Dry body brushing

Dry body brushing

A practice and ritual included in my own self-care practice and often included in my Lymphatic Treatments.

This soothing practice has so many benefits,

• Increases blood circulation which allows cells and organs to receive more oxygen and nutrients. This is particularly important for those that have spider veins or varicose veins as they slow your circulation. It’s also been said that it can delay the onset of varicose veins through keeping our circulatory and lymphatic system functioning well.

• Supports the excretion of toxins and waste through our lymphatic system, back into the bloodstream for elimination from the body. Toxin build up can show up as swelling or fluid retention in our face or other parts of our body and is often referred to as inflammation. Some common toxins we consume are alcohol, BPA from plastic products, pollution from the air and by products of medications. Other toxins can include excess hormones such as oestrogen/progesterone or metabolic waste post exercise. 

• Stimulates our immune system and immune response, due to the close connection between the health of the lymphatic system and the strength of the immune system.  

• Exfoliates dead skin cells, which aids in firming and smoothing the skin (temporarily giving your skin a brighter appearance). It also provides another avenue for wastes/toxins to be excreted from our body through clearer pores. 

• Helps to address keratosis pilaris, those white bumps that can show up on the back of your arms from a Vitamin A deficiency through the exfoliation process. It also reduces the appearance of cellulite due to the increase of blood flow and improvement of lymphatic flow to stagnant areas.

• The stroking pattern on the skin provides stress relief and feelings of improved well-being through the release of neurotransmitter, oxytocin. The relaxing nature of the treatment also assists you in activating the parasympathetic nervous system (rest, digest, repair). 

During the treatment I use dry brushes with natural bristles, to brush your skin gently but firmly in upward motions. Your abdomen is often a key area due to the many lymphatic vessels, ducts and organs located here.

Written by Tarren Hehir, Remedial and Lymphatic Massage Therapist.
Find her in Fitzroy, Melbourne