Many women want to start living a healthier lifestyle once they decide to have a baby. They are often interested in looking into all-natural ways to care for their bodies. One of the easiest and most interesting body care regimens is called "dry brushing." If you are privy to this five-minute routine, and you are currently expecting you may want to know, "Is dry brushing safe during pregnancy?"
Of course, if this is your first time hearing about dry brushing, you probably just want to know what it is. Dry brushing, according to Wellness Mama, is brushing the skin toward the heart using a dry, natural-bristled (usually plant-based) brush. According to Mind Body Green, the beauty ritual often requires you to take off your clothes and, starting at the bottoms of your feet, brush towards the heart in long, sweeping motions. Once you've brushed your entire body, you take a shower and pat your body dry. To finish off, you apply a natural fruit oil, and your body is completely restored.
The benefits of dry brushing include lymphatic support, exfoliation, clean pores, cellulite help, and increased energy and blood flow, according to Wellness Mama. Nutrition Friend adds that circulation improves, your skin becomes softer, skin infections and irritations can be reduced, whole body freshness is enhanced, and even colds can be prevented.
If you are sold on the idea of dry brushing, but you've currently got a little bun in the oven, the first thing you should to do is consult your doctor. Although some sites will tell you that dry brushing is perfectly safe while pregnant, Bodecare, an Australian manufacturer of pure-plant bristle body brushes, recommends getting the OK from your OBGYN or midwife before attempting body brushing while pregnant. Bodecare adds that you should be extra gentle dry brushing during pregnancy, especially around the stomach. Use very light strokes or avoid the stomach area completely if it feels uncomfortable, focus instead on your fingers, feet, legs and buttocks.
Once you have your baby, dry brushing can also help reduce the appearance of both new and old stretch marks. Daily Mom suggests that dry brushing can help stretch marks begin to fade by increasing the absorption rate of skin lotions. And, even if your doc wants you to wait until junior arrives to try dry brushing, you can still reap some benefits from this quick, all-natural body care technique.
