Medicinal brush application is a form of traditional natural medicine. Applied dry or wet, medicinal brushes can stimulate general detoxification and strengthen the immune system. The beneficial effect is mainly due to the increase in skin circulation.
What is a medical brush?
Depending on the personal skin sensitivity or the purpose of use, a natural brush or a synthetic brush can be useful. Brushes for medical use are available in specialized stores in different designs. Depending on the personal skin sensitivity or the purpose of use, a natural brush or a synthetic brush can be useful. Natural brushes are usually recommended because of their empirically proven healing effects. The founder of modern hydrotherapy, Father Sebastian Kneipp, for example, attached great importance to the fact that only natural brushes should be used for brushing the skin. The handle style of a brush can be made of wood or hard plastic. The shape, size and length of a brush are also crucial for correct medical application. Special brushes have a particularly long and detachable style so that almost all areas of the skin, including those of the back or extremities, can be reached on their own. Synthetic brushes are often perceived by many people as too hard on the skin, such designs could injure the skin if used improperly or by accident. First of all, the use of a so-called large-knob brush is recommended, then a dry brush can be used and only then should be briefly showered. At the end of the application can still be reworked with a wet brush and the skin is then provided with a peeling gel.
Forms, types and types
Dry brush massages can be performed with the classic dry brush made of horsehair. In a high-quality dry brush, the brush hairs in the brush head are wired inside the wood to ensure the greatest possible stability and durability. Models of dry brushes in which the brush hairs are merely glued to the brush head are considered far less durable, as the brush hairs will fall out over time. In addition, brushes that are declared as dry brushes by the manufacturer must not be made wet, because the moist environment causes softening of the material and thus reduces the functionality. Wet brushes are also expressly approved for use in contact with water. These are usually plastic or metal brushes that are completely insensitive to water. This type of brush can also be used in the shower or bathtub without risk. Kneipp round brushes do not have a handle, but are attached directly to the hand. However, not all areas of the body can be brushed with it on one’s own, as is the case with a long-handled brush. Full body brushing, whether dry or wet, can be performed by a partner or a therapist in the prone or supine position. Individual consideration must be given to the skin sensitivity of the person being treated.
Structure and mode of operation
The structure of all medical brushes is similar in shape and form. However, there are variations in the material or hardness of the bristles. Natural bristles are usually softer than those made of plastic or synthetic materials. Which variant is preferred is not least a question of indication and personal taste. In addition, industrially manufactured plastic brushes are much cheaper to purchase than a natural hair brush with a long wooden handle that has been elaborately handcrafted. The use of brushes as a medical product belongs to the field of wellness. And as wellness products, brushes can always be used on their own, as there are no known risks or side effects when used as directed. The function of all types of brushes is primarily to increase the blood flow to the skin, in order to sustainably improve vitality, immune defense and general well-being via this mechanism. It can be brushed up to twice a day. Once in the morning with the dry brush before showering to increase the elasticity of the skin and once in the evening about 1 to 2 hours before going to bed. Because, according to Kneipp, dry brush massages not only stimulate the metabolism, but, applied in the evening hours, lead to the promotion of a healthy sleep.To brush properly, you should always start at the lower extremities, i.e. at the feet. From there, the brush moves in a gentle, circular motion towards the heart.
Health benefits
When using a brush, it is important not to simply rub back and forth, but to drag the brush along the skin in wiping paths that are as long as possible. However, the application must also not be too intensive, otherwise the skin will quickly become red, irritated or even injured. Ultimately, the application is solely about stimulating the skin’s circulation. The abdominal region can also be brushed in the sense of a gentle intestinal massage. Here it is best to brush in an anti-clockwise direction. When brushing the back, upward movements have proven to be effective. Hands, arms and the chest area are brushed only at the very end. When dry brushing, it is essential to ensure that the brush and skin remain really dry during a session. Nevertheless, a short shower should also be taken after a dry brushing session. This washes away dead skin cells and toxins. Cosmetically interesting are brushing applications for cellulite, to maintain a youthful skin appearance, to improve muscle tone and to tighten sagging skin areas. In addition, because the application of brushes acts like an exfoliant, skin care products absorb much better afterwards.
