Cheat Sheet: How to Dry Body Brush
I love dry body brushing. It’s something I’ve done (on and off) for years. This ancient Ayurvedic practice has some seriously beautiful benefits. The practice of dry brushing the skin once or twice daily with a soft but firm brush is common during a detox, but regular users report even more benefits when it’s performed as a permanent habit.
Dry body brushing sweeps away dead skin cells, gets the blood flowing (hello, lymphatic drainage!), helps to promote smooth skin, aids detox, improves the appearance of the skin and, in our case, preps the skin for shaving. Bonus points, it’s actually pretty easy to incorporate into your routine.
I sat down with Bee Czarnota from Melbourne’s cult wellness studio THE BEETOX METHOD to talk all things lymphatic drainage and dry body brushing.
REBECCA HARDING: FIRSTLY, WHAT IS THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM?
BEE CZARNOTA: Think of it like your body’s internal rubbish disposal system. This complex network of vessels, nodes and organs lay below the skin’s surface and work tirelessly to detect and filter lymph through the body. Lymph is made up of toxins, white blood cells, viruses, pathogens, excess protein and fats; basically all the materials the body doesn’t want or need. This waste is eventually released through your elimination pathways (primarily via urination or perspiration). If your lymphatic system stopped working you’d be dead in 24-48 hours — yes, that’s how important it is!
HOW DOES DRY BODY BRUSHING ACTIVATE THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM?
Using a dry body brush sweeps the surface of the skin, in turn stimulating the lymphatic system and boosting its function to remove stagnant lymph. This reduces fluid retention and enhances the body’s natural detoxification process, smoothing and exfoliating the skin while also visibly lessening the appearance of cellulite.
WHAT IS THE CORRECT WAY TO DRY BODY BRUSH AT HOME?
I’m really passionate about sharing my knowledge around dry body brushing, so I’ve developed my own BEETOX Method dry body brushing protocol. Following this method will stimulate flow and help to keep your lymphatic system clean and clear.
1. Always dry body brush before your shower or bath.
2. Start with the top section of the limb, for example, your upper arm. Brush in upwards strokes towards the heart. Then move to the next section of the limb, for example, the forearm. Do roughly 10 strokes per section. Finish with the extremity (the hands or feet) and then brush all the way back to the top of the limb.
3. Don’t brush too hard. Instead, use long, soft upward strokes.
4. Start and finish by activating the lymph nodes around the collarbone area, which we call the ‘golden triangle’. These are the final return points of lymph before re-entering the bloodstream.
5. After dry brushing, have a shower or bath to wash off the dead skin and allow better penetration of LUI BODY MOISTURISER.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER WAYS WE CAN TEND TO OUR LYMPHATIC SYSTEM AT HOME?
Absolutely, this is music to my ears! There are many simple yet effective ways to support your lymphatic health at home. Firstly, I always recommend staying hydrated. Toxins leave your lymphatic system via urination or perspiration, so keeping things flowing will keep you glowing. Moving your body is essential for the movement of lymph. Jumping, rebounding, any kind of movement helps. Eating well is important. Consuming nourishing foods from nature and limiting processed foods, fatty foods, sugar and alcohol goes a long way. I also love breathwork. Breathing deeply activates the diaphragm, which is like giving your lymphatic system a little ‘rev’ to run smoothly. Lastly, I suggest regular BEETOX treatments. Consistency is key. As is progress over perfection, so your body will thank you for even one annual lymphatic activation but the more focus you can give it, the more your body will love you for it.
HOW DID YOU FIRST BECOME INTERESTED IN THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM?
Having been faced with gut issues from the age of eight, and having to keep food diaries and be so aware of food and its effects from so young, I had a great self-awareness and keen interest in the human body. Since I can remember, I’ve always read and enquired about anything that can help you feel and function better. In my early twenties I worked overseas on luxury cruise ships and, due to my unique set of qualifications as a personal trainer/fitness instructor and beauty therapist who specialised in massage, I was chosen to run a lymphatic-based treatment. I’d never heard of this in Australia and my fascination was piqued.
CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT THE BEETOX METHOD IS, INCLUDING WHAT SETS IT APART FROM OTHER MASSAGES AND BEAUTY TREATMENTS?
The BEETOX Method was designed to create a unique and innovative approach to bridging the gap between the beauty and wellness market by activating the lymphatic system via a beautiful and luxurious pampering experience that delivers both immediate and mid-long term results (depending on your lifestyle and overall health). The BEETOX Method is not just a lymphatic drainage massage. It’s a culmination of my life's experiences and is the absolute sum of my parts. Attention to detail and a sensory journey along with absolute care for our clients (whom we affectionately call BEETOXers) is one of the things we are praised for. We pride ourselves on our integrity and the education and empowerment shared to really help our clients feel and function better with every BEETOX treatment.
WHAT KIND OF POSITIVE RESULTS DO YOUR CLIENTS EXPERIENCE?
Our BEETOXers reap the rewards of our efforts for at least 24-48hrs, but many say the results last for weeks and weeks. The kind of benefits we deliver, which vary depending on the specific treatment and also the individual, include improved quality of sleep, reduction in the appearance of cellulite, reduction in fluid retained in the face and neck, water weight loss, bolstered immune function, clarity of mind, relief from constipation and/or bloating, anti-inflammatory response, stress and anxiety relief, aches and pains lowered (analgesic effect), general ‘light and clean’ feeling, and increased energy.
We have many who swear by monthly treatments to help with hormonal related issues. These clients notice improvements in their skin, reduced bloating and an overall sense of rejuvenation. In the long run our treatment assists in overall health and wellbeing, boosting energy levels, aiding weight management and being the ultimate reset when your body is feeling sluggish. It really is an indispensable part of your beauty and wellness journey.
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