Dry Brushing - The key to health, vitality and beauty is in your hands

Understanding our Skin

Skin is the body’s first line of defense and reveals a lot about one’s health. In order to keep the skin healthy here are some important facts to consider:

• The skin is the largest most important eliminative organ in the body and is responsible for one quarter of the body’s detoxification each day
• The skin eliminates over one pound of waste acids each day in the average adult, most of it through the sweat glands
• The skin is known also as our third kidney
• The skin receives one third of all the blood circulated in the body
• The skin the first to show signs of imbalance or deficiency

Importance of Detoxification

Maintaining the flow of Chi, balancing the absorption of nutrients with the elimination of waste through detoxification, is vital to health and beauty.

 "Beautiful skin requires commitment, not a miracle." - Erno Lazlo

Detoxification is performed by a number of organs, glands, and transportation systems, including lymphatic drainage. Just below our skin, the lymphatic system is a network of vessels that carry nutrients to cells and remove toxins. 

During the change of seasons, especially as we move into fall, our systems become sluggish. This is the time when Dry Brushing can be really be beneficial. 

The Benefits of Dry Brushing

Dry Brushing, is an Ayurvedic technique that stimulates the lymph system, getting rid of excess fluid, bacteria, viruses, & cell waste. Not only will you feel energized and healthier, due to exfoliation regular dry brushing can result in smoother and more radiant skin. Dry brushing can help eliminate toxins and stimulate skin cells, reducing the appearance of cellulite. 

Besides exfoliation for smoother, softer skin, Dry Brushing not only enhances the immune system, stimulate meridians to energize Chi but is also a great Stress Reliever.

This daily ritual eases tension in the body and reduces anxiety, allowing you to stay grounded - bringing you in touch with your body in a simple, caring way.

More and more people are discovering the practice of dry brushing and enjoying the multitude of benefits. 

How to Dry Brush

Included with our Sisal and Hand-held Jute Brushes are a set of easy to follow instructions. Starting at the feet, up the legs then up the back and the arms. Followed by circular motion around the stomach area, and over the breast and armpit area towards the heart and chest area where the lymph system drains. 

Dry Brushing should be done "dry" before bathing by exfoliating skin with a body brush. Exfoliating on dry skin creates more friction than on wets skin, making it more effective. After taking a shower washing away dead skin cells, application of moisturizer, lotion or body oil can easily be absorbed. That is why we include with our brushes, a sample of our Replenishing Juniper Body Oil containing oils that can moisturize, help tone and reduce cellulite.

Regular Dry Brushing can help stimulate and accelerate the removal of toxins through the lymph nodes. The routine takes only 5 to 10 minutes and should be incorporated into one’s regular beauty regime for optimal health, energy as well as wonderful looking skin.

Benefits of Dry Brushing

• Helps reduce the appearance of cellulite
• Purifies the lymphatic system
• Enhances the function of the nervous system
• Exfoliate dead skin layer
• Aids in digestion 
• Stimulates the hormone and oil-producing glands 
• Helps the elasticity of the skin
• Strengthens the immune system
• Tones the muscles
• Improves blood flow

Selecting your Dry Brush

Our brushes are made from natural fibers sourced from sustainable plantations in South East Asia - the Sisal has coarse, stiff bristles while the Jute has softer yet firm bristles more suited for thinner, more sensitive skin and the ‘newbies’ to dry brushing.

Make sure your brush has natural bristles and not plastic. The brush should not break or tear skin and it shouldn’t be painful. Coarse bristles, like the Sisal Brush, is perfect when it comes to exfoliation. It may be a bit harsh on thinner and less exposed skin, especially areas around the neck, stomach and breast area. These also happen to be prime spots for lymphatic drainage, particularly the armpits and inner thigh areas. It is recommended to use gentle brush strokes in the direction towards the heart and lymph nodes, allowing toxins to be released.

We highly recommend dry brushing using both the Sisal and the Hand-held Jute, in order to cover all areas of the body comfortably. The Sisal is 9.5 inches long with a cotton wrapped 5-inch long handle can be held comfortably to help reach the back areas as well as the legs and feet. For the more sensitive areas, the Hand-held Jute fits nicely in the palm, allowing more control over the amount of pressure exerted.

Do not brush too vigorously or too frequently as this can damage skin and cause irritation and dryness. We recommend dry brushing one or two times a week.

We do not recommend using the dry brush on your face. If you have preexisting skin conditions such eczema or psoriasis it’s best to stay away from dry brushing as it can exacerbate the problems and cause even more irritation.

To clean: Shake the brush after use and keep away from moisture. Wash the brush in soapy water every few weeks or soak in a basin of warm water with a teaspoon of baking soda. Rinse well and the brush to dry thoroughly before using.

Post Dry Brushing

After showering, your skin will tingle with health. This is the time to slap on the moisturizer or body oil, as it will be absorbed readily into your baby soft skin.

Feeling so energized you may want to venture out – just don’t forget to apply sunscreen as dry brushing can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Happy brushing! If you want to give or dry bushing a try, let us know how you get on or if you have any questions.

Be well. Be beautiful. Inside and out.

 

With love, Anna