Grace explores body brushing
A form of lymphatic drainage, body brushing, also known as dry brushing, has many benefits and is a great addition to your routine to implement some self-care. It improves circulation, energises and also contributes to smoother skin by exfoliation dead skin cells.
Here are some of the benefits:
Circulation:
The gentle motion stimulates blood flow which can promote healing and give a radiant complexion due to the exfoliation removing dead skin cells.
Lymphatic Drainage:
The lymphatic system has an important role in our body detoxifying and fighting off infections. Body brushing can help stimulate lymphatic drainage – for example if you are ill and have a blocked nose, it is likely your lymph nodes are clogged; this is why body brushing helps as it is keeping blood circulating. It also helps open the pores so if you are feeling under the weather, your pores are likely to be more open to get rid of said toxins.
Energy Boost:
Due to the stimulation of the lymphatic system, this will give your body increased circulation and blood flow which can then leave you feeling more awake and energized – think of it as a natural energiser that leaves you feeling good.
Relaxation:
Some describe dry brushing like the experience of a massage. It can be a great stress relief having the soft, repetitive motions of body brushing. It can also be seen as and meditative practice, giving a feeling of calm.
Improved Nutrient Absorption:
By dry body brushing you are therefore removing dead skin cells, this not only allows skincare products to be absorbed more effectively. But it also improves your blood circulation which then means nutrients can be better delivered to skin cells as there is less waste product and toxins in your system. It doesn’t directly impact the nutrient uptake, but it gets everything moving.
In addition to the above it also has some aesthetic benefits which you can find out more about online. You can buy brushes in stores or online from around £3 upwards. It is a short, 5-minute exercise that you can do before a shower, feeling calm and quiet.
You may need to consider your skin sensitivity – if for example you have eczema you may want to adjust it to your skin by not brushing so hard, or it may aggravate. It is important to use the proper technique of always brushing towards the heart using gentle, light, upward short strokes. There are demonstrations on how to do this, and how to open your lymph nodes, online. You may also want ensure you are doing it regularly and implementing it in your existing routine to see the most benefits. Lastly, make sure you clean your brush regularly otherwise there will be a buildup of bacteria.
To find out more information or to find out how to do dry brushing, please see the below links:
https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-brushing#how-to
https://www.boots.com/skincare-beauty-advice/skincare-advice/skincare-routines/dry-body-brushing-guide?srsltid=AfmBOopR1uW1jihHRwgOYvBcxmDwVZjXvuXDlQiZpm7Q0Yf3car7RM3o
