The Benefits of Dry Body Brushing
The skin is the bodies’ largest organ and it has many functions. It regulates body temperature, makes vitamin D, it protects the internal body, it forms part of our immune systems and it breathes. It is alive and it has a rhythm, an inhalation and an exhalation. It absorbs (inhales) oxygen and nutrients and it releases (exhales) carbon dioxide, sheds dead skin cells and completely regenerates itself every 28 days.
Dry brushing is a gentle way to exfoliate away dead skin cells and rejuvenate your skin's glow, but the benefits go much deeper than you may expect. The technique of using a natural-bristle brush all over your body before bathing also stimulates the lymphatic system, aid the exchange of oxygen which aids in the detoxification of organs and glands. This technique has been used for hundreds of years to soften and smooth the skin and as a too, of wellbeing.
In the same way that our liver and kidneys release built-up toxins and become stronger and healthier as a result, the increased circulation and self-massage that results from dry brushing can break down the toxic layers of fat underneath the skin that cause cellulite.
Many metaphysical teachers believe that cellulite is also caused in part by the build-up of toxic emotions and thought patterns. We think with every cell in our body, not just with our "minds." Over time, our thoughts create patterns that become stored in our cellular memory.
When we continuously believe harmful and negative things about ourselves and our bodies, we store those toxic thoughts in each of our cells, creating "patterns" on our bodies that we can see. When we dislike the new patterns our bodies are creating, we create even more harmful and toxic thoughts. It can be a vicious cycle, but we can start in the present moment to break the pattern. Creating a new cycle of healthy thoughts and bodymind patterns can be as easy as dry brushing your body every day.
Things You'll Need
Natural Bristle Body Brush
Rich Body Cream or Body Oil
Salt and Clay Soak
Begin with a natural bristle brush, preferably one with a long handle, so it's easy to reach your back. Moving the brush in small strokes towards your heart, work the brush over your entire body before your morning bathing.
I start with my arms, follow with my torso front and back, then end with my legs and feet, but other people prefer to work in the opposite direction. Do what feels natural to you.
Always keep the strokes moving toward your heart, not away from it. This stimulates the lymphatic system and strengthens the heart. Work the strokes in a clockwise direction around your belly, and in gentle circular motions around each buttock and breast.
When you've finished your entire body, including hands and feet, take a warm shower and gently pat yourself dry. You will instantly notice a fresh glow, and with regular brushing, your body, your mind, and your bodymind will reap even greater benefits!
Soak in our Detoxifying Clay Soak to re-mineralise your entire body. A stimulating combination of natural products of Magnesium Sulphate Heptahydrate (Epsom salts), Himalayan Pink Salt, Dead Sea Mineral Salts, Sodium Bicarbonate, French Pink Clay, Juniperus Communis Fruit Oil (Juniper Essential Oil), Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil (Lemongrass) and Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil (Rosemary Essential Oil) with aids detoxification.
Lavish your body with a body butter, aromatherapy oil or body cream so you skin will feel hydrated, soft and smooth. You are now ready for Summer!
