Dry Body Brushing

Our journey of health and wellness can take us on many different paths. As much as we love learning about nourishing and healing food we also love other natural practices that are healing for our body. I stumbled upon dry body brushing about a year ago and have incorporated it into my early morning routine.

Dry body brushing or in the Ayurvedic Tradition, ‘Gharshana’ which means rubbing, is an energizing, stimulating treatment that has many health benefits.

The skin is our largest organ and one of the most important organs for detoxification. It is one of the last organs to receive nutrients but one of the first to show signs of imbalances. More reasons to make sure we look after it!

Dry body brushing is a way of helping our skin to do its job more effectively. Dry body brushing:

• Activates the lymphatic system, which helps remove toxins from our body- the pressure of dry body brushing stimulates the lymph nodes to help with drainage of the lymph fluid.

• Helps improve circulation and increases circulation to all the tissues. Increased circulation can also improve the appearance of cellulite.

• Stimulates blood flow and activates the oil and sweat glands bringing moisture to the skin.

• Is a great exfoliator helping to remove dead skin cells leaving softer, smoother and brighter skin.

• Aids digestion and helps the liver and kidneys function more optimally.

Dry body brushing is a great daily routine to start. Give yourself some ‘me’ time before your shower. You can take 2minutes or 20 minutes (as long as you have) but try and brush every day. You’ll need a body brush, which can be purchased from Choose Life. Live it. Do it.

If starting at the feet, move upwards in sweeping strokes towards the heart. Brush your legs upwards and then your arms towards your heart. Move in clockwise direction around your stomach and chest. Use circular motions on areas of cellulite or varicose veins. After brushing, shower and then give yourself a massage with your favourite non-toxic body lotion/oil.

Who else incorporates this practice into their daily routine? What benefits have you seen?