THE TOOL: Dry brushing is an ancient Ayurvedic technique of stroking your clean and dry skin with a dry bristle brush.

WHO IT MIGHT HELP:

• People who wish to detoxify their skin and improve circulation.
• To soothe the nervous system.
• People who wish to stimulate their lymphatic system.
• People wishing to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
• People wishing to make their skin look more radiant.

RESEARCH & REASONS TO BELIEVE:

• The Benefits and Risks of Dry Brushing
• Dry Brushing the Skin

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:

I was introduced to dry brushing after I had my first Ayurveda session for chronic fatigue. I got a brush online because I wasn’t sure what kind of brush I needed.

I use the dry brush every morning before I shower. I use the brush in circular motions first on the bottom of my feet, then ankles. Changing to long strokes, I brush up from the top of my feet to my knees, and then from my heels up my calves to the back of my knees. I continue up my skin using circular strokes on joints and long strokes upwards everywhere else.

TIPS & THINGS TO KNOW:

• The experts recommend starting with light strokes before using more pressure.
• Many of the benefits (like reducing the appearance of cellulite) come from daily use.
• I find dry brushing to be very energizing so I avoid it in the evening. It’s a great way to start the day, especially on mornings when I’m extra tired.

I enjoy dry brushing so much it’s now part of my daily routine. I also travel with a dry brush as I find it’s a wonderful way to calm any travel nerves and boost energy from travel disturbances like difficulty sleeping in strange rooms, jet lag or time-zone differences.