and improve circulation
After your shower, use a natural skin oil to nourish the skin without adding chemicals. This could be Shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, with essential oils for an added scent.
When you first start dry brushing, apply light pressure all over, then gradually increase the pressure the more your skin gets used to the brushing.
Is there a reason why I should not dry brush?
Dry brushing is typically safe for everyone unless you have skin rashes or skin conditions, then it could possibly make the condition worse. If you have eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis, contact with your physician first before you start dry brushing.
In certain cases, it could actually help with the symptoms of mild psoriasis or eczema by flushing the toxins out of the area that could be causing it in the first place.
Learn more about dry brushing and other modalities
Now that you know about the incredible health benefits of dry brushing, you are probably wondering what other health modalities are there that can help keep you healthy and toxin free?
We can help you see your lymph system through thermography studies. We have seen the effects dry brushing have on the lymph system. It can go from completely backed up to clear and free. Check out our services to learn more!
