While an infrared sauna on its own provides tremendous health benefits, dry brushing can increase these effects. This is basically is a way to wake up the skin and begin increased circulation of the blood. It is a process of using an all natural bristle brush to stimulate the skin, turning it a slight pink if performed correctly.
As we know, circulation and the skin are two of the ways a sauna can remove toxins from the body.
Dry Brushing Moves Lymphatic Fluid Before Sauna
However, another toxin removal system in the body is the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system does not have a pump as the blood circulatory system does. So it needs something to push or force the lymphatic fluid to move throughout the body. Here is one of the easiest and best methods to accomplish this fluid drainage.
While this procedure is not necessary to obtain dramatic results from infrared saunas, it does improve these results. Additionally is adds the much needed lymphatic fluid movement. If you do not like the process, rebounding on a small personal trampoline for a few minutes accomplishes the same lymphatic movement. This second option, however, does not directly affect the skin. But it is perhaps the best method to improve the lymph system.
Skin Benefits of Dry Brushing
In addition to boosting lymphatic fluid movement, this also has other benefits, including removing old skin cells.
Dry Brushing Improves Circulation
As you massage the skin, blood flow is pushed to the skin bringing toxins with it. This skin care releases toxins through sweating and exfoliates at the same time. A nice combination.
Brushing Improves Skin Appearance
As old cells are removed, new cells are prompted to renew more quickly. This changes dried out old looking skin over time to a more youthful look. Cellulite can also be reduced.
Learn more health benefits of infrared sauna to have in your life.
In the following article Dr. Edward F. Group describes how this can be combined with sauna use:
6 Amazing Health Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing | Wake Up World
By Dr. Edward F. Group
Guest Writer for Wake Up World
Blood flow increases to the skin following dry brushing, and the normal process of releasing toxins through perspiration is improved. Proper exercise, spicy foods, and breathing techniques also help promote normal circulation.
One of the most important benefits of skin brushing is the supposed effect it has on the lymphatic system. This is of profound significance to the immune system. White blood cells, or lymphocytes, are actually named after this major body system. Lymph circulates to our cells through channels independent of our circulatory system.
A huge benefit of skin brushing is a drastic improvement in the appearance of the skin itself! Eliminating dead skin and unclogging pores results in a very noticeable improvement. For people who exercise or sit in Far Infrared Saunas, this is an excellent follow up to detoxification by sweating.
The appearance of the skin also improves as new cells form more quickly, and the skin takes on a smooth luster that is noticeably brighter than the dull appearance of old, dry, and often wrinkled skin. 6 Amazing Health Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing | Wake Up World
How to Perform Dry Brushing
While the previous post focused more on the medical aspects of this procedure, the following article provides more information on the actual steps of the process. We have always liked and respected the DelicoiuslyOrganic.net website and this is another reason why.
Clear, straight to the point information to help others learn about this very beneficial health practice. The author has gone through an incredible transformation of her own skin.
She explains how this is part of her daily regimen:
Most of us know our skin is our largest organ. Did you know our skin aids in detoxing our bodies? The pores in our skin benefit from “exercise” to better rid toxins from the body. Cardio-vascular exercise, sunshine, dry saunas, and keeping toxic chemicals off our skin all help this process.
Dry-brushing may also help our skin detoxify and keep us looking our best. While I can’t find any hard-core studies to support this assertion, my nutritionist shared this detox method with me and well, she helped me heal from Hashimoto’s disease (something medical doctors told me wasn’t possible), so I’m going to trust her! Also, it can’t hurt, right?
How do you Dry Brush?
- Once a day, preferably before bed or before a shower or time in a dry sauna.
- Brush, starting at the feet, and work up towards the heart using light, short strokes (always brushing towards the heart). Then work from the arms towards your chest. Don’t forget your palms and soles. The skin should be stimulated, not red or irritated.
- Brushing the entire body should take from 45 seconds to 2 minutes.
- It’s best not moisturize afterwards so the pores can breathe and rid themselves of toxins.
Dry Brushing Procedure Steps
Make sure you are using natural bristles which will not damage the skin. We prefer long handles which make the process much easier.
- Start at your feet and always move towards the heart moving in a circular motion.
- Move to the legs. Massage the thighs upwards towards the inner thighs. The Lymph nodes are in the inner thighs.
- Move from your hands towards the armpits. Be careful at the armpits where there are a concentration of lymph nodes.
- A few times a week is good. It is best to perform this just prior to a shower or infrared sauna session.
It is clear this is a practice that is growing in popularity. Especially in all natural and organic groups. Although it has grown beyond the natural health community and has gone mainstream. Importantly, use natural bristles and make smooth movements towards the heart.
As you can see, this is an easy to learn, simply practice that requires little time. But the rewards can be very noticeable.
So give this a try. A natural bristle product is inexpensive and is easy to use. Enjoy!