How to Do a Dry Skin Brush
The skin is the largest organ of detoxification in the body so it’s important that we take care of it properly. Dry skin brushing is a simple and invigorating way to detox the body and renew the skin. Here’s how you do it.
Benefits of Skin Brushing
The simple act of brushing the skin with a stiff-bristled, vegetable-fiber brush has many beneficial effects including:
- Removal of cellulite.
- Cleansing the lymphatic system.
- Removal of dead skin layers.
- Strengthening of the immune system.
- Stimulation of hormone and oil-producing glands.
- Tightening the skin and preventing premature aging.
- Toning the muscles.
- Stimulating circulation.
- Improving the function of the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings.
- Helping digestion-activating trigger points associated with the stomach.
Simple Steps for Skin Brushing
Skin brushing should feel exhilarating. Skin brushing only requires a light amount of pressure to be effective. If done in the right light you can even see the skin particles being removed from your body.
The right way to brush:
- Your skin must be dry to do a brush.
- Brush sensitive areas lightly. You know you’re brushing too hard if it hurts.
- Brush areas like your legs and arms with a firmer touch.
- Use circular or long brushing strokes depending on the area of the body.
- Lightly brush each area with just a few strokes. This should be enough to give that area a reddish or pink color.
Don’t:
- Brush wet skin.
- Brush cut, sunburned, irritated, or bruised areas.
- Brush your face.
Here is the order in which you should brush:
- When your skin is dry, preferably first thing in the morning or before you take a shower, remove all clothing.
- Stabilize yourself with one hand while brushing the bottom of each foot.
- Continue lightly, yet vigorously brushing up one leg to the hips.
- Switch legs and brush up to the other hip. Always brush from the extremities towards the heart.
- Finish the lower body by brushing each buttock.
- Begin brushing the upper body by starting with the hands. Brush one hand starting with the palms and continuing to the chest.
- Brush the other arm in the same way.
- Now brush the torso, lightly brushing your stomach in a clockwise motion.
- Brush your sides starting from the waist and brushing up to the arm pits.
- Brush your lower and middle back and shoulders.
- Finish by brushing the chest and neck.
- Follow your skin brushing session with a shower and then apply a good moisturizer, such as coconut oil.
Brushing When You’re Ill
Because skin brushing stimulates the immune system it may be beneficial to do when you are feeling under the weather. If you feel weak or your balance is impaired, be sure to brace yourself while brushing to avoid falling. In more extreme cases of illness it is best to consult your health care practitioner regarding the practice of skin brushing.
Finding the Right Brush
Some things to look for in a skin brush are:
- a brush and handle combination that allows you to easily brush your back
- natural materials like a wooden handle and vegetable fibers
- firm bristles
Dry skin brushing can be done on a daily basis and is a great way to prepare for a shower or a swim in the ocean. Once you’ve experienced skin brushing for the first time you are sure feel the invigorating benefits.
by Adam A. Graham, author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Raw Food Detox
