Your health is not something you can look at as a short-term objective. Starting routines and turning them into healthy habits is a great way to achieve your long-term health goals. If you are looking for something small you can add to your routine that can help your body be more resilient for the future, dry body-brushing may be just the thing.Â
Dry body-brushing or dry brushing involves rubbing a coarse-bristled brush on your skin to exfoliate it. The skin is the largest, most eliminative organ in our body, and exfoliating the skin removes dead skin cells from the surface of the epidermis and reveals soft, healthy skin. It also leads to better skin cell renewal and can help prevent the appearance of premature aging. Plus, it allows the body to pass toxins and absorb nutrients more easily by keeping pores unclogged.
Additionally, dry brushing is thought to stimulate the body’s lymphatic system, which is responsible for protecting your body from illness by removing cellular waste and keeping the body’s fluids balanced. It can become backed up or slowed down by blockages or diseases that weaken your immune system.
You can keep your lymph system flowing with dry brushing a few times a week.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- When purchasing your brush, look for an all-natural bristle brush and make sure you aren’t over exfoliating your skin. Watch out for brushes that are made out of plastic as they will scrape and damage your skin.
- The best time to dry brush is in the morning before a shower. I love adding dry brushing into my morning routine three times a week. It gives me a boost of energy and leaves my skin soft and glowing!
- When using your dry brush to stimulate your lymphatic system, use long strokes with mild pressure always moving toward your heart.
- It is always great to follow up your dry brushing with a natural and hydrating oil, cream or lotion. Try adding a few drops of the essential oils (Helichrysum, Lavender or Frankincense) to jojoba oil for extra age-defying properties.
- Never brush over open wounds or sunburned skin.
A trained massage therapist can also use dry brushing to lessen the effects of lymphedema, a condition where the tissue swells due to an accumulation of fluid; this usually occurs in the limbs. Ask your health care provider if dry brushing is right for you.
If you are interested in trying dry brushing, ask your massage therapist and we will be happy to add the health-boosting enhancement to your service. If you have any concerns, ask your health care provider before moving forward.
September Thriving Magazine • Issue 15
September is Self Care Awareness Month and our September issue of Thriving magazine is focused on just that… With an emphasis on setting yourself up for aging with vitality. The choices we make today will have a huge impact on our future selves, and we want to help you lead healthy, strong and energetic lives. Enjoy!
Articles are written by our experts in physical therapy, fitness training, chiropractic care. nutrition, massage, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and energy healing.
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