Continuing with the detox-theme, this post takes a look at the benefits of Dry Skin Brushing and follows on from the previous post about Lymphatic Drainage Massage - see below. Both of these detoxifying therapies - now available at Amulet as part of the new Detox Massage - are wonderful at helping to overcome a sluggish lymphatic system, strengthening immunity and boosting energy levels.
 | The Role of the Skin The skin is the largest organ in the human body. It consists of nerves, glands and layers of tissue that protect our bodies from external elements, pollutants and infections. One of its main roles is to support the lymphatic system in the removal of waste from the body; in fact a third of the body’s toxins are excreted through the skin. However its ability to perform becomes compromised if the skin pores become blocked with dead skin cells and dirt |
| Dry Skin Brushing There is some evidence of Dry Skin Brushing being used in ancient times, however more recently the practice has been attributed to the naturopathic doctor, Paavo Airola, who used this technique to stimulate and exfoliate the skin of his patients to aid the detox process. Dry skin brushing is a simple technique where a dry brush, preferably with dense natural bristles, is used to brush the skin in long firm, but gentle, strokes in a direction towards the heart. A regular full body brush can dramatically improve the quality and appearance of the skin and have profound health benefits due to its deeper impact on the body’s lymphatic system, circulation and metabolism. |  |
Benefits of Skin Brushing
1 - Exfoliates Dead Skin & Unblocks Pores
Dry brushing is one of the most effective ways to remove dead skin cells leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth. At the same time oil and dirt is cleared from the pores allowing the skin to breathe, expel waste more effectively and absorb more nutrients.
2 - Stimulates the Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is responsible for controlling the immune system and eliminating toxins from the body. It is made up of a network of vessels that transports lymph fluid around the body to collect waste from the cells. When the system is compromised through illness or due to an excess of toxins, blockages can occur. This congestion can cause aches, pains and fatigue and is a major trigger for inflammation and disease. The pressure applied to the tissues when brushing the skin helps to stimulate the flow of lymph fluid, increasing the effectiveness of the system to remove waste, fight infection and keep the body healthy and balanced.
3 - Increases Energy and Blood Flow
Dry skin brushing also stimulates blood circulation which is responsible for delivering nutrients to the body’s cells and expelling metabolic waste. As blood circulation increases metabolism is enhanced and energy levels soar.
4 - Reduces Cellulite
Cellulite is created when toxins accumulate and become trapped in your body’s fat cells. Some claim that dry skin brushing can help to break down these fatty deposits allowing the toxins to be released and removed. However others believe that the effect is only temporary and that the cellulite only appears to be reduced as the skin swells due to increased circulation.
5 - Improves Digestion
As the lymphatic system is stimulated the excess water and toxins that cause bloating are removed allowing the digestive system to function more efficiently.
6 - Relieves Stress
Dry skin brushing is very similar to a full body massage and has the same ability to reduce muscle tension. Its meditative strokes can be very soothing and therefore can also calm the mind.
1 - Exfoliates Dead Skin & Unblocks Pores
Dry brushing is one of the most effective ways to remove dead skin cells leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth. At the same time oil and dirt is cleared from the pores allowing the skin to breathe, expel waste more effectively and absorb more nutrients.
2 - Stimulates the Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is responsible for controlling the immune system and eliminating toxins from the body. It is made up of a network of vessels that transports lymph fluid around the body to collect waste from the cells. When the system is compromised through illness or due to an excess of toxins, blockages can occur. This congestion can cause aches, pains and fatigue and is a major trigger for inflammation and disease. The pressure applied to the tissues when brushing the skin helps to stimulate the flow of lymph fluid, increasing the effectiveness of the system to remove waste, fight infection and keep the body healthy and balanced.
3 - Increases Energy and Blood Flow
Dry skin brushing also stimulates blood circulation which is responsible for delivering nutrients to the body’s cells and expelling metabolic waste. As blood circulation increases metabolism is enhanced and energy levels soar.
