Move that Lymph!

Drybrushing! Dry brushing is exactly what it sounds like… brushing the skin in a particular pattern with a dry brush, usually before showering. In dry brushing, the skin is typically brushed toward the heart, starting at the feet and hands and brushing toward the chest. You should do this slowly due to that the lymph is a viscous (slow moving) liquid. Benefits of Dry Brushing I’ve been dry brushing my skin for years, mostly because it feels great and makes my skin softer, but there are other benefits as well: 1. Lymphatic Support: The lymphatic system is a major part of the body’s immune system. It is made up of organs and lymph nodes, ducts and vessels that transport lymph throughout the body. Many of these lymph vessels run just below the skin and proponents of dry brushing claim that brushing the skin regularly helps stimulate the normal lymph flow within the body and help the body detoxify itself naturally. 2. Exfoliation This benefit is often noticed the first time a person dry brushes. The process of running a firm, natural bristled brush over the skin helps loosen and remove dead skin cells, naturally exfoliating skin. I noticed much softer skin in the first few days and weeks after I started dry brushing and my skin has stayed soft. Dry brushing is one of the simplest and most natural ways to exfoliate skin. I love this benefit of skin brushing and how soft my skin feels when I do this regularly! 3. Cellulite Help I swear by this! I only have a few cellulites at the back of my thighs, and I don’t brush that area as thoroughly as the rest of my body. Or I do now, but I tend to forget that place because I can not see it, unless I stand in front of a mirror. 4. Natural Energy Boost I can’t explain why but dry brushing always gives me a natural energy boost. For this reason, I wouldn’t recommend dry brushing at night but it is great in the morning. One theory is that because it increases circulation, it also increases energy. Either way, dry brushing is part of my morning routine. How to Dry Brush Dry brushing can be done daily, preferably in the morning before showering. If you are sensitive, start with a gentle brush and soft pressure. Work up to a firmer brush and more firm pressure over time. Here’s How to Dry Brush the Skin: 1.    Starting at the feet, I brush the bottoms of my feet and up my legs in long, smooth strokes. I typically brush each section of skin 10 times. For lymph flow, I always brush toward the heart/chest area where the lymph system drains. As a good rule of thumb, always brush toward the center of the body. 2.    Repeat the same process with the arms, starting with the palms of the hands and brushing up the arm toward the heart. Again, I brush each section of skin 10 times. 3.    On the stomach and armpits, brush in a circular clockwise motion. 4.    I then repeat the process on my abdomen and back and my face with a more delicate brush. Note: Don’t brush too hard! A soft and smooth stroke often works best. My skin is slightly pink after brushing, but it should never be red or sting. If it hurts at all, use less pressure! I brush before I enjoy my showers. If you clean your brush after every use and spray it with a sanitizer of some sort, it will keep an adequate hygienic standard and last longer. A natural and effective sanitizer is Thymol, that’s produced/extracted from Thyme. It stimulates the lymphatic system, helps the body rid itself of toxins and increase circulation and even energy. As a dermatologist, I know that gently brushing the skin does have exfoliating benefits and will stimulate the body in a way similar to massage, which has well-documented benefits. Especially during pregnancy, I personally found that dry brushing seemed to help keeping me from getting stretch marks and also seemed to help tighten the skin after the pregnancy. I personally like dry brushing because it moves the lymph. Give it a try and tell me what you think!