What is dry brushing?
Dry brushing is a type of Ayurvedic medicine. This type of medicine was started in India and has been around for over 3000 years. The premise of Ayurvedic medicine is that health and wellness depends on a delicate balance of mind, body, and spirit.
Dry brushing is the practice of using a brush with coarse, natural fiber bristles and gently brushing over the entirety of the body in a particular pattern.
Why is dry brushing beneficial?
There are many benefits to dry brushing one of those benefits is the removal of dead skin and improve the skin’s ability to eliminate toxins through the pores.
One of the bigger benefits is stimulating the lymphatic system. When sick or exposed to a lot of toxins the lymph nodes may become clogged and backed up. Since the lymph nodes filter out the toxins from the body, when they are clogged it can length the amount of time toxins are in the body.
Dry brushing stimulates the lymphatic system by opening up the pores and allowing the body to sweat out the toxins.
When I worked at the clinic as an occupational therapist, we would often do massages that were specific to lymphatic drainage to help people start to eliminate toxins in the body.
What is the lymphatic system and its functions?
The network of tissues, vessels, and organs that work together to protect the body from illness causing invaders, maintaining body fluid, absorbing fats from the digestive tract, and removing cellular waste.
How does the lymphatic system maintain fluid levels in the body?
The lymphatic system collects excess fluid that drains from cells and tissue. The excess fluid is moved through the body and ultimately returns to the bloodstream, and it then recirculated.
Absorbing fats from the digestive tract.
The water colorless fluid that the lymphatic system moves around is called lymph. Fluids from the intestines that contain proteins and fats is absorbed into the lymph and is then transported back to your bloodstream.
Protecting the body from foreign invaders.
Lymphocytes, also known as white blood cells, are produced and then released by the lymphatic system. These lymphocytes then monitor and destroy foreign invaders that may enter the body.
Lymph Nodes
There are about 600 lymph nodes scattered through the body. The lymph nodes are responsible for filtering out the damaged cells and cancer cells. lymphocytes collect in the lymph nodes. Some of the more familiar lymph node locations include the armpit, the groin, and the neck.
How to dry brush?
When dry brushing you will start with your feet, making small circle with the brush, and slowly moving upwards towards your heart.
Watch the video below to get a better idea of how to dry brush.
Dry brushing also has the benefit of making you feel relaxed and may improve your ability to fall asleep if done before bed.
Dry brushing is also good for:
- Brightening the skin
- Makes moisturizer more effective
- Boosts circulation
- Plumps the skin
- Can reduce the appearance of cellulite
Choosing the Right Brush
You will want to start with the right brush for dry brushing. Make sure you choose a brush with course, natural fiber bristles. You can opt for a brush with a short handle or one with a longer handle. Two of my favorite brushes are linked below.
Want to get a little something extra out of your dry brushing routine?
Essential oils can amp up your dry brushing routine and add a little something extra to your skin depending on the oil you use.
Here are a few of my favorite oils to dry brush with:
- Slim and Sassy
- Grapefruit
- Pink Pepper
- Cypress
- AromaTouch
Note: any doTERRA brand essential oils with nutritional facts on the back are safe to take internally.
Slim and Sassy
Slim & Sassy contains Grapefruit, Lemon, Peppermint, Ginger, and Cinnamon. This is the oil that I use the most often when dry brushing, it is one of my favorites.
The description of Slim and Sassy below comes directly from doTERRA’s website.
Slim & Sassy, our proprietary metabolic blend, combines powerful essential oils known to promote a healthy metabolism when ingested. The flavorful blend of Slim & Sassy helps manage hunger throughout the day while supporting healthy metabolism. Its aroma helps create a positive environment. When taken internally with a healthy eating and exercise plan, Slim & Sassy Metabolic Blend can help you reach your weight management goals.
Other Uses for Slim and Sassy
- Get an energy boost by adding it to tea or water before a workout
- Add to water and consume before meals to help control overeating
- Use internally to help manage weight
- Add to a shake or smoothie
Grapefruit
The description of Grapefruit below comes directly from doTERRA’s website.
Referred to as a “forbidden fruit” and one of the “Seven Wonders of Barbados,” Grapefruit was first documented in 1750 by Welshman Rev. Griffith Hughes. The name “grapefruit” is attributed to the fruits growing in clusters which resemble those of grapes. Known for its energizing and invigorating aroma, Grapefruit oil helps create an uplifting environment. Grapefruit essential oil is also renowned for its cleansing and purifying properties and is frequently used in skin care for its ability to promote the appearance of clear, healthy looking skin. Grapefruit can also support a healthy metabolism when used internally.
