Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing and After Shower Self Massage
Dry skin brushing – the use of a natural bristle body brush, sisal mitt, or exfoliating cloth on dry, untreated skin), and aromatic after shower self-massage can provide a number of healthy benefits to your skin, immune system, and energy level, not to mention a positive boost to your psyche. The skin is the largest organ in your body, and your olfactory system is directly linked to the limbic system of the brain, which, in turn, has a direct effect on many of your body’s automatic processes, such as breathing, heart rate, and body temperature.
Although a self-massage may not be as relaxing and deep tissue-reaching as a professional massage, using an aromatherapy massage oil after the shower or bath has some great benefits. It not only feels good, it is good for you. Using the same basic strokes as the dry brushing technique (described below), you can moisturize and massage your skin to better health using an all natural massage oil heavenly-scented with just the right blend of therapeutic essential oils for you.
Skin Brushing and Self Massage Require the Same Movement Techniques:
Begin at the extremities and always move toward the heart – Using gentle pressure, make sweeping movements over each part of the body, back and front, avoiding delicate areas. Lastly, using a clock-wise circular motion over the abdomen can encourage better digestive function, as this is in tandem with the shape and direction that your colon is working in.
A good time to perform dry brushing is just before bathing or showering, when skin is dry and unmoisturized. Use a comfortable pressure on your skin – you don’t have to be too abrasive with yourself! Don’t forget the tops and bottoms of hands and feet. This is a good time to practice conscious breathing taking full even breaths from your diaphragm – in with your nose, out with your mouth.
Alternately, the best time to perform a self massage is directly after bathing. Applying the massage oil to skin that is still slightly damp will help retain that moisture as well as increase the absorbency of the oil into your pores. Start with approximately ½ – 1 teaspoon of massage oil in the palm of hands, gently and firmly use the same sweeping motions as you apply the oil to the skin. You will need to use more oil as you go. Using the same breathing practices from above allow you to gain the maximum benefit from your aromatic application.
The Reported Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing
- Conditions skin by exfoliating build up of dead skin cells.
- Stimulates lymphatic circulation, aiding elimination of body wastes.
- Increased circulation increases oxygen levels which increases energy.
- 5 minutes of dry brushing offers the same circulatory benefits as a deep massage or twenty minutes of jogging!
The Reported Benefits of Self-Massage
Moisturizing just-bathed skin with a good quality blend of carrier and essential oils eliminates synthetic ingredients commonly found in most body lotions
Improves circulation and lymphatic movement
Aids digestion and speeds up the elimination of waste products
Careful selection of your synergy blend will not only please your nose, it can improve your mood, relieve stress, soothe body aches and pains, and cool or warm your body (or even your attitude.
