Body brushing or dry brushing is a technique advocated by natural health care experts for a myriad of benefits. These include:
- Detoxification
- Exfoliation
- Cellulite removal
- Strengthening the immune system
- Tightening skin
- Toning muscles
amongst other things. Does it have any merit?
The concept of body brushing has been around for centuries where it has been practiced in Russia, Turkey and Scandinavia. And it is still popular today, both at home and in European spas and cancer treatment centers. Promoted as a preventative measure against dry skin and a method of exfoliation, body or dry brushing is thought to stimulate skin renewal leaving skin soft to touch.
Although there is little in the way of evidence to support the benefits attributed to dry brushing, those who advocate it sing its praises. If this is a technique that intrigues you, here’s how to do it right:
- Use a firm body brush. Loofahs, sisal mitts or long handled brushes work well. Ensure that it doesn’t scratch too much as this may irritate or damage skin.
- Brush using upward, sweeping movements, starting at your feet and working your way up your body. Use gentle pressure on thighs and stomach area.
- Move onto your breasts, shoulders, and arms remembering to work towards the heart. Pay special attention to rough areas like elbows and knees. Choose a long handled body brush for your back.
- If your skin is sensitive use a wet the mitt along with a gentle cleanser. The water will help to reduce friction of the body brush to help minimize skin irritation.
You can body brush daily or as often as you like helping to remove dead, dry skin cells – skin should feel smoother. Whether or not it can help with the rest, I’m not sure. But if you have the time, give it a whirl. It may just be the most relaxation you’ve had in a while.
