Dry Body Brushing is one of our favourite ways to maintain the results of your M1 Lymphatic Method massage at home.
Dry body brushing offers intensive exfoliation that leaves skin feeling smooth and invigorated. It also stimulates blood flow and oxygenates the cells, offering a wide range of health and aesthetic benefits. In fact, Dry Body Brushing is an ayurvedic technique that has been used for thousands of years.
Today we will explain the history of dry body brushing, its benefits and tips for best results.
History
It is believed that Dry Body Brushing techniques were first used by the Ancient Egyptians, who were the pioneers of many health and beauty rituals that are still used today.
This traditional Ayurvedic dry-brushing was called gharshana (pronounced gar-shun-uh) and was used to reduce “ama” (toxins or undigested metabolic waste) in the body. It was also used to stimulate the lymphatic system and promote detoxification.
The popularity of this technique eventually spread to other parts of the world including France, Russia, Greece, Rome and China. While the tool used varied from loofahs made of fruit in Chinese cultures to strigils (an almost blade-like device) in Ancient Greek and Roman communities, the principles remained the same: removing dead skin cells, stimulating circulation and offering numerous benefits for overall wellbeing.
Today, dry body brushing is still a popular method for stimulating the lymphatic system, improving circulation and reducing the appearance of cellulite. It is used in massage therapy, spa treatments, and as a daily ritual that can be implemented at home.
Benefits
Dry body brushing offers numerous benefits for our health and appearance, including:
- Stimulates the lymphatic system
- Reduces the appearance of cellulite
- Increases circulation
- Promotes healing
- Tightens & brightens skin
- Detoxifies
- Exfoliates dead skin cells
- Relieves stress
- Reduces muscle tension
To enjoy the full range of benefits, we recommend using a dry body brush daily.
Tips
For best results, choose a firm brush and using light, upward strokes on dry skin. We usually recommend clients spend 5 minutes brushing the whole body before showering.
As this technique stimulates the lymphatic system, it is important to consider where your lymph glands are. The goal is to direct toxins and excess fluid toward them so the body can naturally expel them as waste.
Our M1 founder and massage therapist, Mel, has created a video that demonstrates the best way to use your dry body brush. You can watch it here:
We also sell dry body brushes in our clinics and online. Make sure you grab one at your next appointment!
