I first heard about dry brushing years ago, but it kind of went in one ear and out the other. Even though I’ve always been into health, it was mostly in the area of nutrition and exercise. But then my sister started doing it this summer and raving about it. I still wasn’t convinced. Like I need to add one more thing to my list!
But I finally gave in, and placed an order with Amazon…
and now I’m addicted!
Dry brushing is supposed to help your body detox, specifically by supporting lymphatic drainage. (Just like the rebounding that I discussed in my post “Instant Energy.” And sometimes I dry brush after I rebound!) It also improves circulation and according to anecdotal claims may reduce cellulite.
So here’s the thing…I’m all about implementing healthy habits into my day to day life, especially into my morning routine. But I have to be able to notice a real benefit if I’m going to keep up with them. So here’s why I dry brush:
Energy: Dry brushing is very stimulating to the surface of the skin. I’m not sure if it’s the increased circulation, or just the feel of the bristles, but it definitely wakes me up and gets me going in the morning.
Smooth, soft skin: Usually as soon as the weather turns cold, the skin on my legs begins to resemble that of a lizard. Nothing against lizards…I had a 6 foot long iguana as a pet for many years. But I don’t want to feel like one. No matter how much lotion or body oil I applied, my skin was flaky. That is no longer the case. Even if I don’t have time for coconut oil after I get out of the shower, my skin stays smooth and never feels dry,, since I am getting rid of the old, dead skin cells every day. This amazes me!
So, how do you dry brush?
First, get yourself a dry brush. It should have stiff, natural bristles. This one has a long wooden handle so I can reach my back, and it just feels good in my hands. This one is the same one my sister and I use every day. Customer service is great…they even emailed instructions on how to use it.
(Oh, and on another note, the photo above made me realize I need better lighting and more color in my bathroom. Seriously. My robe matches the walls which even match my hair. Way too much beige!)
The best time to dry brush is in the morning, before you shower. You are brushing your whole body, but not your face. In order for the lymphatic support to take place, you should be brushing towards your heart. So, if you are below your heart, brush up. Above your heart, brush down. I start at my feet, then lower legs and upper legs. Then I go from hands to arms. You are even supposed to brush your underarms. Sounds a little strange, but I got used to it. Then neck,chest, abdomen, and back (which is why you want a long handled brush). The whole process should just take a few minutes.
I can’t believe I waited so long to try this! Next time I’ll listen to my sister right away! I even pack my dry brush when I travel…I love it that much. Will dry brushing make you happy, healthy and hot? Oh yeah! The way it wakes you up in the morning will make you very happy, the lymphatic support and increased circulation is keeping you healthy, and having skin that glows, even in the winter, is very hot!
Give it a try…I’d love to hear what you think!
I dry brush too! Just began a few months ago and really enjoy it. I dry brush at night before my bath. You’re right Elizabeth, as strange as it may seem initially, it really is a healthy addictive practice once you give it a try 🙂
So happy to hear you like it, Ann! I thought it was a waste of time until I actually tried it!
This is one of those things that never stuck with me (but only because I never gave it a fair chance!). It’s good to know you are getting good results from it – makes me want to bust my dry brush out of hiding and give it a go! Thanks for the inspiration!!
Kelly, I just read your sauna post last night and loved it. The sauna combined with dry brushing would be amazing. But I know what you mean about these habits…some stick, some don’t. I did oil pulling for a year and loved it, but it fell by the wayside when my morning routine changed a bit. That’s one I’d like to get back to!
Do you need to clean the dry brush, and if so, how do you clean it?
Good question Georgia! Yes, you should clean it from time to time. I washed mine with a mild shampoo (I love the shampoos from 100% Pure…link to them on the “things I love” page) and let it air dry. But I don’t wash it very often!