Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is a type of lifestyle medicine that is a daily body massage with a dry, stiff-bristled brush made of coarse, natural-fibre bristles, in a particular pattern.
The coarse fibres help to remove dead skin by gentle friction, and increases circulation, improving the skin's health and elasticity and ability to eliminate toxins through the pores, and supporting immunity.
How Dry Brushing Works
Using a dry brush creates creates friction with the skin that brushes away dry, dead cells from the skin leaving it more smooth and soft.
This stimulation or microtrauma to the skin and tissues below result in the encouragement of the body's healing response sending platelets, white blood cells, and other healing responses to the affected areas. This is great for areas with more stagnation.
Dry brushing also helps to drain lymph nodes and increase the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the skin.
These actions leave you with firm, healthy looking skin and an optimized immune system.
HEALTH BENEFITS
stimulating the lymphatic system
exfoliating the skin
supports detoxification
increases circulation and energy
exfoliates the skin
breaks down cellulite
sculpts, tones, and firms sagging skin reducing the appearance of lines
reduces puffiness
rejuvenates the look of dry, dehydrated, and devitalized skin
relaxes muscle tension
Dry Brushing Ritual
Use a natural fibre brush with a long handle. The long handle will help reach all areas of the body. Dry brush in front of a mirror so you can see where you are directing the brush. Start with a light amount of pressure.
BRUSH YOUR SKIN USING WIDE, CIRCULAR, CLOCKWISE MOTIONS
Use light pressure in areas where the skin is thin, and harder pressure on thicker skin like the soles of your feet.
START AT YOUR FEET
Start at your toes and move up your legs and midsection. Focus on the backs of the legs, knees, and inner thighs.
CONTINUE TO YOUR MIDSECTION
From the hips and under the breasts towards the navel.
From the breast tissue to the sternum.
BRUSH YOUR ARMS
After you have brushed your feet, legs, and mid-section, brush upwards from hands towards the armpits, focusing on the soft underside of the arms.
GENTLY BRUSH YOUR FACE AND NECK
Finish your ritual by brushing from your chin, along the jawline towards the angle of the jaw, and from behind the ear down towards the centre of the collarbone.
AFTER DRY BRUSHING
Take a cool shower and help remove the dry skin.
AFTER YOU SHOWER
Dry off and apply moisturizer.
Dry Brush Care
Rinse your brush after you have completed your brushing routine.
Dry it in an open, sunny area.
Clean the brush once a week with a gentle soap and water.
Contraindications
Dry brushing is a stimulating treatment. For that reason, avoid areas that are inflammed or irritated, or areas with damaged skin, broken capillaries, moles, skin tags, warts, acne, eczema, psoriasis, sores, undiagnosed lumps, melanoma, cancer or current use of blood thinners.
Avoid high heat or sun exposure for 12 hours after treatment.
Naturopathic Medicine
Regular dry skin brushing is recommended by naturopathic doctor Cristina Allen to improve circulation, resulting in strengthened immunity, anti-aging, and gentle detoxification.