Other Uses for Grapefruit
- Add to a facial routine to help reduce the appearance of blemishes (avoid sun exposure)
- Use Grapefruit in a diffuser to increase motivation
- Support a healthy metabolism with a couple drops of Grapefruit in your water
Pink Pepper
For breast health you can mix a few drops of grapefruit and pink pepper, these oils together are great to use around your breasts when dry brushing.
The description of Pink Pepper below comes directly from doTERRA’s website.
The pink peppercorn, while similar in appearance to black peppercorn apart from the color, is closely related to cashews. The “molle,” or pink peppercorn tree, was considered a sacred tree to ancient Incans. Indigenous populations used all parts of the tree, including the pink peppercorn fruit, as herbal solutions to health needs. Pink Pepper essential oil is well known for its ability to help support a healthy metabolism and immune system when taken internally. Additionally, Limonene may help support healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels already in the normal range when taken internally.
Other Uses for Pink Pepper
- Add a couple drops to doTERRA’s fractionated coconut oil and create a soothing massage oil
- Take internally to help soothe the nervous system
- Mix Pink Pepper oil with a citrus or floral oil for an inviting aroma
- Take internally to support healthy cellular immune function and response
Cypress
This is the oil of motion and flow.
The description of Cypress below comes directly from doTERRA’s website.
Native to Southern Europe and Western Asia, Cypress essential oil is derived from tall evergreen trees. Cypress oil has a fresh, clean aroma that’s energizing and refreshing. Cypress is frequently used in spas and by massage therapists. Cypress essential oil contains monoterpenes, making it beneficial for oily skin conditions. One of the main chemical compounds and monoterpenes in Cypress, α-pinene, helps to reduce the appearance of blemishes. The monoterpenes in Cypress oil are beneficial for oily skin and overall skin health. It also has a grounding effect, making it a popular oil to diffuse during times of transition or loss.
Other Uses for Cypress
- Before a long run rub a couple drops of Cypress to the legs and feet
- Diffuse Cypress and Lime essential oils together for an invigorating aroma
- Add Cypress and Grapefruit oil to a carrier oil and use as a massage oil
- Add a few drops to your toner to improve oily skin
AromaTouch
This oil is great for stimulating circulation of the lymphatic system.
AromaTouch Essential Oil is another doTERRA proprietary blend of Cypress Leaf, Peppermint Plant, Marjoram Leaf, Basil Leaf, Grapefruit Peel, Lavender Flower essential oils. This oil is coined as doTERRA's massage blend. AromaTouch can be used during a massage for a whole-body wellness experience. It is also great for soothing those tense muscles in your neck and shoulders. You can apply the oil directly to your neck and shoulders or you can make a blend of AromaTouch and Lemongrass, check out the recipe below.
Other Uses for AromaTouch
- Comforting and relaxing
- Helps to lessen tension
- Adds an aromatic experience to a soothing massage
Quick Dry Brushing Recap
- Start at your feet and move up your body.
- Brush your skin using wide circular, clockwise motions.
- Use light pressure in areas where your skin is then and harder pressure on thicker skin, like the soles of your feet.
- Brush your arms after you have brushed your feet, legs, and mid section. You should brush upward towards your armpits.
- After dry brushing take a cool shower to help remove the dry skin.
- After your shower, dry off and then consider adding doTERRA Spa lotion or Body Butter.
Dry brushing can be really relaxing, once you get the hang of it. Remember, light and gentle pressure is the best approach to dry brushing.
Getting doTERRA Essential Oils at Wholesale Pricing
A wholesale customer account is similar to a Costco membership. At Costco you pay a fee once a year and you get to shop at Costco and receive Costco’s best prices. It works exactly the same way as a doTERRA Wholesale Customer account. You pay a yearly fee and get to shop doTERRAs products for 25 percent off.
For a more comprehensive look at the Wholesale Membership read the blog post below.
If you get started with one of the starter kits, your membership is free for the first year. With this membership you can purchase as much or as little as you want, there are no monthly requirements. There are a bunch of options to choose from when it comes to starter kits. These kits include the most popular items from doTERRA. The price range in starter kits is $105-$485.
You can check out the starter kits links below. My favorite kits are the Aroma Essentials Collection and the Home Essentials Kit.
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