Even if you’ve never heard of dry brushing, there are loads of benefits to dry brushing both before and after a massage. Dry brushing involves using a natural bristle brush (like boar bristle or horsehair) and gently moving it along the skin.
From circulation improvement to skin perfecting, the perks of dry brushing are many. Here are some of the most fantastic benefits of dry brushing before receiving a massage.
Exfoliation
Exfoliation, as any beauty buff knows, is a big key to maintaining beautiful skin – and helping it to absorb moisture and nutrients. Dry brushing helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, remove impurities and pore-clogging substances, and create a smooth canvas to maximize nourishment of the skin during massage. If you’re going for a massage partly to help alleviate skin problems, like acne or dry skin, the exfoliating benefits of dry brushing will help to maximize the benefits of the skin-rejuvenating carrier and essential oils you choose for your massage.
Improved Circulation and Toxin Removal
The gentle motion of the bristle brush on the skin helps to stimulate blood flow and gently relaxes muscle tension, allowing circulation to be less impacted by surrounding muscle tension. Improved circulation results in more nutrients delivered to the cells of the body, as well as quicker and more efficient nutrient delivery. It also results in a stronger response from the lymphatic system, helping lymphatic fluid to more successfully drain the body of toxins and harmful substances.
Dry brushing can also help the muscles to release lactic acid – a toxic buildup that results in muscle ache and pain – and helping maximizing the impact of massage on muscle pain and tension.
Nervous System Rejuvenation
Dry brushing stimulates the many nerve endings in the skin, helping to open up the flow of the nervous system and resulting in a feeling of well-being, rejuvenation, and relaxation. At once stimulating and soothing, dry brushing helps to prepare the nervous system for the deep stimulation and relaxation of massage on the muscles, helping massage to provide the most relief for certain health conditions and enhancing overall relaxation.
Dry brushing is an excellent preparation for getting the most out of your massage – and leaving the spa feeling pampered and beautiful, not to mention relieved, relaxed, and recovered!
