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Body brushing, otherwise known as dry brushing, is a form of Ayurvedic medicine that has been practiced for centuries. It’s believed to have many health benefits as this self-care ritual removes dead skin and improve’s your skin’s ability to eliminate toxins through pores. Just a couple of minutes of body brushing each day is thought to have many immediate and lasting benefits…
Strengthens immune system
Lymph flow is essential to immune function, as your lymphatic system helps your body fight off sickness and infection. Essentially, fluids flow through your lymphatic system and are filtered through your lymph nodes. However, when you’re sick these can become blocked. Body brushing helps to stimulate your lymphatic system and open up your pores, which helps your body release toxins through sweat.
Reduces cellulite
Okay, before you get too excited, body brushing won’t make your cellulite disappear, but it does help to reduce excess fluid and bacteria, and evenly distribute fat deposits under the skin, which results in smoother and brighter skin.
Increases energy and blood circulation
Body brushing helps to stimulate blood flow and circulation which increases energy levels, so it’s a great idea to incorporate body brushing into your morning skincare routine.
Detoxifies and aids digestion
The skin is our largest eliminative organ, so body brushing can help with detoxification as it stimulates your lymphatic system and helps it to release toxins. If you’re doing a juice cleanse or fast, body brushing will help speed up the detoxification process.
Firms skin and increases glow
Dry body brushing will give your skin a brighter, tighter and more radiant glow by increasing the blood flow to your skin’s outer layers. Like any exfoliator, it removes dead, dry cells and allows your body to breathe, leaving you with smooth and even-toned skin.
How to body brush:
- Start at your feet, moving in long sweeping motions toward your heart as this moves with the flow of the lymphatic system. Use firm, small strokes upwards, several times in each area.
- Begin sweeping your feet, starting with the soles of your feet as this area has many little nerve endings that need to be stimulated.
- Continue brushing up your legs and groin area.
- Proceed to your hands moving up your arms. Move to your armpits as there are many lymph nodes here and it will get any toxins and stagnant energy moving.
- From your neck stroke down towards your heart.
- Use circular clockwise strokes on your abdomen - this follows the path of your colon and helps stimulate elimination.
- Brush upwards from your buttocks, lower back and down from your neck.
* The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation.