The health benefits of dry brushing
Every morning I look forward to four things: a deep yoga stretch, a short pranayama meditation, a cup of freshly brewed coffee, and a stimulating dry brushing session before showering. This morning routine keeps me physically and mentally centered throughout the day.
Brush, brush
What exactly is dry brushing?
Dry brushing is a technique that involves using a bristle brush on dry skin. To do it, a person brushes gently, but firmly parts of the body one area at a time. Many instructions specify brushing upward, toward the heart. The theory behind this is that by making long, sweeping strokes in the direction of the heart, you are working with the body’s lymph flow. The lymphatic system, which helps to rid the body of toxins and waste, only travels in one direction, up toward the neck and heart.
Where did this practice originate from?
Dry Brushing is an incredible and invigorating self-care ritual that has been around for ages. This ritual of stimulating the skin by dry brushing has been used in several cultures, from Ayurveda (an alternative medicine system with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent) to Ancient Egyptians, Romans, and traditional Chinese medicine.
Ayurveda is India’s 5,000-year-old holistic healthcare system. Ayurvedic dry brushing, called garshana, was used to stimulate circulation and blood flow. It was traditionally done using raw silk or linen gloves, though many prefer to use a natural-bristle body brush.
The ancient Egyptians were the pioneers and visionaries of unique beauty rituals. They were said to have used the dry body brushing technique going back thousands of years as well, exfoliating with natural enzymes from sour milk and wine for soft, supple skin.
The Greeks and Romans used strigils (a rustic bronze instrument with a curved blade) with olive oil to remove dirt, sweat, and oil before they bathed.
According to accounts, Aristotle, the renowned ancient physician referred to as the Father of Medicine, was reportedly fond of strigils. Because of this, it became almost a staple in Greek and, eventually, Roman baths.
Dry brushing is an incredible and invigorating self-care ritual that has been around for ages. This ritual of stimulating the skin by dry brushing has been used in several cultures, from Ayurveda (an alternative medicine system with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent) to Ancient Egyptians, Romans, and traditional Chinese medicine.
Traditional Chinese dry brushing uses the dried fibers of a gourd fruit called silk squash, commonly known as a loofah. Externally, loofah can be used alone or mixed with sesame oil to remove dead skin, stimulate circulation, and is associated with the lungs, stomach, and liver meridians.
Lastly, Dr. Paavo Airola, a Finnish nutritionist and naturopathic physician, popularized contemporary dry brushing 30 years ago, stressing that its function is to increase digestion and support and to revitalize our organ systems. He incorporated objects such as sand, sticks, and other raw materials to support exfoliation.
There is no denying that dry brushing has been around for a while, and there is a good reason for it.
Here are a few of the benefits of adding regular dry brushing to your morning routine:
Detoxifies the skin. The mechanical action of dry brushing is excellent for exfoliating rough, dry skin. Dry brushing unclogs pores in the exfoliation process and helps detoxify your skin by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymph flow/drainage. Also, unclogging pores makes it easier for the body to sweat and eliminate toxins in your system.
Stimulates the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a fine-meshed structure that includes lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and specific organs. A well-functioning lymphatic system is essential to the immune system and is also interrelated to the body’s fluid balance and digestive system.
Awakens the nervous system. Dry brushing can make you feel good since it stimulates your nervous system, your body’s command center, which controls your movements, thoughts, and automatic responses to the world around you.
Boosts energy and promotes better circulation. “One way dry brushing stimulates energy is through the mechanism of improved self-care,” says Dr. Pezad, an integrative and holistic dermatologist in Dallas, Texas. “Spending time to care for your body in a relaxing environment before a bath or shower is calming and can help activate your parasympathetic immune system. Dry brushing immediately after waking up in the morning helps improve circulation, which can make you feel alert while promoting feelings of relaxation.” Because it increases circulation, it is said to attenuate the dimpled skin typical of cellulite. There are mixed reviews here. Some people swear by it, and others claim very little change in cellulite reduction.
It’s gentler on your skin than scrubbing in the shower. Hot water inflames your skin and even strips away oils, fats, and proteins that keep your skin healthy. This can cause redness and itching. Brushing your skin while it is dry allows you to exfoliate and increase blood circulation without robbing it of moisture the way the hot water in your shower can.
It fosters relaxation. “The mechanism of touch and taking time for self-care supports calming the vagus nerve,” says Dr. Pezad. Originating in the brain and extending down to the abdomen, the vagus nerve is the longest in the body. It contains sensory and motor fibers that branch into major organ systems. A significant function of the vagus nerve is to help the body “rest and digest” by promoting cardiac relaxation.
It gives your skin a more radiant glow. Removing dead skin cells can help make your skin smoother and softer. It can also give your skin a brighter appearance temporarily.
Lastly, It feels so good. After dry brushing your skin, you feel as you would after a massage: relaxed, loved, and pampered.
What brush to use?
To get the benefits of dry brushing, you’ll want to use a natural stiff-bristled bath or shower brush, preferably one with a long handle. Some bristles are stiffer than others, depending on your skin’s sensitivity and preference. The long handle is helpful for tough-to-reach areas like your back. There are many choices in the market.
Can I dry brush with sensitive skin or other skin conditions?
It’s possible to use a dry brush if you have sensitive skin. The bristles must generally be firm for dry brushing to be fully effective. But if your skin is too sensitive, you can use a plain, dry washcloth to begin with. Stop immediately if you notice swelling or inflammation while brushing. If you are new to this practice, some redness is expected, as the skin is not used to the dry friction.
Also, never dry brush over moles, warts, or raised bumps. Do not use a dry brush or cloth on skin that’s broken. This includes cuts, scrapes, lesions, sores, or burned skin, including sunburns. Use common sense to assess the above.
Dr. Khetarpal, a dermatologist at Duke Cancer Centre in Durham, North Carolina, points out that one must avoid using a dry brush on your face since the skin is more sensitive than the rest of your body. “If you want to exfoliate your face, use more gentle products and methods designed specifically for it,” she says.
When to brush?
The best time to dry brush is just before a shower. Then you can wash off any dead skin cells and flaky skin. Be sure to apply lotion afterward to put moisture back into your skin.
If you’re new to dry brushing or not sure if you’ve been doing it correctly, Dr. Khetarpal offers these tips:
- Using a natural bristled brush, start from the feet or ankles and work your way upward in long, fluid strokes on limbs.
- Next, move the brush in a circular motion on your torso and back.
- Since this process can be a little too much for sensitive areas like the abdomen, breasts and neck, lighten the pressure as needed.
- A few overlapping swipes per area is all you need. If you go over the same spot for too long, you can cause irritation or bleeding. Be gentle.
- Dry brush once a day and shower immediately afterward.
- Moisturize.
Make sure you rinse your brush after you have completed your brushing routine. Dry it in an open, sunny area to prevent mildew. Clean your brush once a week using soap and water. You should also avoid sharing your brush with anyone. This can help prevent the risk of infection.
Bottom line, brush with care, enjoy—and manage your expectations.