Scrub a dub dub!

Scrub a dub dub! I love body brushing. I have been practicing this technique regularly now for the past 6 months and have become hooked and truly feel a difference in my body.  I was introduced to the practice a few years ago and was a bit skeptical and felt that the instructions were a bit too confusing and, as a result, did not really give it a full effort until the last couple of months. What I have found from using my body brush (and, after confirming my results with others online, through conversations with friends and other “wellness” oriented people will hopefully encourage you to give it a whirl. Below are some benefits (most of them confirmed from personal experience) and directions…

Benefits:

1. Increases blood circulation
2. Helps with bloating and water retention
3. Reduces celulite
4. Makes body smoother and also increases lotion absorption after application
5. Helps with digestion especially when emphasis is given toward the stomach and side areas as well as your chest
6. Helps shed dead skin cells and helps with skin rejuvenation and tone
7. Helps with lymphatic drainage (which, truthfully seems to be such a broad phrase but basically means ridding the body of toxins and waste, mostly described by the benefits above)

Directions: 

Practice 3-5x a week before showering

1. Most research suggests to body scrub first thing in the morning. I usually do it prior to showering which rarely happens in the morning… But, if you do practice in the morning, you will most likely get an energy surge

2) Start at the toes and work your way up the body always leading toward the heart. Many suggest 10-15 “brushes” on each area of the body, others tout to give your body a a 5 minute brush down. It depends for me- I usually go by how my body is feeling.

3) I spend a few extra minutes on areas that are prone to stretch marks. So, back of the legs/under the butt, sides of the thighs, stomach, side abdomen and belly.

4) When working on your belly and armpits, use a circular, clockwise motion (same direction as your digestion) so as to aid in one of the benefits- digestive health!

5) Whala! Now jump in that warm shower (I know, many say you should take a lukewarm shower, but I cant give up my extremely hot shower!) for a well deserved cleaning! **I usually find that when I exfoliate with a light cleanser in the shower, after body brushing, the exfoliating benefits are much more substantial.