Dry Brushing 101!

Last week, I began my journey of self care with oil pulling and tongue scrapping. I have to say I am really enjoying it. Twenty minutes everyday is not always possible so I am sticking to ten minutes. This week, I am dry brushing my body. It honestly looks and feels like a pinecone but I am willing to rub it all over my body and see what happens. I have dry brushed before as part of a cleanse but that was awhile ago so I am starting it up again. Here is the skinny on your skin and dry brushing!

Your skin, the largest organ in the human body is an organ of elimination. One third of your body’s toxins are excreted through the skin and dry brushing helps to unclog pores and excrete toxins that become trapped in the skin.

Here is how to get started:

1. Purchase a natural (not synthetic) bristle brush with a handle so you can reach all areas of your body. We sell them in the boutique.

2. Get naked and stand in the shower to catch the falling skin. (It's gross, I know.)

3. Begin brushing by starting at your feet and moving in long sweeping motions toward your heart. Always brush toward your heart.

4. Brush several times in each area, overlapping as you go.

5. Take care as you brush over more sensitive areas, like breasts and your tush. Your skin will become less sensitive the more you dry brush.

6. Once you've brushed your entire body, jump in the shower. (I like to alternate between the hottest water temperature I can tolerate and the coldest. This stimulates blood circulation, bringing more blood to the top layers of the skin)

7. After getting out of the shower, pat dry skin and apply coconut oil or lotion.

8. Continue to dry brush your entire body every day. Remember to clean your brush with soap and water once a week. Leave to dry in a clean, sunny spot to avoid any mildew accumulation on your brush.

Benefits of Dry Brushing:

Lymphatic Support: The lymphatic system is a major part of the body’s immune system. It is made up of organs and lymph nodes, ducts and vessels that transport lymph throughout the body. Many of these lymph vessels run just below the skin and proponents of dry brushing claim that brushing the skin regularly helps stimulate the normal lymph flow within the body and help the body detoxify itself naturally.

Exfoliation: This benefit is often noticed the first time a person dry brushes. The process of running a firm, natural bristled brush over the skin helps loosen and remove dead skin cells, naturally exfoliating skin. I noticed much softer skin in the first few days and weeks after I started dry brushing and my skin has stayed soft. Dry brushing is one of the simplest and most natural ways to exfoliate skin.

Clean Pores: The added benefit of exfoliating the skin, is clearing oil, dirt and residue from the pores. Though it isn’t recommended to dry brush the face unless you have a special, more delicate brush, dry brushing helps improve pores on the rest of the body.

Increased Energy and Blood Flow: I wouldn’t recommend dry brushing at night because it tends to give me a rush of energy. One theory is that because it increases circulation, it also increases energy.

Grab your brush and get naked and I will see you next week for how to create a home yoga practice!