Written by Adeline J. Wells
With the onslaught of winter ahead of us, it is time to begin caring for both our skin and bodies in a different way. Dry brushing is one such ayurvedic practice that can help. Dating back at least 3,000 years, Ayurveda is a traditional Indian holistic system of medicine for the mind, body, and being. It is ruled by the belief that everything is connected, and general health and wellness is reached by keeping your inner and outer being harmoniously operating as one. Dry brushing aims to promote balance of not only the skin, but the entire body.
What is dry brushing?
In Ayurveda, dry brushing is a practice utilized to promote detoxification, balance, and radiance of the entire body. By sweeping a brush in gentle movements across the top of the skin, it is a form of massage that can have significant and lasting benefits.
Choosing a brush
There are a variety of dry brushes that can be found on the market today. Brushes should have firm, natural bristles, and may either be handheld or affixed with a handle. Some brushes may advertise being an ionic brush; this means that the brush’s bristles are ion-charged, and create a negative charge when creating friction with the skin. Ionic brushes help balance the body’s electromagnetic energy.
Benefits of Brushing
On the surface, dry brushing provides light exfoliation and removes dead, rough cells, leaving the skin soft and smooth. However, the practice also works to stimulate lymphatic drainage and circulation throughout the body. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system that ensures everything is moving correctly through the body, from fluids to pathogens that could cause illness. Dry brushing helps increase both blood flow and stimulates lymphatic drainage, which allows for pathogens and toxins to move through and out of the body more quickly. This results in it remaining flowing and operating soundly, reducing inflammation and stagnation for overall wellness.
How to Dry Brush
Dry brushing is a simple, intuitive practice that can easily be incorporated into any routine. For best results, aim to brush daily before showering.
- Start at the end of the limbs and work upwards. Begin at the feet and work up the body, and similarly start with the hands and move towards the heart.
- Use the brush to make gentle sweeping movements. Make circular strokes around the stomach and lymphatic glands in a clockwise motion. Opt for shorter strokes around the joints.
- Do not press hard. The lymphatic system operates close to the skin’s surface; for this reason, it only requires delicate, light strokes to be affected.
- Pay attention to how your skin responds. Dry brushing will leave the skin red at first, and can exacerbate skin issues such as eczema or psoriasis. Take care to not press too hard until you understand how your skin is affected by dry brushing.
- Take your time with the practice. It is supposed to be relaxing and rejuvenating, and should be treated as such!
At Mojave Desert Skin Shield, we have created our own Ionic Body Brush to assist clients with their body brushing practice. The brush’s copper bristles add negative ions back to the surface of the skin, aiding in balancing the body’s electrical charge while helping improve skin texture. This brush is crafted from sleek beech wood and natural horse hair, with a strap to be easily handheld. Both simple and beautiful, the Ionic Body Brush will keep your body radiant on the inside and out all winter long.
