Did you know that dry brushing before your sauna session can maximize the tremendous health benefits of an infrared sauna? Dry brushing, also known as Garshana and skin brushing is an ancient practice that involves sweeping the firm bristles of a natural brush across your dry skin. Not only can dry brushing remove dead skin cells, but it can also stimulate your lymphatic system, and improve circulation. The therapeutic benefits of sauna and dry brushing can be greatly enhanced when done together. Combining these two practices will make for an incredibly restorative, calming ritual.
Benefits of Dry Brushing Before Using a Sauna
When the benefits of dry brushing and infrared saunas are combined, the benefits become even greater. Here’s a look at some of their main advantages:
Stimulates Lymph Drainage for Better Detoxification
Dry brushing before using the sauna can help activate your lymphatic system and its waste-disposal mechanisms, which means you can detox more effectively. The lymphatic system is responsible for delivering cell nutrients and removing waste, but it doesn’t have a pump to facilitate movement like our circulatory system does. By dry brushing before your sauna session, you remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and move toxins to the right places for excretion. This helps stimulate lymph drainage, which sets you up for maximum detoxification during your sauna session.
Improves Skin Appearance
Not only does dry brushing reinvigorate your lymphatic system, but it also helps remove dead skin cells and open up clogged pores to give you a radiantly healthy complexion. When combined with the detoxifying effects of the sauna, dry brushing can leave you with softer, younger-looking skin.
Increases Blood Circulation
By dry brushing your body, you enhance blood circulation to the skin and fuel detoxification as more toxins are eliminated through perspiration. This means that your body will be better equipped to eliminate toxins, and you’ll feel refreshed and energized after your spa session.
How to Dry Brush Before Using the Sauna
The technique for dry brushing before a sauna, is the same as any other time. The key difference is in the timing and finding ways to incorporate the two. Here’s how to dry brush before using the sauna:
- Make it a part of your sauna routine. Going in with this intent can help improve your overall experience.
- To get the most out of dry brushing, it’s best to start brushing while the sauna is heating.
- Use a soft, natural bristle brush.
- Begin brushing your feet, then work your way towards your upper body in gentle, sweeping strokes with light pressure. Brush harder in areas of thick skin, such as the bottom of your feet.
- Brush towards the heart or upper body to help activate the lymphatic system. Use circular motions on your stomach and brush towards the armpits on your arms.
- Avoid the face and nipple area of your breasts.
- Spend at least 5-10 minutes dry brushing before you start using the sauna.
Dry brushing before using a sauna is an excellent way to enhance the benefits of both practices. Combining these two therapeutic practices can help stimulate lymph drainage, improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and enhance detoxification – making your spa experience more enjoyable, relaxing, and restorative.
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