4 - Reduces Cellulite
Cellulite is created when toxins accumulate and become trapped in your body’s fat cells. Some claim that dry skin brushing can help to break down these fatty deposits allowing the toxins to be released and removed. However others believe that the effect is only temporary and that the cellulite only appears to be reduced as the skin swells due to increased circulation.
5 - Improves Digestion
As the lymphatic system is stimulated the excess water and toxins that cause bloating are removed allowing the digestive system to function more efficiently.
6 - Relieves Stress
Dry skin brushing is very similar to a full body massage and has the same ability to reduce muscle tension. Its meditative strokes can be very soothing and therefore can also calm the mind.
Step-by-step Guide to Skin Brushing
Whilst many therapists offer Dry Skin Brushing as part of a treatment, the beauty of it is that it can easily be done at home by yourself.
Buy a body brush with natural bristles (brushes with long handles are useful for getting to the hard to reach places)
For best results you should brush the entire body on a daily basis for a period of 7 days. After the initial 7 days you should reduce sessions to once or twice a week, as excessive exfoliation can lead to skin cell damage and dehydration. You may find it is better to skin brush in the morning instead of just before going to bed as it can have an effect on energy levels.
Whilst many therapists offer Dry Skin Brushing as part of a treatment, the beauty of it is that it can easily be done at home by yourself.
Buy a body brush with natural bristles (brushes with long handles are useful for getting to the hard to reach places)
- Stand naked in shower, bath or on an easily cleaned surface
- Start at your feet, brushing in firm, but gentle, overlapping strokes, up towards your heart
- Brush your legs, stomach, back, arms and neck, always sweeping the brush towards your heart
- Take care over sensitive areas such as the groin, armpits and breasts and avoid any areas with cuts or abrasions.
- It’s best not to use this type of brush to exfoliate your face, but a softer brush or exfoliation sponge is fine
- Once you’ve brushed the entire body, use the shower to wash away all the residue
- After your shower gently pat the skin dry with a towel and then moisturise with oil or a natural body cream.
For best results you should brush the entire body on a daily basis for a period of 7 days. After the initial 7 days you should reduce sessions to once or twice a week, as excessive exfoliation can lead to skin cell damage and dehydration. You may find it is better to skin brush in the morning instead of just before going to bed as it can have an effect on energy levels.
Amulet Detox Massage
Dry Skin Brushing forms part of Amulet’s Detox massage which is launching this January. The massage will begin with a full-body brushing, followed by a gentle lymphatic massage to help drain toxins and clear blockages from your lymphatic system (for more information on lymphatic drainage refer to the previous post). After detoxing it is important to nourish the body, so the final part of the massage will entail a relaxing oil massage to replenish the skin and boost circulation.
The Detox massage is offered as a 90 minute or 120 minute appointment. The skin brushing and lymphatic drainage combined will take almost an hour, with the remaining time dedicated to the oil massage, therefore the 120 minutes session is recommended for those who enjoy a more thorough full body massage
90 minute treatment 70€ | 120 minute treatment 85€
For more information or to book please email suz@amulettherapy.info
Dry Skin Brushing forms part of Amulet’s Detox massage which is launching this January. The massage will begin with a full-body brushing, followed by a gentle lymphatic massage to help drain toxins and clear blockages from your lymphatic system (for more information on lymphatic drainage refer to the previous post). After detoxing it is important to nourish the body, so the final part of the massage will entail a relaxing oil massage to replenish the skin and boost circulation.
The Detox massage is offered as a 90 minute or 120 minute appointment. The skin brushing and lymphatic drainage combined will take almost an hour, with the remaining time dedicated to the oil massage, therefore the 120 minutes session is recommended for those who enjoy a more thorough full body massage
90 minute treatment 70€ | 120 minute treatment 85€
For more information or to book please email suz@amulettherapy.info
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