The practice of dry brushing has been around for a long time but has definitely been coming back around as a part of holistic healthcare. The best part is that it is something you can do for yourself, easy to do in a few minutes, and is relatively inexpensive, while yielding a list of health benefits!
You will most likely want to know the benefits to see if you want to incorporate this in your everyday routine. The benefits to dry brushing are:
Removes dead skin cells from the epidermis, first or outermost layer of the skin.
Stimulates the lymphatic system
Accelerates toxin elimination
Improves circulation
Exfoliates and invigorates the skin
Reduces the appearance of cellulite
In order to dry brush effectively you will need a long brush handle with natural fiber bristles.
Dry brushing prior to shower is best and will help you to keep it in your daily routine.
Start by stimulating your lymphatic system just below the collarbone using short small circular strokes. You do not need to press hard.
Do several clockwise and then counterclockwise circles in each armpit. I recommend a series of 7-8 strokes and overlapping those strokes as you work.
Begin at the wrists and work towards the shoulder, overlapping your strokes as you work toward the heart.
Make sure to work from top of shoulders down the back to the heart and also from the waist up to the mid-back with your brush.
Then move down to the ankles working upward on both sides of the legs and always work towards the heart with short strokes.
The abdomen can be stimulated as well, but the skin can be much more sensitive so start lightly, working in circular motions starting around the belly button and moving outward. Work from the right side of the belly button over the top and then down on the left side and across the bottom and continue moving outward until the entire surface has been addressed. Then you can stroke below the belly button downward towards the groin where there is lymph, whereas below the breast tissues can be swept upward and outward towards the armpits.
If you like essential oils you can combine them in with dry brushing for a multitude of health benefits! Depending on your oil choice, it can calm anxious feelings, assist the lymphatic system, supports the nervous system, digestive system, and circulatory system as well as supporting a healthy immune function.
Just a drop or two on the brush, is enough. I like to support the detoxing processing of the dry brushing with oils like lemon, melaleuca, or the Zendocrine® blend. After dry brushing I like to wait 10 minutes prior to showering, to give the oils times to penetrate. I also, enjoy Balance® blend, or Lavender and Patchouli for calming the nervous system. One of my favorites, the Cheer® Blend or Motivate®, to really get me going and out the door!
Applying a natural soothing lotion after the shower and adding in a few drops of essential oils, like Myrrh, Roman Chamomile, Helicrysum or lavender can be soothing to the skin after the dry brushing and a shower.
dōTERRA offers only the highest quality Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils for health and well-being and can be found in our retail space at Statera Integrated. Mention this article and receive a free one-on-one consultation with Julie Haufe to help you get started with dry brushing and essential oils.
~Julie Haufe, Massage Therapist, Essential Oil Certification Specialist
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