By Nicole Perriella, Ayurvedic Health Coach

Skin Brushing Glow Natural Health Seattle WADry body brushing is a cleansing practice that allows us to sluff off what we no longer need. This physical and symbolic daily cleansing can help you process and release experiences that feel “stuck” in your body.

The skin is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for one-fourth of the body’s detoxification each day, making it one of the most important elimination organs. Toxins can gather beneath the skin’s surface from such common influences as soaps, skin creams, deodorants and our environment.

When you dry skin brush, you stimulate the lymphatic system to cleanse itself of the toxins that collect in the lymph glands. You can use this ancient yet simple technique to improve the surface circulation of the skin, keeping the pores of the skin open, encouraging your body’s discharge of metabolic wastes, and resulting in an improved ability to combat bacteria.

Benefits

  1. Stimulates circulation
  1. Increases cell renewal
  1. Cleanses the lymphatic system
  1. Removes dead skin layers
  1. Stimulates the glands, thus helping all of the body systems to perform at peak efficiency.
  1. Reduces cellulite

How to Dry Skin Brush

Use a long handled, natural bristle brush so as not to irritate the surface of your skin. Brush before showering. Start at your ankles and use long sweeping, circular strokes and guide the brush up towards your liver (lower right side of your abdomen). Next, brush across your stomach, chest, back and buttocks. Lastly, brush your arms, always bringing the brush to “dump” toxins at the liver. Use circular strokes around the joints.

Consider this technique part of your gentle, self-care routine. Breathe deeply to make it a moving meditation. Any physical practice becomes more effective by intentionally using your mind to enhance the positive benefits. Think about any thought patterns, habits or experiences that you would like to let go. Allow them to clear out as you body brush. It’s an invigorating and gentle way to start the day. Enjoy!

Nicole Perriella is an Ayurvedic Health Coach and Hatha Yoga Teacher at the Glow Natural Health Center in Seattle, WA.  Through diet, lifestyle, herbs, yoga, meditation and pranayama, Nicole guides clients to correct imbalances to look and feel their best. Her writing has been featured on Seattle Seedling, Ayurveda Apothecary and Everyday Ayurveda.  Find her at www.nicoleperriella.com.