Dry Skin Brushing
Dry skin brushing is an Ayurvedic practice primarily used to promote lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system, a part of the circulatory and immune system, is a network of vessels in our body that mainly carries lymph (immune fighting cells) throughout the body and removes waste. Both actions are essential for immune health, and for a healthy cell environment.
Dry brushing also increases circulation to the skin, which may improve skin health. The practice exfoliates dead skin cells, decreases clogged pores and may decrease cellulite appearance - all of which contribute to a healthier skin appearance.
It’s also calming to the nervous system and it may help reduce anxiety and an active mind, by bringing sensory attention to the body.
There is no need for harsh exfoliating, as this treatment only requires a gentle action to be effective. And it’s important to use a quality brush made from natural fibres.
The method of dry brushing is to follow the lymph channel drainage patterns. Firstly, the nodes into which an area drains to, are brushed before the surrounding area is brushed so they become ‘open’. About 7 circular strokes at a pressure that is right for you is needed to get things moving. It’s normal for the skin to turn a shade of light red. Do not dry brush over any skin irritations, burns (including sunburn), rashes, wounds or distended varicose veins, and go more gently on delicate areas.
Brushing takes about 10-15 minutes, and you can brush anyway that suits you best. However if you would like to get the most out of your treatment, the below order is recommended:
Brush the armpits - here are your axillary lymph nodes that receive lymph from vessels that drain the chest, arms, breasts and upper abdomen
Chest
Upper back (this is where you can attach the head of the brush to the body of the brush)
Neck
Face
Sides of trunk
Low and mid back
Arms
Fingers, hands & wrists
Groin - here are your inguinal lymph nodes that drain the pelvic and anal region, gluteal region and lower abdomen.
Buttocks
Legs - around your knees are the lymph nodes of the lower limb
Toes, feet & ankles
Abdomen - brush in either big circles, or small circles in a clockwise direction that follows the large intestine. There are a large amount of lymph nodes in your abdomen
Follow with a hot shower or bath
It is recommended to brush once a week.
Buy your dry skin brush here, along with a certified organic herbal bath mix to relax in afterwards.
