Photo courtesy of Oasis Advance Wellness.com
Dry body brushing has been around for centuries. It is a great way to detoxify the skin, aid in lymphatic drainage, and helps in reducing cellulite, to name but a few of the many benefits.
Used widely in health spas as a slimming and / or detox treatment, body brushing can also be done at home. It is an easy technique to learn and all you need is a natural fiber brush, which can easily be found online or obtained from your local store. (See below for our recommended brushes from Amazon.) Be sure to choose a natural fiber brush as synthetic fibers may irritate or damage the skin.The benefits are tremendous.
- Softens,smooths and firms skin
- Removes dead skin cells
- Improves nervous system
- Removes cellulite
- Cleanses the lymphatic system
- Aids in draining excess fluid from the body
- Helps tone muscles
- Aids digestion
- Natural and relaxing
- Strengthens immune system
- Reduces the need for body lotions and creams by stimulating the oil glands
How to Dry Body Brush Your Skin:
Dry body brushing is best to do in the morning, as its invigorating and awakening effect can interfere with sleep if done at night. Never brush cut or broken skin.
Make sure you are in a warm, dry room with somewhere to sit that is comfortable so that you can reach your legs and feet. Make sure to use firm, even strokes in the direction of the heart and go over each area several times in order to ensure the whole part of the body you are brushing is covered.
Start in a sitting position, working on one foot and make your way up to your buttocks. Repeat on the opposite leg.
Next move on to your arms. Start at the palms of the hands, working in towards the body.
When brushing the abdomen, always use clockwise circular motions and slightly less pressure than on your arms and legs.
Once completed, move on to the neck and chest. These areas can be sensitive and it is recommended to use much lighter strokes.
Last of all, the face. It is beneficial to use a brush that is designed for the face or even a face cloth. It is essential to be very gentle to this area to get the maximum benefit and avoid any damage to the skin from excessive rubbing.
The key to remember is that this should be stimulating to the skin. You don't want to brush too hard as this can irritate or damage your skin's surface.The whole procedure should take no longer than 10 minutes. For maximum effects take a warm shower after dry brushing.
Sources for this article:
Health Benefits of Dry Body Brushing: http://www.exhibithealth.com/general-health/health-benefits-of-dry-body-brushing-661/
Article from Well and Good NYC: http://www.wellandgoodnyc.com/2010/07/01/how-to-dry-brush-your-body-for-the-beach/#
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