You may not know this, but dry brushing the skin has long been a part of Ayurveda's cleansing philosophies.
Ayurveda believes that your skin is an organ of elimination, just like your kidneys, liver, and colon, especially because it is so porous.
In this way, dry skin brushing helps keep the pores clear and the skin active to assist the body in this natural cleansing process. Dry brushing also helps to increase blood circulation. Plus, it exfoliates the skin's outer layer while stimulating the inner sweat and oil glands, providing more needed moisture for the skin.
So how do you dry brush your skin? Follow these 10 simple steps:
- The best time to dry brush is first thing in the morning before you shower. Start with light pressure and then go to firmer strokes.
- Use a natural bristled body brush, a loofah, or even raw silk gloves.
- Start at the soles of your feet using swift upward strokes. You then brush from the feet up to the legs, all working toward your heart.
- The next step is to move towards your hands and work up your arms, again towards your heart in the same manner.
- Brush your back using a long handle brush.
- Work on your abdomen by moving in a clockwise direction to follow the path of the colon, then go to the chest and neck.
- Avoid dry brushing your face since facial skin is too sensitive and finer than the skin on the body.
- You should brush for about 3 to 5 minutes until your skin is just slightly tingly.
- Remember to shower after you dry brush to wash off all the dead skin.
- Always periodically wash your brush with warm soap and water to keep it clean.
*Note: if you practice oil massage, you should only self massage on the days you do not dry brush.
