Dry Brushing Is Good For You

As it name suggests, dry brushing involves using a dry bristle brush to brush over your body. It is recommended by holistic practitioners to remove dead skin cells, improve the circulation of blood and lymph, and enhance detoxification through skin. Dry brushing is a way to stimulate all the organs of detoxification including the skin, gut, kidneys, liver, lungs, lymphatic system, and mucous membranes because it provides a gentle internal massage. The gentle pressure of the brushing is also thought to have a calming effect.

There are plenty of benefits for dry brushing. Just to list a few:

1. Removes cellulite
(my worst enemy, which is why I had to be hardworking on the brushing)
2. Cleanses the lymphatic system
(aids the removal of toxins – the culprit for tiredness and lethargy and all kinds of sickness)

3. Removes dead skin layers
(you get nice, smooth, shiny skin from brushing, that you save on body scrubs!)

4. Strengthens the immune system
(you fall sick less often, and save on doctor’s bill)

5. Stimulates the hormone and oil-producing glands
(the right hormones give you the nice pink healthy flush on the face, you want that!)

6. Tightens the skin preventing premature aging
(what more can I say, who doesn’t want tighter, firmer skin)

7. Tones the muscles
(no more jiggling after I stop waving)

8. Stimulates circulation
(your blood flows better, your energy flows better)

I started my daily ritual of dry brushing about half a year ago, after hearing about the benefits of dry brushing from my masseur. So intrigued I am about the benefits of dry brushing, that I bought a brush from her. It was not a cheap brush, mind you, costing about S$45 but I was assured that it is top quality bristles. Since this is going to be in direct contact with my skin, I had to be sure that it is of good quality. However, the brush used typically would be a long-handled bath brush with soft, natural fiber bristles. Other options would include exfoliating gloves, a loofah sponge or even raw-silk gloves. However, the advantage of the long-handled brush over the other options is that body parts not accessible by arm-reach can be reached by the long handle brush.

It is recommended that you start the day with a dry brushing session, prior to your morning shower. I do that and it does not add more than 5-10 min of time. I treat it as a nice me-time, doing something beneficial for my body. The dry brushing helps to shed the dead skin, and you can wash off during the shower and moisturize afterwards. Use long brisk strokes starting from the feet towards the heart. Always remember to stroke towards the heart to accelerate the disposal of toxins through the lymph system. I felt invigorated in the mornings after the dry brushing and I definitely feel more awake and alert. There is a vast difference during the days where I had to skip the dry brushing, I feel generally lethargic and sleepy.

Point to note, physical improvement would take a few months to show long term effects. Nonetheless, you get instant a clearer mind and boosted spirit from a quick morning session. What a wonderful way to start the day!