We all tend to pay special attention to the skin on our faces – washing, exfoliating, moisturizing…But what do you regularly do for the rest of your skin (and the rest of your body, for that matter)? You should be dry brushing – an easy skin and health regimen that has a myriad of benefits.
Dry brushing is a relatively easy hygiene practice that simply involves “brushing” your skin. The important part is that you use a dry brush and long sweeping motions and large circular, scrubbing motions. This is a practice that is so effective and so beneficial you should be doing it at least once a day if not twice.
As crazy as it may sound to “brush” your skin, we want to convince you how important it is. Other than that it just feels good, we suggest dry brushing for 5 main reasons.
Your lymphatic system processes all of the waste products that move through your body. When your lymph system is not processing correctly, toxins and waste build up and make you sick. Dry brushing helps flush your lymphatic system and release toxins.
Your circulatory system also plays a key role in keeping you healthy. When you dry brush your skin, you increase blood flow throughout your body, which also helps your body release metabolic waste.
Dry brushing also has a positive effect on your digestive system. Digestion promotes the regulation of your digestive system by promoting blood flow and promoting the movement of water throughout your body. This means you shed more excess water and you eliminate built-up toxins in your body.
Stress causes a number of debilitating effects on your body. Dry brushing is a semi-meditative practice that helps reduce tension in your muscles, calms your mind, and relieves stress naturally.
Obviously one of the biggest benefits of dry brushing is that it effectively exfoliates your skin. It removes dead skin cells, improves the overall look and feel of your skin, and even clears clogged pores.
Beginning a dry brushing regimen is literally as easy as getting a brush and softly circulating it over your skin. However, it does matter what type of brush you use and how you use it. You’ll want to get a brush with natural bristles that are vegetable-derived. You also want a brush that has stiff but not hard bristles.
Once you’ve selected an appropriate brush, you are ready to get started. Begin by brushing toward your heart in long sweeping and large circular motions. Start at your feet and move up and then from your arms in toward your chest. Remember not to brush too hard – your skin should be rejuvenated but not red or irritated after brushing.
Even if it seems like an unusual practice, we suggest you give dry brushing a try. You’ll be surprised by the number of health benefits you’ll experience even as you just start. Please share your feedback with us!
