Body Brushing

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Permalink Reply by Sheila Wisdahl on March 10, 2008 at 11:58am

I got a brush at my local healthfood store. I think the main thing to look for is natural (not plastic) brush fibers. The one I got is designed specifically for dry brushing. I spent a lot of time looking for a good "how to" procedure online but most of them were really complicated and confusing. Then I found a good protocol in a book written by a 75 year old lady who beat a nasty stage IV cancer in her 30s. She said to start with your feet, move up to your legs, then to your hands and arms, then back and stomach, then chest, neck and scalp. Also, her instructions were simple- brush in circular motions until your skin is rosy. Most agree that it is best to do this every day before you shower, as you probably know it helps to circulate your lymph, blood, and loosens dead skin cells so your skin can do a better job of detoxifying (which is why you need to do it before you shower.) I've noticed that it increases the natural moisture of my skin, it also seems to also increase my BO a bit, but this is probably just a sign that it is doing it's detox job. Another good way to move your lymph and detox your cells is a rebounder (small trampoline.) hope this helps!

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Permalink Reply by brca1babe on March 10, 2008 at 12:15pm

GREAT info..Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Ruth on March 10, 2008 at 1:22pm

Sheila,
Thank you! You're right it can seem complicated. I've heard brush towards your heart but I'm not sure what that means when you're brushing your back! It sounds right to just get that rosiness which says you're circulating the right stuff! I'll be on the Deodorant Discussion Group for answers if the BO increases :-) I appreciate your comments and will let you know how it goes!

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Permalink Reply by Tina (Holistic Chick) on March 10, 2008 at 12:03pm

I just bought one yesterday from whole foods. I've done it twice already today. I'll let you know how in goes! Thanks, Sheilas for all your info.

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Permalink Reply by heather on March 10, 2008 at 12:17pm

Hi Tina, I got my brush from Whole Foods as well - the natural coconut bristled one - and I stopped using it because it really does a number on my skin, as in I ended up with what looked like small cat scratches all over. I was brushing pretty lightly but still the scratches. Let me know how the Whole Foods brush works out for you. Has anyone else experienced this problem with dry-brushing?

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Permalink Reply by newleaf53 on March 10, 2008 at 12:15pm

I have a long handled natural bristle brush and dry brush in the morning before my shower. The long handle helps me cuz I'm usually less limber first thing in the morning. I start with the soles of my feet with a circular motion, then use long strokes working towards my heart on my legs, arms etc. I've read to use clockwise rotations on my abdomen, but I haven't quite figured out what the heck that means, as I face the clock ??? My liver is ailing, and brushing, a warm glass of lemon water and some yoga/stretches, twists in the morning seem to get things moving for me.

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Permalink Reply by Sundari on March 10, 2008 at 12:23pm

I love dry-brushing in the morning before showering and then using cold-pressed coconut oil afterwards as a moisturizer. It feel like a mini spa treatment:)
Be Well,
Sundari
baltimorebliss.blogspot.com

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Permalink Reply by Jessica on March 14, 2008 at 1:50pm

The Body Shop has a natural, cactus brush with a long handle. I like to gently dry brush before showering and then use it to help lather up during shower for exfoliation.

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Permalink Reply by Sabrina on March 22, 2008 at 1:26pm

Found this information at LiveHolistically.com:

What to do about a sluggish lymph system?

Daily Dry Brushing

A natural bristle brush used for bathing is your lymph system helper. Use before your shower or bath.

Use a circular and firm motion, brushing towards the heart. For best results:

* Start at your left foot and brush up the leg.
* Switch to your right foot and leg and brush.
* Brush the abdomen going from right to left. (This follows the pathway of the colon.)
* Brush your bum and up as high as you can on your back.
* Brush the breast area and under the arms.
* Brush left hand then up the arm.
* Repeat with right hand and arm.
* Gently brush the neck then face.

You should be glowingly pink by now. Shower. Or you can also take a damp cloth and wipe your body down. This will remove dead skin cells left from the brushing. Don’t forget to give your brush a rinse and put it where it can dry.

Remember, your skin is the biggest eliminating organ of your body. Here are more benefits:

1. Removes dead skin
2. Lessens cellulite
3. Tightens skin
4. Cleanses the lymphatic system
5. Strengthens the immune system
6. Stimulates the hormone and oil-producing glands
7. Stimulates circulation
8. Improves the function of the nervous system
9. Helps digestion

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Permalink Reply by Jason on March 27, 2008 at 4:27am

Hi

Just curious as to why the movement is circular?

The instructions I had are long sweeping flowing movements (not circular). Always working towards the heart and also out through the lymph glands/nodes.

Cheers,

Jason.

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Permalink Reply by Kris Carr on March 27, 2008 at 10:05am

Just did a blog about this very topic today. Check it out. xo

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Permalink Reply by Britanie Faith on March 27, 2008 at 8:59am

I dry brush before every shower and bath. I first started it to try and help to diminish some of that cellulite on my thighs! hahah but haven't noticed anything with that yet! What I do notice is that my skin is soooo much softer and I actually FEEL better after body brushing. It's very invigorating!

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