Self Care Guide : Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is a centuries-old self-care practice that treats the skin as a gateway to the body’s internal health. Historically, this technique—known as Garshana in Ayurvedic medicine—has been used for over 5,000 years in India to stimulate blood flow and clear mental fog. Similar rituals emerged in ancient Egypt, where practitioners used abrasive materials to smooth the skin, and in Scandinavian cultures, where dry brushing remains a standard precursor to the sauna. By using a firm, natural-bristle brush on dry skin, you are essentially performing a manual "pump" for your lymphatic system, encouraging the body to move fluid and filter out the metabolic waste of a busy week.
As a specialist’s tool for physical renewal, dry brushing is best performed in the morning to awaken the senses and prepare the landscape of your skin for a fresh day.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Dry Brushing
For the best results, always perform this ritual on completely dry skin, ideally right before you step into the shower.
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The Foundation (Feet): Begin at the soles of your feet. Use long, sweeping strokes or firm circular motions, moving from the toes up toward the ankles and calves. Always move in the direction of your heart to support the natural flow of your circulatory system
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The Upward Sweep (Legs): Continue up the thighs. Use slightly more pressure on the backs of the legs and outer thighs, where the skin is thicker, and lighter pressure on the delicate skin behind the knees.
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The Extremities (Arms): Move to your hands. Brush from the palms and the backs of your hands up toward your elbows and shoulders. Focus extra attention on the underarm area, which is a key cluster of lymph nodes.
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The Center (Abdomen): On your stomach, use a gentle, clockwise circular motion. This specific direction follows the natural path of your digestive system, helping to ease bloating and encourage internal flow.
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The Finish (Chest & Back): Gently brush from your shoulders down toward your heart. If your brush has a long handle, finish by reaching around to your back and brushing from the lower spine upward toward the shoulder blades.
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The Rinse: Step into the shower. The water will wash away the dead skin cells you've just loosened, leaving your skin feeling exceptionally smooth and refreshed.
The Benefits of the Ritual
The primary benefit of dry brushing is lymphatic drainage, which helps reduce inflammation and supports your immune system. Beyond the internal health gains, it acts as a powerful mechanical exfoliant, unclogging pores and increasing microcirculation to give the skin a healthy, natural glow. Most importantly, the brisk sensation of the bristles acts as a nervous system stimulant, providing an energy boost that clears morning lethargy and helps you feel more present and grounded in your body.
Where to Source Your Tools
A specialist looks for natural, biodegradable bristles (like sisal or boar hair) and sustainable wood handles.
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Goop: G.Tox Ultimate Dry Brush: A cult favorite made from FSC-certified wood and natural sisal. It features a ergonomic handle that makes reaching your back effortless. Goop Ultimate Dry Brush
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Gilded Body: The Marble Body Brush: For those who want their tools to be as beautiful as they are functional, this patented brush features a hand-carved marble base and natural bristles. Gilded Marble Body Brush
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Dr. Barbara Sturm: The Body Brush: Available in soft and medium bristles, this is the choice for those with sensitive skin who want a more gentle introduction to the practice. Dr. Sturm Body Brush
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HigherDOSE: Supercharge Copper Body Brush: A high-tech take on the ritual, featuring ion-charged copper bristles that help neutralize the effects of digital stress while you brush. HigherDOSE Copper Brush