The Benefits of Dry Brushing – Ayurvedic Inspired

Let’s talk about body care and dry brushing! I have been practising the art of dry brushing for the past 3 years and over time I have learnt so much about my body and how to care for my skin. It may seem like an extra chore to add dry brushing to your daily routine, but I can assure you, once you start you will be grateful to add those few extra minutes of self care to your day.

WHAT IS DRY BRUSHING?

Dry brushing does what it says on the tin, it is dry brushing of the skin on your body. An ancient practice of self-care through an Ayurveda method known as Garshana (dry massage). If you don’t know what Ayurveda is then check out this article by Refinery29 which gives you a quick summary of what it is.

Dry brushing is a natural way to remove the build up of toxins in our skin and body and should be a part of your daily routine. This post will tell you all you need to know about how, when and why you should be dry brushing and the benefits of doing so daily/weekly.

I first discovered Ayurveda and what it is when I purchased Pretty Happy: The Healthy Way to Love Your Body by Kate Hudson, a book that she wrote to share her journey and what she learnt through her experience with Ayurveda. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for some guidance with eating the right foods for your body and for lifestyle advice.

WHAT IS THE BENEFITS OF DRY BRUSHING?

Dry brushing on dry skin before a bath or shower will help to exfoliate your skin, removing any dead skin while enhancing the blood circulation in the body. This will encourage the skin to look more radiant and smoother, revealing a healthier looking skin.

In turn, dry brushing helps increase the blood circulation to help with the lymphatic drainage in our body to reduce toxins and boost the bodys natural immune system. This is a great practice if you suffer from any chronic illnesses or are prone to colds/ flus.

Another benefit of regular dry brushing is the motion of the brush strokes on areas like your bottom, thighs and arm actually helps to reduce the signs of cellulite and helps create a smoother more firmer looking skin. Naturally, the best results from this would be to add dry brushing along side a healthy eating lifestyle aswell as some exercise to see the most benefits and incredible results.

HOW TO GARSHANA / DRY BRUSH

Dry body brushes are widely available in supermarkets, health food stores and online, make sure you pick a 100% natural bristle brush. There are a range of different types and it is completely your choice which one you decide to use. You can buy them with long handles to help you reach around your body with ease or you can buy one that has a short knob handle, which gives you more control on specific areas of your body. The choice is yours, you can even buy a few if that helps. I currently have The Body Shop Round Body Brush (pictured below) which is only £9.

Here is a quick method of how to use your brush on yourself.

• Ideally use before a shower or bath
• Always start from your feet upwards, following the direction of your blood flow to the heart
• Gently sweep the brush over your skin, use long smooth strokes
• Avoid the face and delicate areas

This will take no more than a few minutes to complete.

The traditional Garshana method is known as a refreshing skin regime that is completed in the morning before a shower/ bath. Using this time to release toxins from the body and to wake up the body and helps to create mindfulness through caring for your skin and your whole body, a little self love is good for the soul too!

After the dry brushing comes the shower, start with a hot/warm wash of the skin with a gentle body wash, my current go to is The Body Shop Tea Tree Body Wash; then finishing with a cool wash to release those toxins. This will invigorate the body and set you up for a positive and focused day.

Personally, I find it a lot easier to shower/bath of an evening, as mornings are manic with the kids. I will do this practice before bed and I find this works well for me to help me wind down from my day.

That is the basic of dry brushing and how to add it to your daily routine to improve your skin, health and well-being.

Have you used a dry brush as a part of your morning/evening routine before?

Pinar xo

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