Yes, you read that right!! Massage Dry brushing for your body!
One of my goals in 2020 was to learn all about dry brushing. Not many people have heard or talked about dry brushing, so that goal eventually went to the way side! A client came to me at the end of August, and asked if I have ever heard of dry brushing to help with her diagnosis. Yes, of course I have heard of it but have never practiced dry brushing before or even dove deep into learning exactly what dry brushing is!
My goal has officially started learning about dry brushing! This client is willing to let me practice dry brushing on her if I learn about dry brushing!
Let’s dive deeper into what Massage Dry Brush actually is!
Massage Dry Brushing is also called “Body Brushing”.
Dry Brushing is a very therapeutic massage process for the body and mind! You brush your hair, you brush your teeth, you may even brush your brows or beard. But there's a rather noticeable area that may be missing out on the benefit of bristles: your entire body!!!
What Brush is Used For Dry Brushing?
Dry Brushing uses a natural bristle brush with either a short or long handle. The bristles need to be firm but also soft for the skin. If the bristles are too hard you will destroy the acid mantel of the skin.
We stay away from synthetic bristle brushes because they have a smooth texture and springiness of the bristles.
Why Should I Get Dry Brushing??
Dry brushing focuses on the lymphatic system (see Lymphatic System & Dry Brushing Blog) and detoxing the body, but also as many other benefits!
Brushing the skin improves mental alertness, and is a stress reliever!
As mentioned above firm bristles are best for dry brushing the skin. By having bristles that are firm, you will exfoliate all the dead layers of skin off your body! Super plus!! This will help improve the skins texture and make your skin softer to the touch. Firm bristles also help regenerate new skin and rejuvenate new cells and cell renewal.
Brushing helps a lot with preventing premature aging of the skin. Dry brushing helps reduce cellulite in the body. This is by stimulating the skin to release toxins and gentle breaking up pockets of collagen encouraging stronger cell structures. As well as, correcting uneven fat distribution of cellulite. As you get older, your muscles become weaker, brushing the muscles will increase your muscle tone and tone your muscles,
Brushing also helps with stretch marks and scars. Brushing over those areas help reduce the fatty deposits under the skins surface.
Avoid Dry Brushing If....
If you're diabetic
If your skin skews extra sensitive or you're struggling with eczema, psoriasis, or other serious skin conditions, steer clear of dry brushing as it can exacerbate your issues and cause further irritation.
How Do You Dry Brush?
Hints the name dry brushing, this is done with no oils, creams or lotion on the skin. The skin needs to be completely dry to perform dry brushing on the skin.
You always start at the soles of your feet, up the back of the legs, back, back of arms, top of feet, top of legs, stomach, top of arms, chest and neck.
When dry brushing you ALWAYS brush towards the heart, in short, sweeping motions. This stimulates circulation without damaging the blood vessels in the body. But, on the stomach you will brush in a clockwise motion.
In short, sweeping motions you will brush each area 5-7 times. Make sure to overlap areas to make sure you don't miss any spots. Adjust the pressure of the brush on different areas of the body. Some body parts are covered in thinner layers of skin, making those parts easier to get irritated. In rougher areas like the elbows and knees you can apply more pressure to your desire.
You'll want to pay special attention to the joints where lymphatic fluid can collect. Or areas rich in lymph nodes, like the armpits, inner thighs and back of knees.