The Endless Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing
By Dr. Nicole Pierce, The Vervain Collective
Dry Skin Brushing
One of the very first things I like to recommend to my patients who are looking to optimize their health is Dry Skin Brushing. It is suitable for practically everyone and the benefits start almost immediately. Skin brushing is invigorating, easy, and a low investment of time and money, while the benefits are numerous. While there have not been any specific scientific studies about dry brushing (no one is going to make a fortune on this particular health recommendation), Naturopathic Physicians have long “prescribed” it as an easy way to stimulate the lymph system, support detoxification pathways, and increase circulation. Dry Skin Brushing works to activate your lymph system which is located just under your skin. You can think of lymph as a liquid that slowly moves throughout your body gathering up unwanted materials (like viruses, bacteria, damaged cells, and waste). There is no pump to move your lymph (unlike blood circulation which is pumped by the heart and arterial valves), but there are a few things that you can do to help the lymph to flow more easily. In addition to moving out waste, lymph movement also helps white blood cells (your immune system!), fat soluble vitamins, and hormones get delivered to tissues.
As an added bonus, Dry Skin Brushing exfoliates dead skin cells and allows your sweat glands clear access to rid of toxins from your body. You may notice cleaner and smaller pores as the skin is cleared of oil, dirt, and residue (use a smaller, gentler dry brush for the face). The jury is still out on this one but dry skin brushing has also been anecdotally reported to reduce cellulite!
An ideal time to add dry skin brushing to your routine is in the morning before showering. It has a subtle enlivening effect, especially if you add a few drops of certain essential oils like lemon or rosemary.
1. Use a firm, natural bristle brush with a long handle that will allow you to reach your entire back and easily brush the bottoms of your feet and the backs of your legs.
2. Start with a gentle brush and soft pressure (best for stimulating lymph) and work up to a firmer brush and more firm pressure (for exfoliation effect).
3. Starting at the feet, brush the bottoms of the feet and up the legs in long, smooth strokes. Brush each section of skin 10 times toward the heart area where the lymph system drains.
4. Repeat the same process with the arms, starting with the palms of the hands and brushing up the arm toward the heart.
5. Brush stomach and armpits in a circular clockwise motion.
6. Repeat the process on the torso and back, then finish on the face with a more delicate brush or natural sponge.
Note: A light and smooth stroke works best for lymphatic stimulation, then progress to a firmer touch for exfoliation. Your skin should be slightly pink after brushing, but it should never be red or be painful. Less is more!
Wash your brush every few weeks to remove dead skin cells, and replace the brush every 6-12 months as the bristles will eventually wear out.
**If you have sensitive skin or a history of eczema or other skin conditions, you may want to skip this health habit.
https://www.thevervaincollective.com/naturopathic-guidelines
