6 Reasons to Body Brush

A Healthy Habit to Support Your Skin Health, Circulation, and Relaxation

I have to admit, when I first heard about body brushing, I suspected it might have begun as a medieval practice in penitence. Additionally, the following childhood riddle also came to mind: “Why did the man hit himself over the head with a hammer? Because it felt so good when he stopped!”

All kidding aside, evidence indicates that body brushing is really good for you and experience suggests that you’ll love it once you begin.

Of course, the difference between brushing as an act of masochism and brushing as pleasurable personal hygiene has a lot to do with the brush. You don’t want to run out to your garage to find that heavy-bristled scrub brush you use to clean the wheels on your car. Instead, invest in a body-brush especially designed for this purpose.

Many suggest buying a long-handled body brush for reaching those hard-to-get places. Also, look for a brush with bristles made of natural materials. In order for a body brush to do its work, it needs to be somewhat stiff, but still feel good when you brush the tender areas of your skin.

6 Body Brushing Benefits

Here are 6 great benefits from body brushing:[1]^, [2]

1. To exfoliate your skin.

This is a fancy way of saying that body brushing helps remove dead skin cells and other detritus from your skin. This helps clear clogged pores allowing your skin to breathe. Old skin cells left on the skin can begin looking dry and scaly and lead to blemishes. When dead cells are exfoliated, new cells form more quickly. Skin not only looks healthier, it actually becomes healthier as dead skin is removed from clogged pores.

A huge benefit of skin brushing is a drastic improvement in the appearance of the skin itself! Brushed skin improves as new cells form more quickly, and the skin takes on a smooth luster that is noticeably brighter than the dull appearance of old, dry, and often wrinkled skin. Women especially note much softer skin after dry brushing for a couple of weeks.[3]

2. To stimulate your lymphatic system.

Your lymphatic system eliminates cellular waste and toxins from your body. In order for this process to perform properly requires constant and adequate lymph drainage. But the lymph system can become sluggish or clogged when toxins build up. This can cause inflammation and make you sick.

Since there is no organ to pump lymph fluid through the body, movement (exercise) and manual stimulation provide two of the best ways to keep your lymphatic system flowing freely. Dry brushing can help encourage blood flow through elimination channels to clean out the metabolic waste that can build up in the tissues and lymph nodes.

3. To increase circulation.

Dry brushing your skin increases capillary action and enhances circulation in your skin. This means that more oxygen is getting to the cells in your skin and organs. This has a cleansing and rejuvenating effect. Increased circulation also facilitates detoxification.

4. To relieve stress.

It’s no secret that stroking the fur on a dog or cat is very calming and stress-relieving for you (not to mention for your pet). When you brush your skin with long, gentle strokes, you experience the double benefit of both doing the stroking and being stroked! Add dry brushing to your self-care routine for a little self-love!

5. To invigorate.

The combination of improved circulation, detoxing and stress-relief brought on by brushing your skin is very invigorating. In fact, many recommend not dry brushing just before bed due to its energizing qualities. On the other hand, some do recommend dry brushing as a stimulant before love-making.[4] (You’ll just have to try it to find out!)

6. To reduce cellulite.

Because dry brushing helps remove toxins from the skin, many pros claim that dry brushing is an effective means for smoothing out the skin and ridding yourself of unsightly cellulite.

According to Annet King, director of global education for Dermalogica and the International Dermal Institute, “The procedure helps remove stagnant toxins that break down connective tissue, leading to cellulite.[5]

Your best bets for getting rid of cellulite are dry brushing, massage, an alkaline diet program and a consistent/persistent exercise routine. These techniques will break down the unwelcome toxic body deposits and send them scurrying out your body through the elimination channels. And your health will be SO much better for it!

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Tips on How to Dry Brush Your Skin

• You can brush most of your body. You might like to start with your arms and legs, then move to your chest, stomach and back. But avoid brushing your face, genitals, or irritated areas.
• Always brush toward your heart. This helps facilitate circulation and lymphatic drainage.
• Brush with long, slow, deliberate strokes and don’t rush it. Apply firm but not painful pressure.
• For best results, dry brush daily as part of your normal personal hygiene regimen.[6]^, [7]

After the initial small investment in a good brush, dry brushing your skin is a wonderful, healthy habit that costs you nothing yet brings great rewards. While dry skin brushing won’t be the magic bullet for any ailment or health worry, it can be a great way to support skin health, circulation, and relaxation.

Why not begin dry brushing today?

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Sources:
[1] Dr. Joseph Mercola, MD, “Dry Skin Brushing: Benefits and How To,” February 24, 2014, http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/02/24/dry-skin-brushing.aspx.
[2] Bethany Wright, “Do You Body Brush? Four Reasons Why You Should,” Kitchen Stewardship, May 13, 2015, http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2015/05/13/body-brush-four-reasons/.
[3] Wellness Mama, “What Is Dry Brushing for Skin?” nd, http://wellnessmama.com/26717/dry-brushing-skin/.
[4] Catherine Saint Louis, “Skin Deep,” The New York Times, December 15, 2010, http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/16/fashion/16Skin.html?_r=0.
[5] Krista Bennett DeMaio, “The Dirt on Dry Brushing,” Shape, November 4, 2013, http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/beauty-style/dirt-dry-brushing.
[6] Dr. Joseph Mercola, MD.
[7] Bethany Wright.