The Benefits of Body Brushing AKA Dry Brushing

There is an ancient practise designed to clear the body of toxins by brushing the body. Since skin is the largest organ of our bodies, it makes sense that this organ would need the most cleansing. And since I like the idea of a detox that doesn't require me to give up drinking coffee or eating red meat, I decided to find out more about the ancient art of body brushing.

Unless you live in a remote forest, and bathe in pure water, and eat fresh greens that are completely uncontaminated by natural or synthetic poisons, chances are you do have toxins in your body. As your liver processes these toxins, your body releases them in the form of waste products. Sweat is the waste product that secretes through the pores of the skin. In the course of a normal day, your skin will eliminate about two pounds of waste product.

But over time, the skin's pores become clogged and less efficient. As it ages, skin is less able to shed its outer layer of dead skin cells. This is partly what causes the dry, papery look of older skin.

So body brushing, which is also sometimes referred to as dry brushing, is designed to restore the skin to its optimal condition as a toxin screen. As a bonus, is that skin that works well also looks good. People who practice body brushing exclaim over the renewed glow, suppleness, vitality and softness of their skin.

Body brushing is also said to boost and support the immune system, even for those people who have cancer, or other conditions that weaken the immune system. Body brushing is also credited with reducing infection, and allowing the body to heal faster. Other benefits are stimulating the nervous system, stimulating circulation and blood flow, and stimulating the hormones, all while creating better muscle tone and more optimal distribution of fat deposits.

It is the latter benefit that causes many people to also claim that body brushing reduces or diminishes cellulite. And since body brushing is also supposed to feel good, I saw no reason not to jump right on this bandwagon.

A dry body brush should be made of natural bristles that will not irritate the skin. The ancient Chinese used a loofah, but in more modern times, people have discovered that a brush made of soft, natural bristles feels even better. In fact, using a body brush should feel as comfortable and satisfying as scratching an itch on your skin. Most health and beauty supply stores, natural living stores, or health food stores will carry a suitable body brush. You may want to ask for a "dry brush" or "massage brush" to clarify.

Basically, you then want to brush your body with the dry brush while your body is dry, before a shower. Begin stroking the head and neck, but avoid brushing sensitive facial skin. Keep the brush strokes moving toward the heart. Brush the collarbones and chest, but if you are a woman, avoid brushing the sensitive skin of your breasts as well. Brush the abdomen in a circular fashion. Now start at the feet and brush your way up, keeping all the brush strokes moving toward the heart to simulate natural circulation.

After brushing, jump in the shower to cleanse and refresh your skin. Moisturize. And feel the glow.

For good health, it is recommended to only use the brush when it and your body is dry. If you use the brush daily as recommended, you will probably want to wash the brush every 3-5 days.