Wellness Wednesday: Dry Brushing

Have you heard of dry brushing?! 

I first learned about it a few years ago when I was trying to get rid of my stubborn cellulite. It was love at first brush and I've been doing it ever since! My husband refuses to adopt this practice and makes fun of me on the daily, but guess what, I don't care! 

Here's why:

The skin is the largest organ in the human body. This is why I am so particular about the lotions, soaps, and dryer sheets I use. Not only does your skin absorb what it touches, it is an organ of elimination. In fact, one third of the body's toxins are excreted through the skin. Dry brushing aids in this excretion, working to unclog pores and eliminate toxins trapped in the skin.

Not only that, dry brushing:

1. Exfoliates dead skin, leaving you soft and silky. 
2. Stimulates the lymphatic system (which helps remove toxins from the body).
3. Reduces cellulite (cellulite is simply toxic materials accumulated in fat cells. Dry brushing helps to break down and eliminate the trapped toxins). 
4. Unclogs pores and de-congests skin.
5. Tightens the skin and prevents premature aging.
6. Improves digestion. 

Key notes before getting started:

• Purchase a natural (not synthetic) bristle brush with a long handle so you can reach all areas of your body. I have this one for everyday use and this one for travel. 
• Dry brush in the morning, right before showering.
• Always brush toward your heart!
• Always brush the left side of your body before the right. 
• Always brush dry skin with a dry brush. 
• Avoid dry brushing your face since the skin is too sensitive. 
• I brush in small circular movements followed by long sweeping upward strokes. 

Here's what you do:

Feet, Legs, and Butt:

Start with the sole of your left foot and brush from the toes to the heel. Then do the top of your foot, toes to ankle. 

Then brush the back of the calf from the heel to the knee. After that, work your way around your lower leg, ending by brushing the front of the shin. 

Then do your upper left leg, brushing from the back of the knee up over the butt. Then work your way around your upper leg, ending with the front of your thigh. Be sure to brush your knees and be extra gentle on the inner thighs. Remember, I use small circular motions followed by long upward strokes.

Repeat this process on your right foot, leg, and butt. 

Hands and Arms:

Then proceed to your hands and arms. Start with your left hand, brushing both sides. Then work your way up your arm toward your shoulders. I always do the back of my arm first then the front of my arm. Switch and do the same to your right hand and arm. 

 

Abdomen, Back, Neck, and Chest:

Then brush your abdomen in circular counter-clockwise strokes (moving down on the left and up on the right), ending with sweeping upward strokes toward your chest. Brush the boobs very gently! 

Move onto your back. Brush down from your neck and up from your back--> always moving toward your heart! 

Lastly, gently brush your chest.

 

After Brushing:

• Once you've brushed your entire body, hop in a warm shower. For maximum benefit, alternate between hot and cold water to simulate circulation! 
• After showering, pat the skin dry and apply a natural lotion or oil. 
• Continue to brush everyday and clean your brush with soap and water at least once a week. 

Want to learn something super gross, if you find mucus in your poo, it means dry brushing is working! That is proof of detoxification! 

And pair this practice with drinking a mug of warm water with lemon for even better results! 

Try it for 30 days and let me know what you think!

As I said, I've been doing this for about 4 years now and am obsessed! Your skin might be super sensitive at first, but I promise it gets tougher. 

xoxo,
Ashly