Dry brushing: From ayurveda medicine to your home
Dry Brushing is turning into a trend nowadays. However, there’s still a lot to learn about this ancient technique and its multiple benefits. For that reason, I wrote this blog to answer common questions our patients ask us about this technique.
Lest´s start with the basis…
What is Dry Brushing?
Dry Brushing is an Ayurvedic skin massage and exfoliation technique. It’s an ancient self-care treatment that uses a coarse natural-fiber bristle brush to remove dead cells, massage your skin and improve circulation. Dry brush has been used for thousands of years by Egyptians, Greeks, Indian and Chinese cultures.
In Ayurvedic medicine, it is also known as Sanskrit :garshana (or “friction by rubbing”). It promotes the healthy and balanced fluid flow in your whole body.
What does dry brush do and its benefits?
First of all, you should know that well performed dry brushing functions both on and under the skin’s surface. As its name says, it should be performed on dry skin, We recommend doing it before showering or bathing. Let’s have a look at their benefits:
1. Boosts Circulation
Dry skin brushing stimulates blood flow to the skin, improving blood circulation, helping the transportation of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues to promote your overall health.
2.Improve cellulite appearance
As it increases blood circulation, it might plump dimples in the skin, reducing the appearance of cellulite because the skin texture is improved. The brushing needs to be done on a regular basis to see differences on the skin. Also, you need to have a healthy diet and regular exercise for long lasting results.
3.Skin exfoliation
Dry brushing sweeps off dead cells and at the same time stimulates the production of healthy cells to replace the old ones. In addition, it leaves the skin with a lighter and smoother look.
4.Boosts lymphatic flow and works as a body detox
Dry brushing movements stimulate the lymphatic system, increasing lymph flow and circulation, as a result, wastes and toxins from your body will be removed.
5.Increases energy levels
This technique stimulates the nerve endings in your skin. And, as it increases circulation you may feel energised and refreshed.
How many times a week should you dry brush?
We recommend dry skin brushing 2 -3 times per week if you do it yourself. On the other hand, if you go to a professional, we recommend every two weeks.
How should dry brushing be performed?
First of all, you need a brush with coarse, natural-fiber bristles (long or short handle-what works best for you). Make sure the fibers of the brush are firm to perform the technique properly. Use circulatory movements always towards the heart.
- Start at your feet and move up.
- Brush your skin using circular, clockwise motions or movements that feel comfortable for you.
- Use light and firm pressure to avoid skin irritation.
- You can brush your entire body if you like, just avoid irritated areas and always start bottom up.
- Brush the skin1 to 3 mins until you see a light pink color on the surface of the skin. Never brush too hard until the skin is red.
- After it, take a shower to help remove the dry skin.
- After shower don’t forget to moister your skin.
Keep in mind…
As your pores will be unclogged by dry brushing, your skin will need more moisture. Ayurvedic medicine texts say that this kind of technique is best followed by an oil massage in order to increase circulation and detoxification. Pairing the techniques is a highly effective formula for smooth, hydrated, and glowy skin.
What are the cons of dry brush?
- Be careful while brushing too intensely or frequently, it may cause microtears in the skin that can become irritated, inflamed, and infected.
- Avoid this technique if you have skin inflammatory conditions like psoriasis or eczema, open wounds or sunburned skin.
What about Ayurveda treatment?
Dry brushing is often a component of pancha karma -five actions- it is a traditional Ayurvedic cleansing treatment. Ayurveda practitioners believe this routine allows the body to get rid of accumulated waste, helping clear blockages in various systems, including the circulatory, nervous, and digestive systems.
Don´t forget to give proper maintenance to your dry brush
Here some steps to keep it clean and ready to use:
- rinse your brush after you have completed your brushing routine;
- dry it in an open, sunny area to prevent mildew;
- wash your brush once a week using soap and water;
- avoid sharing your brush with anyone, in order to prevent the risk for infection.
We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!
References:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/wellness/dry-brushing/guide/
https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-brushing
https://www.ranavat.com/blogs/ranavat-records/dry-brushing-an-ancient-practice-for-healthier-skin
