One of the ways we have available to take care of our body in this late winter period is certainly to practice a massage using the dry body brushing technique. This massage is in fact a scrub that involves passing a natural brush over the skin of the body with slow movements directed towards the heart. In this way blood circulation is reactivated, drainage and purification are stimulated and the skin appears softer and more luminous. Dry brushing is inspired by the traditional Ayurvedic technique called garshana, a massage to be performed with linen or raw silk gloves that aims to renew the skin and rejuvenate the body and tissues. So let's try to understand what all the benefits of dry brushing are and how to implement it at home.
Dry brushing, properties
Dry brushing requires a massage on the body and legs. Massages help fight cellulite, reduce water retention and stimulate lymphatic drainage, thus promoting detoxification processes (Rawlings et al, International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2006). Not only that, when the skin is subjected to tension, as in the case of massage or dry brushing, it is stimulated to produce more collagen with a consequent improvement in elasticity (Rawlings et al, International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2006). In addition to this, dry brushing also performs a scrub, removing dead cells and stimulating cell turnover (Rodan et al, Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open., 2016). In this way the skin appears softer, fresher and more luminous. Finally, every massage aimed at improving circulation also helps to relax, since it favors the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which stimulates the state of rest, helps to counteract anxiety, stress, depression and inflammation (Vairo et al, J Man Manip Ther, 2009 - Won et al, Curr Neuropharmacol, 2016).
Dry brushing, how to practice it
Get a brush with natural bristles. The massage should be practiced on bare, dry skin. Start brushing from your feet up to your thighs. Brush the front of the legs, then the sides, and then brush the back as well. Perform this massage on both legs. Then move on to the hips and buttocks, also performing small circular massages. Then brush your hands, following your arms up to your shoulders. Very gently pass the brush on the belly with circular movements and then brush from the nape down to the back. In all, brushing takes 5-10 minutes, then you can complete your beauty pampering with a shower to remove dead skin. Finally, after the shower, when the skin is still damp, you can apply a body oil that helps hydrate the skin and make it even more elastic.
Dry brushing, how many times to practice it and contraindications
You can perform dry brushing once a week. The important thing, then, is to moisturize the skin to prevent it from drying out or becoming irritated. It is normal to observe a slight redness after brushing but the skin must not burn or itch, otherwise it means that you are brushing too vigorously. Avoid dry brushing in areas affected by erythema, sunburns and burns, psoriasis or skin irritations.
