What is dry brushing?

The dry skin brushing technique is used to stimulate the lymphatic system, which is the body's cellular waste removal system. As the cells get nourished they produce a certain amount of waste matter which must be efficiently removed. This is the job of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system has no pump like the heart is for the circulatory system, so the lymphatic fluid must move by stimulating reflexes. Aerobic exercise will stimulate lymphatic circulation by vigorously moving the arms and legs, or even a brisk walk. Jumping on a trampoline is highly beneficial because jumping while moving the arms will pump the lymphatic fluid. A mini trampoline is excellent for this.

Skin brushing is another way to clean the lymph. You will start with a soft natural bristle brush which you can find at a health food store. Find one with a long handle.

Mentally divide the body into 2 parts with the belly button being the dividing line. Before bathing you will brush your dry skin in a long, upward stroke that ends close to the collar bone. Brush the left half of the body towards the left collar bone and the right half toward the right collar bone. Encircle each breast; stroke the breast tissue gently but firmly – always towards the respective collar bone. This is the area where the fluid re-enters the blood circulation for filtering by the kidneys and eventual recycling. Brush each arm upwards from the hands to the respective collar bone.

On the lower body, start with the bottoms of the feet and brush each leg upwards with long strokes toward the inguinal lymph nodes in each groin. Brush your abdomen from right to left to stimulate digestion. Brush the backs of your legs upward toward the buttocks; also brush your back and buttocks any way you wish.

End with a shower or bath to wash away all of the debris that came up to the skin.

Benefits of dry brushing:

1. Exfoliates Dead Skin - it’s important to do this gently so you do not tear the skin. You don’t want to break down the skin’s protective layer or cause irritation to sensitive skin, which could get infected. Exfoliating too much can also dehydrate the skin, which is that last thing you want to do.

2. May Stimulate the Lymphatic System - dry brushing helps your lymphatic system, which has the job of removing toxins from the body and ultimately helps prevent you from getting sick. When inflammation builds up in the body, it can cause the body to struggle to fight off that inflammation. If the skin is healthy, it can help release those toxins so that the body does not have to work so hard to rid itself of them.

3. Reduces Cellulite - dry brushing may help stimulate the cells and break down toxins from beneath the skin — since research showed that lymphatic system stimulation can improve cellulite — which may act as a natural remedy for cellulite and even reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

4. Unclogs Pores - dry skin brushing unclogs your skin’s pores and helps your skin absorb more nutrients, which promotes healthy skin and allows those toxins to release a bit easier.

5. Offers Stress Relief - another benefit of dry brushing is that it’s similar to massage in decreasing stress, which is great for your health by eliminating anxiety.