Dry Brushing – What is it and why should I make it part of my daily routine?
Dry Brushing is a technique that originated in India and has been used for thousands of years to promote circulation and detoxification. Although many benefits have been attributed to dry brushing, as a massage therapist I use this method to help stimulate lymph flow and blood circulation in clients.
With this technique a brushing tool is dragged over the skin starting at the furthest-most limbs (feet/hands) working towards the heart. A hard-bristled brush is the most widely used tool (see photo 1) but there are other things that can be used as well. Once clients are introduced to dry brushing, the brush is sent home, so it can be used as part of a daily routine.
Dry brushing is an Ayurvedic massage technique that has been used to “relieve lymphatic congestion” (1). Lymphatic congestion is thought to contribute to stress and disease. This technique has been used historically to reduce lymphedema and inflammation and more recently in promoting post-training recovery for athletes (1) and reducing edema in the elderly.
“I think in our dry desert climate it’s really important to do some kind of exfoliation. I also think it’s an easy thing to share with someone else because you don’t need a ton of instruction or skill to do it and have it be a really nice thing to receive.” ~Client Comment
A variety of tools can be used for dry brushing at home. This technique does not necessarily require a hard-bristled brush. Some non-brush tools may include;
- Dry washcloth
- Loofah sponge (keep it dry)
- Any exfoliating type of sponge-as long as it is not too abrasive
- For sensitive skin use a tool that does not have bristles (like a facial gua sha tool)
Best Results with Dry Brushing happens with a brush affixed with a handle or elastic band
The most common benefits of dry brushing include but are not limited to:
- Increases blood circulation
- Promotes lymph flow/drainage
- Detoxifies the skin
- Unclogs pores and removes dead, dry skin
- Easier for the skin to sweat, one way the body eliminates toxins
- Improved skin firmness
- Could help break up fatty deposits near the surface of the skin
Precautions
There are some reasons why a person may not want to do dry brushing including sensitive skin. Also, individuals who suffer from skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and excessive dry skin may want to consult with their healthcare provider to find out if lymphatic massage or dry brushing would be beneficial. The abrasiveness of the brush could aggravate these conditions and could be painful. When dry brushing, it should be gentle and your skin should slightly pink up, but if you are turning red, that is a good sign to be gentler or to stop the process.
Dry Brushing Techniques
There actually is a “right way” to apply the dry brushing technique. It is recommended to start at the furthest points from the heart, which would be the toes/feet and fingers/hands. During a massage session which includes dry brushing I always start at the toes. Then, I will work my way slowly up the feet, ankles, calves/shins, over the knees and up the hamstrings/quads. I do one leg, then the other. After doing the regular massage on each leg I then move to the upper body, where I start at the fingers/hands, up the forearms, elbows and biceps/triceps into the shoulders. From the back I’ll brush up and over the shoulder into the clavicular region, from the front I’ll brush straight along the shoulder to the clavicle. If the client is prone, I will then dry brush from the low back and sides up in circular or straight lines up the back and again up and over the shoulders. If supine, I will have already discussed with my client if they want dry brushing done on the abdomen or not. Some people find this area too sensitive, while others (especially pregnant moms) love this area to be done.
Dry brushes will be available for purchase at the Hawthorn Medicinary and Boutique soon. Anyone who purchases the Dry Brushing Add-Onhttps://i0.wp.com/www.hawthorncenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Massage-services-menu.jpg will receive a complimentary dry brush to take home.
Learn more about Amy and the many services she provides along with a massage. To make an appointment with Amy call the front desk at 541-330-0334 or feel free to use our online appointment request form.