Dry Brushing: Technique and Benefits of Dry Body Brushing
Dry brushing is an ancient technique: it was practiced in ancient civilizations in Greece, China, and Japan, and is also mentioned in Vedic texts. In the early 1800s, it was revived by the German abbot Sebastian Kneipp, the father of hydrotherapy.
In this article, we delve into the dry brushing technique and its benefits.
Summary:
Instructions: how to dry brush
Dry Brushing and essential oils
Dry brushing in different traditions
Results and benefits
Dry brushing is a simple technique accessible to everyone, providing immense benefits not only to the skin but to the entire body. The dry brushing ritual improves:
- epidermal circulation
- skin oxygenation
- lymphatic circulation and fluid drainage
- fascial connective tissue function, with increased flexibility and mobility
- energy tone (improved circulation of Qi, vital energy)
For cellulite
Dry brushing is one of the natural remedies for cellulite and water retention. In fact, these conditions are caused by stagnation of the lymphatic and circulatory systems, which dry brushing progressively soothes. This practice mobilizes toxins and restores proper vessel function, with a noticeable effect on skin imperfections.
Dry brushing amplifies the action of cellulite treatments: if you want to find out how, read the article to the end.
Instructions: how to dry brush
Now that we've defined the advantages of this practice, let's look at how to perform it best. Before moving on to the instructions, here are three general guidelines to follow:
- It is recommended to brush once a day, or at least three times a week.
- The ideal time is in the morning or before showering. It's best to avoid it before bed due to its activating effect.
- The pressure should be gentle, so as not to cause irritation: everyone will find the most suitable pressure intensity for themselves.
A complete dry brushing sequence lasts approximately 3 minutes and provides deep well-being. The complete sequence involves brushing the entire body; however, it is also possible to focus only on a specific area, according to one's needs.
Full-body sequence
Always start from the left foot; each stroke should be performed 3 times (3x).
Legs (left first, then right)
- From the little toe up to the outer side of the knee (3x)
- from the middle toes of the foot up to the center of the knee (3x)
- from the big toe up to the inner side of the knee (3x)
- from the heel up to the back of the knee (3x)
- From the outer knee to the hip (3x)
- from the central knee to the end of the leg (3x)
- from the inner knee to the pubic area (3x)
- from the back of the knee to the glute (3x)
- From the outer thigh to the sacrum (3x)
- from below the glute to the center of the glute (3x)
Arms (left first, then right)
- From the little finger to the outer shoulder (3x)
- from the middle fingers of the hand to the central part of the shoulder (3x)
- from the thumb to the armpit (3x)
- from the palm of the hand to the back of the shoulder (3x)
Chest and abdomen
- From the left side of the pubis towards the left side of the abdomen (3x)
- from the central part of the pubis towards the navel (3x)
- from the right side of the pubis towards the right side of the abdomen (3x)
- Following a clockwise rotation, from the right flank, liver, move towards the stomach, spleen (left side), and bladder. (3x)
- Breast: proceed in a circular motion, from the inner part of the breast, outwards, and from bottom to top, starting from the left breast. Do not brush the nipples. Apply very gentle pressure. The breast sequence should be performed only once.
Shoulders
- From the left shoulder towards the base of the neck (3x)
- from the right shoulder towards the base of the neck (3x)
- from the left ear towards the base of the neck (3x)
- from the right ear towards the base of the neck (3x)
Back
- From the left flank upwards (3x)
- from the left shoulder downwards (3x)
- from the right flank upwards (3x)
- from the right shoulder downwards (3x)
Dry Brushing Routine Kit
Dry Brushing Beauty Routine
Improves skin appearance and reduces blemishes. Its extreme practicality is ideal for those who love to take care of their body naturally.
Dry brush
Olfattiva's brush
With an ergonomic shape that ensures safe use, its soft plant bristles are made of Tampico, a plant fiber extracted from an Agave variety, which ensures a delicate action. The handle is made of European Beech wood.
Contraindications
Avoid brushing broken skin, wounds, rashes, or sunburn.
In case of phlebitis or significant circulatory problems, it is necessary to consult your doctor.
Before and after
After just one or two weeks of practice, the effects on the skin are evident: it appears more toned, firm, and radiant. Tendons, muscles, and ligaments will have gained flexibility.
Dry brushing brush: cleaning
To clean your dry brushing brush, we recommend soaking the bristles in a basin of water with a few drops of Tea Tree essential oil dissolved in it, then letting them air dry.
Dry Brushing and essential oils
The mechanical action of brushing provides perfect exfoliation for the body: the superficial stratum corneum, made up of dead cells, is removed, making the skin more receptive to all subsequent treatments.
For this reason, it would be advisable to apply a functional oil or body cream afterwards.
Transdermal aromatherapy: the action of essential oils on the skin
Cutaneous (or transdermal) application is one of the three absorption pathways for essential oils. Thanks to their molecular weight, essential oils can penetrate all skin layers and reach the bloodstream and lymphatic system. From there, they reach the entire body. The application of essential oils – suitably diluted in a carrier – is a simple gesture but of extraordinary and profound effectiveness.
Harnessing the benefits of transdermal aromatherapy after brushing means optimizing the treatment.
The choice of product should be guided by individual needs. If you want to enhance the anti-cellulite or draining action, the perfect complement to the routine is the Draining and Circulation functional oils.
Draining Body Oil
Functional blend of pure essential oils of juniper and rosemary and chili pepper extracts.
Combats the appearance of cellulite with a shaping, slimming, and firming action. Regenerates and purifies tissues with a toning and antioxidant effect.
Circulation Body Oil
Functional blend of pure essential oils of lemon and cypress and extracts of centella and horse chestnut.
Fights skin imperfections caused by dilated capillaries with a regenerating action. Invigorates and provides vitality, a feeling of lightness and relief to tired legs.
Legs Routine Kit
The Leg Routine Kit supports circulation and body drainage, helping to restore the physiological function of adipose tissue, whose alterations can cause the blemishes of cellulite.
Dry brushing in different traditions
Dry brushing in Traditional Chinese Medicine
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body is crisscrossed by numerous energetic channels called meridians, through which vital energy, Qi, circulates in the body.
The balance in the flow of Qi is very important: illness or dysfunction could arise from excessive flow or a blockage.
To maintain a harmonious flow of energy, continuous adaptation to ongoing changes is necessary, both within the mind-body system (emotions) and externally (seasonal influences, diet). This adaptive capacity can be supported through the stimulation of energy points and channels, through practices such as brushing.
Dry brushing and Ayurveda: the Garshana treatment
The ancient Vedic tradition from India extols the benefits of dry brushing with the Garshana treatment.
This treatment involves using special raw silk gloves to massage and stimulate the body's tissues. It is a practice generally recommended for people with a predominance of the Kapha Dosha, characterized by a slow metabolism, a tendency towards water retention, and lymphatic stagnation.
The use of raw silk gloves stimulates circulation, improves fluid drainage, and promotes the treatment of skin imperfections such as cellulite and fat deposits.
Dry brushing for Kneipp
Dry brushing was introduced to the West in the mid-19th century by the German abbot Sebastian Kneipp, a hygienist and founder of hydrotherapy.
The Kneipp method, based on hydrotherapy, aims to strengthen the body by activating its self-healing energies. Kneipp applied brushing to people who could not benefit from alternating cold and hot baths or who could not increase their body temperature.
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