The Secrets of Dry Brushing, Chaga Scrub Massage, & Gemstone Facial Sculpting
In the quest for holistic wellness, ancient traditions and modern innovations often merge, offering a plethora of practices that promise to rejuvenate the body, invigorate the spirit, and purify the mind.
Among these practices, dry brushing for energy and detoxification, Chaga scrub combined with oil massage, and gemstone facial sculpting stand out for their unique benefits and approaches to health and well-being.
This blog post delves into each of these practices, exploring their origins, methodologies, and the myriad benefits they offer.
Dry Brush for Energy and Detoxification
Our skin is our largest organ and plays a critical role in our overall health and well-being. It's responsible for protecting our organs, regulating our immune system, and supporting our ability to release toxins.
Dry brushing is my go-to for reducing puffiness, improving skin elasticity, lifting and toning, and enhancing the natural glow.
We shed our skin like a snake every 28-29 days; interestingly, it's the same length of time as a moon cycle. So the skin you looked at in the mirror this morning will be wholly renewed a month from today.
You can help clear your dead surface skin cells and keep your skin looking bright by exfoliating your skin regularly.
The ubtan powder will do that, and dry brushing is another wonderful option. Dry brushing works as a physical exfoliator to clear dead skin cells and other impurities from your skin.
Brushing the skin originated in India over five millennia ago as a tenet of Ayurveda. It can be traced back to most ancient civilizations as a pre-bathing ritual to support oxygenating the skin and stimulating circulation. It's also said to improve collagen production, strengthening the skin and lessening the appearance of fat cells.
How Dry Brushing Works:
Stimulates the Lymphatic System: By brushing the skin, you stimulate the lymphatic system, which helps to remove toxins from the body.
Exfoliates: Dry brushing removes dead skin cells, revealing smoother, more vibrant skin.
Boosts Circulation: The brushing action boosts blood circulation, enhancing energy and promoting overall well-being.
Energizes the Body: Many people report feeling invigorated and energized after dry brushing, likely due to the stimulation of blood flow and the body's detoxification process.
What you need to begin this practice:
A firm-bristle brush for all-over body brushing and a softer brush if you intend to brush your face as well.
To do this practice:
Before your morning shower, take a few minutes to brush your entire body and face.
Start at your feet, working up toward the torso, using long even strokes in the direction of your heart. Maintain a firm, consistent pressure, stroking each area of your body with the brush 3-6 times, depending on your level of sensitivity.
Finish with your facial brush, working in an upwards circular motion starting at the neck and working up to the forehead. Once you're complete the process, finish with a shower and then seal the skin with a moisturizer or body oil.
Dry brushing will clear your pores on the exterior and leave your skin looking bright, energized, and supple. Internally, it improves our circulation at the skin's surface, releasing toxins from within, stimulating the lymphatic system, and speeding the process of eliminating metabolic waste from the body. Dry brushing is known to reduce the appearance of cellulite as it softens fatty tissue beneath the skin. As the bristles pass over your skin, you'll notice an invigorating stimulation of the nervous system.
Chaga Scrub x Oil Massage
Chaga is the king of the medicinal mushroom and a fascinating fungus containing more antioxidants than blueberries. This DIY scrub is the perfect superfood for your skin. Chaga supports the skin with graceful aging, healing sun damage, broken capillaries, and hyperpigmentation.
To make the scrub start by sourcing sustainably harvest Chaga powder. The lovely thing about this powder is that while we'll be using it to make a scrub, you can also stir a ½ teaspoon or so into your coffee or daily smoothie.
Boil a cup of water in a saucepan, then add a tablespoon or so of the powder into the water. Allow the mixture to cool before proceeding. Once the blend has cooled, transfer the Chaga tea into a small bowl, add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, and stir.
Apply the scrub to clean skin in an upwards exfoliation motion. Let it sit for 10 minutes, and then rinse the areas you've scrubbed.
As a traditional Ayurvedic practice and used in Tantric traditions, self massages are considered incredibly good for you and feel so nurturing and replenishing.
Once you've rinsed the Chaga scrub, dry off completely and move onto part two of this practice - the self-massage.
In Ayurveda, self-massage using plant-derived oils is known as Abhyanga - and is a traditional form of self-care for people of all ages. A daily Abhyanga practice restores balance and enhances well-being and longevity.
Start by warming ¼ cup of oil and testing to ensure the temperature isn't too hot before you begin. Then, choose almond, jojoba, coconut, or safflower oil and see what feels best to your body.
Once it's time to begin the massage, work all the way up the body and then down the body, focusing on the feet and legs first and working up to the scalp. There is no wrong way to give yourself a self-massage.
Work on each body area with long circular strokes, focusing on even the smallest regions like ear lobes and fingers. Once you're complete, allow the oil to absorb completely into the skin for 10 minutes or so, and then finish with a light rinse warm water rinse.
The Sanskrit word Sneha translates as both "oil" and "love," and it's believed that as we saturate our body with oil, Abhyanga provides a similar feeling to the experience of being drenched in love.
With regular practice, you'll begin to notice toned, glowing skin, improved circulation, and detoxification as you stimulate the lymphatic system.
Benefits and Methodology:
Detoxification: Chaga's antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, aiding in the body's detoxification.
