Brushing the skin is a practice that has been recorded in cultures dating back hundreds of years in Japan and ancient Greece. It's a simple ritual of exfoliating the skin with a dry, natural bristle brush that provides both internal and external benefits to the body and skin.
Beyond exfoliating and eliminating dead skin cells, dry brushing also helps unblock hair follicles, leaving you with smooth, soft skin that has a natural glow. The pressure and direction of brushing also stimulates and mimics the direction of your body's natural lymphatic drainage patterns. By applying and increasing circulation, dry brushing stimulates the skin while keeping the skin pores clear, so that the body can perspire freely.
It can take a few attempts to get used to and enjoy the feeling of the bristles during dry brushing. Once integrated into your wellness routine two to three times a week, it will become something you look forward to. For me, it's a practice that I enjoy, and it often reminds me to think about what else I want to purge or get rid of. Getting rid of the layer of skin that no longer serves you
is a great time to reflect on the thoughts and erotional patterns that might also not be benefiting you.
This ritual should take just 3 to 7 minutes, depending on how much time you have. It's recommended to do it in the morning because it helps increase circulation and can improve energy; however, I enjoy dry brushing before bathing in the evenings. I find it's a nice way to sink into reflection, and I like ending my day with the fresh feeling I get from it, both physically and mentally.
~ Brushing should be performed on dry skin.
~ Always ensure that you brush in a direction toward the heart.
~ Apply enough pressure to stimulate the skin but never so much that the bristles are scratching you.
~ Start at your feet and brush upward toward the heart using small
upward strokes.
~ For the arms, start at the hands and work upward toward the shoulders.
~ For the torso and stomach, ensure that you work in a counterclockwise pattern toward the heart.
