In 2015 I read an Instagram post about Ayurvedic dry brushing and I looked into it a little more. I bought a book on Ayurvedic practices (actually asked for it and got it for my birthday – thank you, family!) and did some more research. Everything I read about it made so much sense. So, I decided to try it for myself.
Basically, dry brushing is a morning ritual that invigorates your entire body and is the perfect way to set you off on the right track for the day. It’s also an incredible way to smooth out your skin, improve circulation around your body, improve the appearance of your skin, and also to create some form of an internal cleansing process in your body, first thing in the morning.
I recently spoke about the benefits of dry brushing in one of my Monday Makeover videos, have a look at that here.
Your skin is the biggest organ in your body – did you know that? So many people don’t realise that the skin is also classified as an organ. So, it’s imperative that it is cared for as much as you would any other organ in your body.
Our skin is also exposed to the elements at all times and receives a harsh beating from sunlight, wind, cold extremes, and pollution. Dry brushing offers a way for you to care for your skin that much more. Most of us moisturise or have some sort of ritual we do to make sure the skin on our bodies stays in tip-top condition. Dry brushing takes it one step further.
Benefits Of Ayurvedic Dry Brushing
Dry brushing your skin activates the cleansing process within your body, starting with the lymphatic system. It is effective in activating lymphatic drainage in the body and sending lymph back towards the heart. In Ayurveda, this is one of the primary reasons for doing this body ritual.
Dry brushing also improves circulation to your skin. Your skin will always be working hard to sweat out toxins and go through the natural process of elimination. Daily dry brushing simply speeds up this process and helps it along. The natural rush of blood to the surface of your skin can help in so many ways, such as enhancing the elasticity of the skin, improving the appearance of the skin, working towards diminishing signs of cellulite, and keeping the skin smooth and soft.
What Do You Need To Dry Brush Your Skin?
All you need is a body brush that has been made with natural hairs or bristles. Using synthetic brushes will irritate your skin, so ensure you find one that’s 100% naturally made with natural materials. You can also use raw silk gloves, which is what is traditionally used in Ayurveda in Garshana, which is a dry skin massage.
The most important requirement for this morning ritual is time. Often we are too pressed for time or have more important things to do, but what could be more important than your health and looking out for it? It’s something that shouldn’t be rushed and it’s a moment in your day that is 100% for you. So enjoy it.
Dry Skin Brushing Technique
I made this initial video in 2016 showcasing the technique from start to finish. It details the entire ritual I follow, or you can continue reading below for more detail.
Start at the soles on your feet and work your way up the body in smooth, strong strokes. The key in dry skin brushing is to ensure that you are always brushing towards your heart as that’s the direction that lymph flows in the lymphatic drainage system.
Find Your Focus Areas
Be gentle on your skin, but not too gentle that you don’t even feel it. Use more pressure for tougher areas of your body, such as the soles of your feet, and then take it easy where the skin is thinner. Use long, strong strokes on your limbs and then circular motions on your hips, stomach, and joints.
I place a lot of focus on my buttocks, outer thighs, and inner thighs, as well as my waist and stomach. But you might find that you want to place more emphasis on your arms or somewhere else, and that’s fine. It’s a personal experience so you need to find your own focus areas.
Once you’re done brushing, five minutes is adequate for a thorough brush, drink a cool glass of water, and either hop in the shower or cover yourself in body butter. There are a number of variations on what to do at this stage, some people swear by slathering your body in coconut oil and then showering, but you can find your own way.
Watch the videos I’ve made for you on the subject and then let me know if you have any questions. I really find that when I do this regularly I see awesome results!
It truly is an amazing ritual and one that I try my best to do every morning. To enliven your skin, smooth out the appearance of lumps and bumps, and to kickstart your day beautifully, give Ayurvedic dry skin brushing a go!
Connect with me via my Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter pages and let me know how it goes.
Photos by me and Svitlana and Tanya Datt on Unsplash.
