Ayurvedic Body Brushing Tips For Smooth Skin

Did you know that body brushing was used in ancient Egypt? They used dry body brushes, as well as sour milk and wine to obtain soft skin. The ancient Greeks, as well as the Romans also used this method with olive oil to remove excess dirt/oil before properly bathing. It was also a common beauty ritual within the Chinese and Indian cultures. Also known as gharshana in India, it was used to stimulate blood flow. Traditionally used with raw silk or linen gloves or a bristle body brush. On the other hand, the Chinese used a gourd fruit called silk squash and can be used with or without sesame oil as well. It was used to stimulate circulation and it was believed to be associated with lung, stomach and liver meridians.

What Is It?

Body brushing is basically brushing your body and gently massaging it. This provides the ability to make your skin glow and removes dead skin. Body brushing is also an old and ancient method of taking care of your skin.

Body brushing can be used to tone and sculpt the skin, by toning muscles and tissue below the surface of the skin. Furthermore, body brushing has the ability to rejuvenate and soften the skin, whilst helping stimulate the lymphatic system. This assists in limiting cysts breakouts.

Dry Brushing Benefits

Body brushing is a way to exfoliate, stimulate the lymphatic system, increase circulation, and break down cellulitis. Additionally, body brushing can be used to get rid of other toxins and cleanse your skin in depth. It also helps with plumping the skin and lymphatic drainage.

Exfoliating: gets rid of dry skin, dead skin, and oil as well as dirt
Boosts circulation: After using it there may be inflammation and more blood being moved in certain areas
Lymphatic drainage: blood carries lymph fluids, which then get filtered through the lymph nodes. As a result, this removes toxins
Wrinkle reduction
Increases muscle tone
Improves skin texture (luminosity and suppleness)
Reduces the effects of stress on the body
Promotes weight management by supporting healthy metabolism
Supports natural detoxification
Stimulates areas that accumulate cellulite

Risks

Avoid body brushing if you have:

Very sensitive skin
A skin condition such as psoriasis or eczema
An open wound (skip the area)
Inflamed skin due to sunburn or an allergy
An illness

Tips

Use moisturizer/lotion before and after brushing
Shower after
Can be done two times a week but also depends on your skin type
Dry brushing can be used on the body but exfoliating skincare products are better suited for the face.
You should clean your brush and sanitize it, after each use.
Skin brushing is best done in the morning before bathing, with dry skin that is free from lotion or oil
Make sure the room where the massage will be done is a comfortable temperature
Keep the direction of the stroke always toward the heart
Use circular strokes on the stomach and joints (shoulders, elbows, knees, wrists, hips, and ankles), and long sweeping strokes on the arms and legs (toward the heart)