Nourishment: The vitamins and minerals in Chaga, along with the hydrating properties of the oil, nourish and moisturize the skin.
Relaxation: The massage technique used in conjunction with the Chaga scrub promotes relaxation and stress relief.
Immune Support: Chaga is known for its immune-boosting properties, making this practice beneficial for overall health.
Gemstone Facial Sculpting
The ether element refers to space, the infinity of the cosmos, Akasha, and the heavens. It is believed that everything above the sky is ethereal, made of ether. It's where our spiritual journey begins. Working with ether element healing gems, crystals, and stones elevates our human energetics to higher realms.
Amethyst, Howlite, Clear Quartz, Moonstone, Carnelian, and Azurite are common crystals associated with space. In addition, some space gemstones, also known as extraterrestrial gemstones, have their origins traced to deep in the cosmos.
Moldavite formed when an asteroid hit the earth 15 million years. Space Peridot, also known as the 'sun gem' or 'evening emerald,' was discovered by the ancient Egyptians - and the rarest source of Peridot is from meteorites that break off from a planet or asteroid.
Opals were discovered by the Mars rover in 2015, and a year later, a meteorite studded with pieces of opal was found in Antarctica.
Working with these gems is said to support vertigo, dizziness, headaches, and claustrophobia; they're known to improve cognitive functioning and memory, as well.
When we work with these stones for facial sculpting, we add another layer of holistic healing. Facial rollers, wands, and gua sha tools stimulate blood flow, drain stagnant lymph and remove toxins via targeted sculpting movements.
Regular facial rolling is like a workout for your face: as you slide your tool along each section of your face, you'll release tension, tone muscles, firm the skin, and de-puff. On the other side of the practice, expect definition in your cheekbones and jawline.
Using gemstones as a beauty tool dates back to the Ancient Chinese, Egyptians, and Mayans. Rolling specific stones along facial pressure points was believed to have the ability to soothe stressed organs, flush out impurities and slow down the process of cellular aging.
This practice is also said to increase Chi – revitalizing energy that has the power to rejuvenate and renew facial muscles for a radiant complexion.
Gua sha is a traditional East Asian and Chinese technique, pre-dating acupuncture. The stroke pattern used by gua sha technicians awakens the meridian lines to activate the body's natural healing abilities.
It inspires the radiance as circulation increases, sending nutrients to areas that may have been starved because of blockages.
Working with a Volcanic Rock gua sha or amethyst - the most popular etheric element crystal will provide a beautiful sculpting effect while helping you clear blurred perspective, detoxifying the skin and the mind.
How Gemstone Facial Sculpting Works:
Lymphatic Drainage: The gentle pressure and motion of the gemstone tools help to promote lymphatic drainage, reducing puffiness and detoxifying the skin.
Increased Circulation: The massage action increases blood circulation to the face, encouraging oxygenation and nutrient delivery to the skin cells.
Relaxation: The cooling sensation of the gemstones, combined with the rhythmic massage, offers a deeply relaxing experience.
Energetic Properties: Many believe in the energetic healing properties of gemstones, suggesting that facial sculpting can also promote emotional and energetic balance.
How to do it:
Start by applying a layer of facial mist or oil, so your tool will have some slip as your sculpt. Once you begin, pull up with your tool - never pushing and never dragging the skin downwards - (we're working against gravity with this practice).
Utilize both hands, one to pull the tool upwards, and one to support the skin. Keep the tool at a 15-45-degree angle to maximize the contact between the tool and your skin.
Breath deeply, and move slowly as you sculpt, stroking each area of the face and neck for a count of seven. For the best results, sculpt each evening before bedtime and then apply a light moisturizer to finish.
Integrating These Practices into Your Wellness Routine
Incorporating dry brushing, Chaga scrub x oil massage, and gemstone facial sculpting into your wellness routine can offer a holistic approach to health and beauty. Here's how you can integrate these practices:
Start Your Day with Dry Brushing: Begin your morning with a 5-10 minute dry brushing session to invigorate your body and kickstart the detoxification process.
Weekly Chaga Scrub x Oil Massage: Schedule a weekly self-care ritual that includes a Chaga scrub followed by a nourishing oil massage to detoxify, nourish, and relax your body.
Daily Gemstone Facial Sculpting: Incorporate gemstone facial sculpting into your daily skincare routine, either in the morning to awaken and de-puff the skin or in the evening to relax and prepare for a restful sleep.
TL;DR — Skincare Rituals
The practices of dry brushing for energy and detoxification, Chaga scrub x oil massage, and gemstone facial sculpting offer more than just physical benefits; they provide a moment of mindfulness, self-care, and connection to ancient wellness traditions.
By embracing these holistic practices, you can enhance your body's natural healing capabilities, improve your skin's health and appearance, and cultivate a sense of balance and well-being in your daily life.
Whether you're new to holistic wellness or a seasoned practitioner, these practices can be a valuable addition to your self-care regimen, offering a pathway to a more vibrant, healthy, and balanced life.
About The Editor: Diya Kumar is a student at Northeastern University studying Business Administration and Computer Science. She is interested in yoga and all things wellness. You can learn more about her on LinkedIn.
