Dry Brushing is the New (and old) Trend for Self-Care

If you follow social media, you have undoubtedly heard of dry brushing. It is everywhere right now, saying it’s a cure all for everything.  Let’s take a closer look at this ancient technique and what it can and cannot do.

Dry brushing is a type of Ayurvedic medicine that has gone in and out of popularity for centuries.  It works by exfoliating the skin. Using a special natural-fiber brush with course bristles, it is brushed over the skin using a specific pattern. This removes dead skin cells and is said to improve the body’s ability to cleanse itself by allowing toxins to be purged through the pores.  Here are some other benefits of dry brushing:

• stimulating the body’s lymphatic system
• removing the dead skin on the body
• increasing circulation and energy, especially as people age
• exfoliating creates fresh glowing skin
• reducing the appearance of cellulite

Healthline.com provides the following technique to follow at home.

Note: If you have an open wound or skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, avoid dry brushing that area.  It could introduce bacteria and lead to possible infection.

Remember to clean your brush with a gentle soap and water bath every week.  If you have more than one person in your household utilizing dry brushing, each person should have their own brush. Suzanne’s Natural Foods carries several dry brush options. Stop in and see which one is right for you.

For additional information you can check out the instructional videos on YouTube or this article from the Cleveland Clinic https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-truth-about-dry-brushing-and-what-it-does-for-you/