THE BENEFITS & EASY GUIDE TO DRY BRUSHING YOUR BODY

The Ayurvedic technique of dry brushing has been around for a long time. But recently, dry brushing has become popular all over the globe, and for good reason. Read on to learn how to dry brush, and the benefits it may bring!

BENEFITS OF DRY BRUSHING

1. Dry brushing may encourage circulation. Dry brushing puts pressure and friction on your skin, which may encourage healthy blood and lymph drainage. The lymphatic system works alongside your circulation system to transport immune cells and waste. Regular dry brushing may increase the health of the lymphatic and circulatory system, which increases skin health!
   
   
2. It buffs and exfoliates skin. Dry brushing encourages natural exfoliation by removing the top layer of dead skin cells. This allows your skin to more easily absorb lotion or cream. This also makes your skin look better!
   
   
3. Offers a new self care ritual. The act of dry brushing can offer a moment of reflection and self-care. Doing good for your body and feeling good about it are always positives!

HOW DO I DRY BRUSH?

1. Find a brush.
   
   The perfect dry brush is a matter of personal preference. You want one that is stiff but not too abrasive. Most recommend a boar bristle brush, but there there are also synthetic alternatives that are similar in quality.
   
   
2. Get started.
   
   You will need to be completely nude. Its recommended to take a shower afterwards to help wash off the skin cells you'll be brushing off. You can even start your dry brushing routine in the shower itself!
   
   
3. Master the technique — long, firm strokes.
   
   The strokes should be medium pressure and long. It might help to visualize pushing fluid just under your skin with each stroke.
   
   
4. Begin at the feet, and move upward.
   
   The point of dry brushing is to move lymph to your upper lymph nodes where it can reenter the circulatory system. This may help your body with detoxification. With that in mind, begin with the bottoms and tops of your feet, and brush upwards with long, firm strokes. Do shorter, faster, strokes around the joints. Make sure to get your thigh and butt as well, brushing all the way up to the lower back and stomach. Make small circles clockwise around your stomach.
   
   
5. Brush the upper body.
   
   Continuing upwards, begin with the hands just as you started with the feet. Bring the brush toward your body in long, firm strokes, being sure to do your palms and under arms too. Many lymph nodes reside in your upper arms, so pay special attention to that area.
   
   
6. Finish with your neck and collarbone.
   
   Be gentle with this area, as it is thinner, more delicate skin. Start at the jawline and move down towards your chest from there. Finish by circling around your heart. You're done!
   
   
7. Take a shower if desired.
   
   This will help clean your body of the dry skin cells the brushing may have lifted up. Skip scrubbing, just a rinse off is enough after dry brushing.
   
   
8. After the shower, apply lotion or cream bodywide.
   
   Because of the abrasive nature of dry brushing, it is important to moisturize your skin afterwards. Exfoliating allows your skin to more readily absorb lotion and oil. After toweling off, be sure to moisturize while your skin is still warm and damp!