What is it? How does it work and what does it do? Tineka and Marj from Pure Energy Spa in Melbourne take some time out to answer some of our questions about dry body brushing.
What is dry body brushing?
Unknown to many people, the skin is the largest organ in the body, and is responsible for a quarter of the body’s detoxification every day and therefore plays a vital role in ridding the body of toxins and impurities. Using a natural bristle body brush, dry body brushing is one of the best techniques to open up the pores of the skin, and is believed to stimulate and detoxify the lymphatic system.
How does dry body brushing work?
The skin should eliminate more than one pound of waste daily! But, the skin cannot perform its normal function when the body’s pores are clogged with dead skin cells and toxins remain stagnant in the body. The kidneys and liver have to work harder to eliminate these toxins and rid them from the body, doing the job of the skin. Dry body brushing can remove these dead skin cells and may help to get lymph fluid moving around the body which is believed to improve circulation and eliminate toxins from the body.
What are the benefits of dry body brushing?
There is a long list of health benefits which fans of dry body brushing believe are to be gained from giving it a try. They all relate to the fact that dead skins cells and debris are being removed which unblocks the skin's pores:
Improves the skins’ texture - can aid with cell renewal by removing the old top layer of skin a new fresh layer will come to the surface.
Absorption of much needed nutrients - may help allow lymph to carry much needed vitamins around the body so that we can absorb them where our body needs them most
Possible reduction in the appearance of cellulite - helps to break down the nasty toxins that build up and could result in cellulite.
Cleanses the lymphatic system - by stimulating the lymph vessels to drain toxic mucoid matter some believe this could possibly help those with cancer and other chronic illnesses.
Stimulates circulation - as soon as an area of the body is brushed, the blood flow to that area will be increased and you may feel more energised.
Strengthens the immune system - dry body brushing may be able to significantly reduce the duration of infection when you are ill or run down, possibly speeding up your recovery by removing toxins.
Does my skin require any aftercare after dry body brushing?
Dry body brushing helps eliminate clogged pores which may mean your skin absorbs nutrients a lot easier and can gain greater benefit from your skincare routine. The skin is the last organ in the body to receive the nutrients it needs, so if you can follow your dry skin brushing treatment with a detoxifying or hydrating body wrap, you will be giving your skin a helping hand to rejuvenate.
Can I try dry body brushing at home?
You can try dry body brushing at home, but remember it is ‘Dry’ body brushing – dry meaning not in the bath or shower. Try dry brushing before you bathe that way you can wash away any impurities afterwards. Make sure that you purchase a natural bristle brush, not one made from nylon or synthetic materials and it is a good idea to get one with a long handle so that you can reach all areas of your body.
It may feel a little uncomfortable at first so you might need to start with just a small amount of pressure and build your way up to a deeper stroke. The lymphatic fluid flows through the body towards the heart so it is important that you brush in that same direction ie up your legs and arms towards your heart. If you do not brush towards the heart you will put extra pressure on the valves within the lymphatic vessels which may potentially cause varicose veins. Your back is the only exception to this rule, brush from the neck down to the lower back.
So why not give it a go, your skin and body might just thank you for it.
