DRY BRUSHING 101

I started dry brushing several years ago after learning about it in school. The immediate benefits of soft, glowing skin and feeling instantly revitalized and alive keep it at the top of my must-dos for self-care. It might be the simplest and least expensive self-care ritual you can add to your routine. By spending just a couple minutes each morning dry brushing you will:

• increase circulation

• boost cell renewal by sloughing away dead skin cells

• stimulate the lymphatic system (aids in natural detoxification)

• enjoy noticeably softer, smoother skin

• stimulate your cells and increase your energy

How to choose a brush:

Look for a firm, natural boar-bristled brush. I recommend one with a handle to easily reach your back and feet. You can find a quality brush at most stores and of course, online. The one from Primally Pure is my all-time favorite.

How to dry brush:

Dry brushing is a technique where you brush your skin without water. To get the best results from dry brushing, follow these steps:
1. Brush your skin daily before taking a morning shower. Afterward, apply a nourishing body oil or lotion (you can even add some essential oils for a luxurious touch).
2. Use gentle pressure when brushing. The bristles may feel firm and the sensation might be intense, but it shouldn't be painful. Avoid scratching or scraping your skin.
3. Brush in long, upward movements from your feet towards your groin area. For your arms, brush inward towards your underarms. You can refer to the diagram for guidance. Listen to your body and do what feels comfortable.
4. Brush each section up to 10 times, always working towards your lymph nodes.

A note about lymph:

Your lymph system is one of the most unappreciated systems in our bodies. It is constantly working to clear toxins and debris from our bodies. Wearing tight clothes and being sedentary are two things that have a big impact on our lymph systems. I learned this the hard way after getting super sick after a long road trip and suffering from a huge swollen lymph node in my neck. It took dry brushing several times a day, drinking dandelion tea, and applying castor oil packs to get my lymph system functioning properly again. Now, I always bring a dry brush when I’m traveling and take time to stretch and move for 10 minutes after every 50 minutes of inactivity.