By Emily McLaughlin In general, eating healthy is expensive. But, you know what’s really expensive? Juicing. First, you need to buy a juicer. An effective juicer runs for at least $150.00 unless if you want the cream-of-the-crop, which will put you out about $400.00. After that expense is over with, you need to buy all of […]
Dry skin brushing
By Emily McLaughlin
During yoga teaching training, I learned just as much from my peers as I did my instructors. During our lunch breaks we did a whole lot of chit-chatting. This is where my obsession with juices, Whole Foods and eating clean really began. One afternoon, after lunch and before we got into some serious posture work, we spent some time chatting about detoxifying. It was on this day that I was introduced to the concept of dry skin brushing.
What is it?
Dry skin brushing is a skincare technique that removes dry skin and stimulates the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is responsible for the removal of interstitial fluid (the fluid that fills tissue spaces) from tissues, absorbing and transporting fatty acids and fats from the digestive system, and transporting white blood cells to and from lymph nodes into bonds.
The lymphatic system is comprised of a network of lymphatic vessels which carry a clear fluid called lymph directionally towards the heart. The lymph is formed when the interstitial fluid (the fluid that fills tissue spaces) is collected through lymph capillaries (thin-walled vessels that are closed at one end and are located in the spaces between cells throughout the body). As the blood and the surrounding cells continually add and remove substances from the interstitial fluid, it changes into lymph fluid. It is then transported through lymph vessels to lymph nodes before mixing back with blood.
You might be familiar with yoga for recover, or the concept of “putting legs up the wall.” Putting your legs up above your heart lets all of the blood that has accumulated in your legs from standing, walking, running or sitting to travel back to the heart with ease. During this process your lymphatic system rejuvenates and you rid you can reduce chronic fatigue.
Benefits
Dry skin brushing simulates/improves circulation and can reduce the appearance of cellulite. This isn't necessarily something I'm worried about the the time being, but wellness is all about prevention. ;)
Like I mentioned above, dry body brushing helps shed dead skin cells and encourage cell renewal. Since making dry brushing a part of my daily, pre-shower routine, I have noticed smoother, brighter skin. Also, after experiencing a light skin burn after my first day at the beach, my skin didn't peel and healed faster than usual.
Brushing improves vascular blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. This helps release toxins and encourages the discharge metabolic wastes. After brushing, my skin tingles and I can feel the blood moving though my body with energy. The tingling is a result of a stimulated nervous system/nerve endings in the skin.
Other dry skin brushing claims: Aids muscle tone and gives you a more even distribution of fat deposits, helps the skin absorb nutrients by eliminating clogged pores, energizes you.
The brush
You’ve probably seen these brushes at drug stores or natural food stores, hey, they even have them at Target. I got mine at Whole Foods for about $10. Brushes are typically made of vegetable fibers and they are coarse. I picked one with a long handle to make brushing my back easy.
When
Daily, before a shower and when skin is dry.
How
- Get naked.
- The idea is to brush in small strokes towards your heart. Start at your feet and brush upwards towards your core. Next, brush from fingertips to shoulders. Brush from low back to upper back. Brush over your shoulders to your chest. You should feel a tingling sensation all over.
- In the shower, scrub your body mindfully. Start at your feet and move up your legs, thenn scrub from fingertips to shoulders. Use an exfoliating face wash and wash your hair per usual.
- Post-shower, dry your body completely and apply lotion or a body oil in a circular motion moving towards your heart. You can find essential oils at Whole Foods and beauty stores — my go-to scents and lavender and rose scented oils.
Watch this video for more benefits and how-tos:
