I absolutely LOVE Dry Brushing!!
Dry brushing is a wonderful self-care and lifestyle habit that I highly encourage my clients to add to their routine. I first learned about it while I was a student at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition so OF COURSE, I immediately went out and bought one. It then made a very pretty bathroom decoration for about a year. Until recently, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, I pulled it out and gave it a shot. I'm not sure whether it was because I have more time on my hands or I was just being called to use it since I'm currently 1 week into a 30 day cleanse but either way, it felt like the right time.
And boy do I feel silly for waiting so long to use it!!
It is now one of my favourite tools! I use it almost every day after my workout right before I jump in the shower. My skin immediately looks brighter, feels silky smooth and I also feel quite invigorated.
The course dry bristles felt slightly uncomfortable but in such a great way. You'll understand if you've already used one or when you try it for the first time.
Not only does it feel wonderful and restorative but it has research-backed benefits for your health & longevity!
Benefits of Dry Brushing
1) Exfoliates dead skin cells
The hard bristles rub away the excess dead cells that lie on the surface of your skin. This will leave your skin silky smooth and enhances the overall appearance of your skin! I personally found all my circus scars diminish! Woot!
2) Detox!
Did you know that your skin is your largest organ!? It is also an important system for detoxification and elimination. This is why if the digestive tract or liver are overwhelmed you are likely to experience issues of the skin! Give your body the help it needs and open up this vital channel of elimination.
3) Supports Lymphatic drainage
Another way that dry brushing aids in detox is by stimulating the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a major component of your immune system.You can think of the lymphatic system as your bodies sewage system that lies just underneath the skin. Your lymph vessels essentially 'clean up' your tissues and your blood then pump the fluid through lymph nodes in order to be excreted by the body. By applying pressure and long upward strokes towards the heart, you are naturally aiding this system, improving your immune system, and removing toxins!
4) Reduce cellulite
Dry brushing is said to reduce cellulite! Cellulite is the appearance of bumpy skin in varying degrees most commonly found on women due to our distribution of fat cells as well as the arrangement of our connective tissue. It is formed when fat cells protrude through the connective tissue into the layer of skin which can give the appearance of cellulite. Since dry brushing encourages circulation I can see how stimulating the tissue can assist in creating space and improving elasticity in order to decrease the appearance of bumpy skin at the cause!
How to Dry Brush
You'll need a natural bristle brush. These dry brushes can be found at several health food stores or you can look on amazon! There is a link to the dry brush I use on the 'Products I Use' page of my website.
I recently purchased another brush specifically for my face. You can also find sets of dry brushes that include ones with softer bristles, harder bristles and one specifically for the face. You'll need a different brush for your face as the skin in more sensitive and you don't want to cause too much inflammation & potentially damage your skin.
I recommend dry brushing before a bath, shower, or sauna so that you can open the pores and rinse away the dead skin and toxins!
Please note: if you believe hard enough,it can also be used as a microphone
Exhibit A -->
Before you begin!
Keep in mind that going crazy with pressure is not necessary. The bristles will feel slightly uncomfortable but in such a pleasant way... you'll see. Lymphatic vessels also collapse with too much pressure which is why we want to respect our skin and our amazing bodies natural healing abilities.
Start at the feet!
Use long smooth circular motions as you massage from the bottom of your feet up your legs towards your belly! Do about 7-10 strokes over each section of skin. Brush towards the heart as this is where your lymphatic system drains
Spend more time around the ankles, back of knees, and around the groin/hip crease (as this is where you have more lymph nodes to help pump the fluid)
Repeat the same process with the arms, starting at the palms and brushing up towards the heart
End with your chest and abdomen. Circular motions towards the heart is best. You definitely want to pay more attention to the armpits and around the chest/breast tissue as this is where you have several lymph nodes. Avoid the nipples because that is just not fun...
Simply shake out the brush in the shower to brush off dead skin cells
If using your brush regularly you can wash it every few weeks to keep it super clean. Replace once you feel like fibres degrade- Usually about after 6 months.
How cool are our bodies!? I hope you enjoyed the blog! I am a firm believer that the body has an amazing ability to heal itself, we simply need to get out of its way. But of course, any assistance (like dry brushing) is appreciated!
Comment below with any questions.
Sending you love & light!
Ellie
xoxo
#drybrushing #healthyliving #naturalbeauty #ellienutritionperformance #smoothskin #lymphaticsystem #immunehealth
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