Did you know that your skin is your body’s largest organ and it makes up almost 20% of your body’s weight? This means it deserves a lot of love and care on a daily basis. Our skin is also one of our main organs for detoxification. Dry brushing helps to remove the skin’s dead outer layers (ew) and allow the pores to remain open. This allows the body to detoxify more effectively, as dead skin cells hinder the elimination of toxins. But wait there are so many more benefits of dry brushing!
Dry brushing also stimulates circulation and lymphatic drainage in the body which helps with detoxification.
Stimulating the circulation and lymphatic drainage also promotes alertness, aids in digestion, provides energy boosts, reduces stress, calms the nervous system down, and increases your body’s immune function.
Cosmetically it can help reduce ingrown hairs and cellulite, with summer creeping around the corner...SIGN ME UP!
But how does one dry brush CORRECTLY? It’s simple! Set aside time in the morning and make sure your skin is DRY. You should use soft, gentle, brushing motions towards the direction of your heart over your entire body. Ensure to avoid irritated or broken skin. It is also recommended to avoid sensitive areas like your face and for the ladies, your breasts. Work your way from your feet up to your inner thighs, really working on these areas that contain many lymph nodes (such as the area in between your pelvis and inner thigh.) Then, work your way in towards your
buttocks and lower back. Move from the buttock to your hands and gently move your way up your arms to your neck/collar bone area. You should finish with (and spend the most time on) your abdomen because your liver and intestines are your major organs for detoxification. Work your way in, towards the heart and belly button moving in a clockwise direction. Brush in circles towards the lower left side of your abdomen, which increases blood flow and lymphatic draining in the intestines to improve digestive function and detoxification. I promise, it’s simple and shouldn’t take more than 5-10 minutes. For best results, dry brush daily. If any of that confuses you, don’t worry. Remember.. ALWAYS BRUSH TOWARDS THE HEART!
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Until next time!
Haley Haberman B.S. HSMT
References:
Lam, Michael. "The Latest on Body Cleansing and Detoxification."
Disclaimer:
This information is generalized and intended for educational purposes only. Due to potential individual contraindications, please see your primary care provider before implementing any strategies in these posts.