Ayurveda skin brushing is an ancient practice that renews the skin, stimulates the lymphatic system and helps to eliminate toxins in the body. The science and practice of Ayurveda goes back 5,000 years, originating in India. Both Chinese, Tibetan, and Greek medicine have roots in the practice.
It’s known as the science of life. (Ayur = life, Veda = science or knowledge) Three ancient books known as the Great Trilogy were written in Sanskrit more than 2,000 years ago and are considered the main texts on Ayurveda medicine—Caraka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Astanga Hridaya.
I went to an Ayurveda reflexologist, who focused on the touchpoints of my feet, hands, ears, and head. She helped me with a neck problem that caused my ears to pop by working on my lymph nodes to stimulate circulation. She also suggested that I practice Ayurvedic skin brushing to eliminate the toxins from my body.
Our bodies retain toxins for our environment that build up as we age. Skin brushing is said to renew your skin, stimulate the lymphatic system, and improve your nervous, immune and digestive systems.
The best brush for skin brushing
You’ll want to purchase a natural bristle brush (such as boar bristle) or a loofah. Synthetic brushes are not as pliable and can be irritating to the skin. It’s best to choose one with a long handle to make it easier to get to “hard to reach” places.
How to brush your skin using Ayurveda technique
- Start with the bottom of your feet. Brush in circular motions always moving toward your heart. Afterward, brush the top of your feet.
- Move up the leg starting with your calves continuing with soft circular motions toward your heart. Brush all the way up to your bottom. Then, start with the front of your leg brushing in a circular motion up toward the heart. Avoid brushing sensitive areas like the skin on the inside of your thighs.
- Once you’ve finished with the lower part of your body, brush the fingertips of one arm. Brush the palm, back of the hand, forearm, and bicep toward the heart. Repeat on the other arm.
- Brush your back moving toward the stomach. Start on one side and then the other. (This is why you want a long-handled brush)
- Brush your lower stomach and work up to your chest. (Avoid sensitive areas on your chest and décolletage) End gently at your chest in an upward stroke.
- When you’re done, take a bath or shower to rinse off. Even if you don’t, your skin will still be clean.
You’ll find that your skin glows and feels renewed.
Skin Brushing Tips
- Don’t brush your face because it’s too delicate.
- You can stand in the shower or bath as you brush your skin before you turn the water on.
- As you shower, alternate between hot and cold water to invigorate the skin and improve your circulation.
- Use natural soap. You may want to try peppermint, goat’s milk, or tea tree oil.
- After your shower or bath, massage your skin with almond, coconut, or jojoba oil.
- Practice skin brushing, at least, two times per week.
Have you tried skin brushing? What results did you see? Please leave a comment below.
I swear by skin brushing. The results are unbelievable. The entire experience is very therapeutic.
Very cool Glenda and good to hear that it’s working for you. Thanks for the comment.
I’ve heard of this! But I’ve never tried it. Maybe this is something I need to consider. Pinning it!
Thanks Carol. It really feels good. I hope you try it and thanks for the pin.
I think I am now moving to California just to go to your reflexologist. This sounds amazing and it’s something that I’m going to try. I never heard of it before! I’m going to have to refer back to this post once I get started – I’ll bookmark it. Thanks so much, Rebecca, for writing about this!
Oh, my reflexologist would be thrilled if you moved to LA. If you can find a reflexologist in your area it’s so helpful for all sorts of issues. You will love it and the skin brushing too.
I love using exfoliating brushes in the shower. I can’t seem to find the perfect one and this might be it! Thanks so much for sharing. Heading over there now!
Great Carolann. Use it first while you’re dry and then rinse off. It takes off all the dead skin cells.
I had this done at a spa once and it was great. They gave us brushes to take home so we could do it ourselves but I have to say it’s much more pampering to have someone else do it to you!!
I have to agree Lois. It’s always way more fun when someone does it to you. I love spas, massages and anything pampering.
I’d never heard of skin brushing. AND I’ve got ear problems of my own. So maybe this will be what finally helps. I’m definitely going to check it out. THANKS.
Hi Roz, The skin brushing helps drain your lymph nodes and is good for your skin. The reflexology is what is helping my ears.
I have heard of skin brushing and thought of doing it but never got around to it. And I had no idea there was a specific technique. Very informative article. Thanks!
Thanks Cathy. I’m glad you found it helpful. Always brush toward your heart.
I’ve had it done once and my skin felt gorgeous. I’m in the mood at the moment of upping my self care so this week I think I will buy a brush and give myself some love and pampering.
Great to hear Sue. I had the brush for quite a while before I actually started doing it. And now, I’m glad I have.
that’s really interesting – I assumed you’d brush while showering, not before. Certainly something to look into!
Hi Leanne, yes you brush while your skin is dry to get rid of dry skin and then take a shower or bath to rinse off. (although that’s optional)
I’d never heard of using Ayurvedic skin brushing as a way to improve your health. However, I have always been fascinated with different culture’s ways of healing, and this sounds like something I might want to try. I’m sure that at the very least, it will help me get into a better state of mind and relax, kind of like yoga. Thanks for introducing me to this procedure!
I hope you do give Ayurvedic skin brushing a try. It makes your skin so smooth and soft. Thanks for stopping by.