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Are you constantly trying out the latest skin care product? Do you spend a fortune each month on creams that guarantee to make you look 20 years younger? I must admit I used to do just that. It resulted in me having a draw filled with half used creams and lotions that didn’t do what it said on the label.
Around 5 years ago I decided that enough was enough. These miracle creams were actually a complete waste of money. A lot of them are filled with nasty chemicals that once put onto your skin soak through into your body. Surely that cannot be good for you?
I started researching natural alternatives and came across a process called dry brushing. I decide to give it ago and I haven’t looked back since.
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What is Dry Brushing
Dry brushing may seem like a relatively new thing but it actually has been practised for thousands of years. It’s very simple. You brush your dry body with a bristle brush in a circular motion and that’s it.
Why Dry Brush – 10 Benefits of Dry Brushing
Dry brushing has numerous health benefits associated with it. Here are just 10 reasons why you should start dry brushing today…
Stimulates your Lymphatic System
Your lymphatic system is responsible for eliminating cellular waste products in your body. It removes toxins from your body. By stimulating the system you are speeding up this process.
Your Lymphatic tubules are all over your body and their job is to collect the waste from tissues, then move it through the blood to be eliminated.
If your lymphatic system isn’t functioning properly the toxins won’t be removed fast enough which causes a build up inside your body.
Exfoliates your Skin
The brushing motion removes any dead skin cells which will give your skin a lovely glow and allows your skin to breathe.
Cleans Pores
As well as removing the dead skin dry brushing also clears out dirt and oil from your pores. This eliminates the need for harsh pore clearing products.
Increases Circulation
The circular sweeping motion over your skin gets you blood moving, encouraging circulation which helps with the elimination of metabolic waste.
‘Metabolic wastes or excretes are substances left over from metabolic processes (such as cellular respiration), which cannot be used by the organism (they are surplus or toxic), and must, therefore, be excreted’ Wikipedia
Bad circulation can lead to a number of health problems including fatigue, hair loss, vertigo and numbness.
Improves Digestion
In the same way that rubbing your stomach can relieve bloating pain, the brushing motion provides the same relief. It helps with bloating because massaging the lymph nodes helps our bodies get rid of excess water and toxins.
It’s also been said to aid kidney function.
Reduces Cellulite
Dry brushing can help to reduce cellulite by breaking down the toxins in the skin. The brushing motion can break down hard fat deposits in the skin which distributes the fat more evenly.
Relieves Stress
The rhythmic motion of dry brushing is very therapeutic and can help you to feel calmer. It’s also been said to relieve sore muscles.
Invigorating
After brushing your whole body tingles and feels alive. It’s great to do it in the mornings to really wake your body up and set you up for the day.
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Better for the Environment
This one was particularly important for me as I’m on an ongoing mission to reduce our footprint on the earth. By switching to dry brushing I have completely eliminated the need for exfoliators, moisturisers, pore cleansers and cellulite reduction creams.
All of which have an impact on the environment through the manufacturing, the transportation and the plastic packages that they come in. I now have one dry brush that I purchased over 5 years ago and it’s still going strong today.
I’m guessing that as they are made from wood you could compost the brush when you’re finished, the same as a bamboo toothbrush. Although I’m not 100% on that. I’ll investigate further.
Saves you Money
Dry brushing also saves you money as you no longer need to purchase multiple products. I would say though that it’s worth investing in a good quality brush so it lasts you many years.
I have found a fantastic *natural sisal brush over at the Ethical Superstore that you may like. I love the fact that it has a detachable handle so you can use it for every part of your body.
How to Dry Brush
The most effective way to dry brush is to start at your feet and work your way up your body to your heart. Hold your brush firmly in your hands and use circular motions on your skin, slowly moving up your body as you go.
Once you get up to your heart you then need to switch to a downward circular motion instead of up. The aim is to be directing your blood flow to your heart at all times. Always brush towards your heart.
So what about you, have you ever tried dry brushing?
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I’ve never tried it but a friend swears by it and I may well be giving it a go now! Thanks for the amazing list of benefits. What’s not to love about it?!
I love it, Carol. I’d definitely recommend it.
I had briefly heard about this, but I think it’s time for me to really start looking into it, especially if it can do something about the back of my legs!
Thanks for sharing Gina 🙂
Hi Emma,
It’s definitely worth giving it a go. I love how my skin feels afterwards and you save a tonne of money on exfoliators 🙂
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