Ana Paula Baroni
movement . nourishment . wellness
Dry Brushing Technique
Detoxification is performed by a number of organs, glands, and transportation systems including the skin, gut, kidneys, liver, lungs, lymphatic system, and mucous membranes. But the skin is by far the largest and most important eliminative organ in the body. Dry skin brushing will not only renew your skin to restore its glow but also help to speed up the removal of toxins.
Dry skin brushing is a way to stimulate all of the above detoxification organs - it provides a gentle massage and stimulates lymphatic circulation. Another benefit of the technique is as a preventative for dry skin and a way to exfoliate the skin, improving the texture thus stimulating skin renewal.
Tips and Tricks for Dry Brushing:
•Use a soft natural fiber brush with a long handle, so that you can easily reach all areas of your body. A loofah sponge or a rough towel can also be used. Avoid nylon and synthetic fiber brushes because they are not as gentle with your skin. skin. Find the texture that is just right for you. Once your skin becomes “seasoned,” you can switch to a coarser brush.
•Always dry brush your dry and naked body before you shower or bathe because you will want to wash off the impurities from the skin as a result from the brushing action. Use light pressure in areas where the skin is thin and harder pressure on places like the soles of the feet.
•Preferably do the brushing toe-to-head. Long sweeping strokes starting from the bottom of your feet upwards, and from the hands towards the shoulders, and on the torso in an upward direction help drain the lymph back to your HEART. Do 5 to 10 strokes for each area.
•Dry skin brushing can be performed as many as 7 days a week or even once a week, but preferably first thing in the morning. A thorough skin brushing takes about 10 minutes, but any time spent brushing prior to bathing will benefit the body. If you are feeling ill, increase the treatments to twice a day. You can also dry brush areas of cellulite five to 10 minutes twice a day to achieve better circulation in that area.
•Avoid sensitive areas and any broken skin areas such as skin rash, wounds, cuts, and infections. Also, never brush an area affected by poison oak or poison ivy.
•Finish up with your regular shower and end with three hot and cold cycles (optional). That means turning on the water as hot as you can take it for several seconds, then as cold as you can handle it, then hot, for three cycles. End with either hot or cold. This will invigorate the skin and stimulate blood circulation to the outer layers of the skin.
•After getting out of the shower, dry off and massage your skin with pure plant oils such as olive, avocado, apricot, almond, sesame, coconut or cocoa butter.
•Clean your skin brush using soap and water once a week. After rinsing, dry your skin brush in an open, sunny spot to prevent mildew.