{Self-Care} The Dry Brush Massage

During my last detox, I discovered the benefits of dry brushing and it seems many of you enjoy it as well. I shared my experience with the Swan Wholistic community on Facebook which brought me the opportunity to find out a bit more about dry brushing from Ama Opare of Opare Integrative Health Care.

Ama is a gourmet raw vegan chef, author and public speaker as well as a committed educator and program director.  Ama has supported adults and children in a variety of areas and she currently uses her experience in education to support clients of Opare Integrative Health Care, which she co-owns with her husband Dr. Nana Kwkau Opare.  Dr. Opare began practicing medicine in the mid-80s and has combined his background in food, nutrition, dietetics acupuncture with medicine to create a integrative practice that serves the mind, body and spirit of their clients.

Ama Opare and Dr. Nana Kwkau Opare of Opare Integrative Health Care, Atlanta, GA.

The Opares include the dry brush massage as part of their juice fasting protocol.  Ama was kind enough to share their protocol below if you are interested in adding it to your self-care routine or next detox.

"During the fast a dry brush massage is done daily before the morning shower. The body releases toxins through the skin. The brushing aids the sloughing off of dead skin sells. Use a natural bristle brush with a long handle. Do not use nylon or synthetic fiber brushes, they are too sharp and may damage the skin.

Starting at the feet brush in circular motion until skin in rosy. Follow the direction of the arrows below. Red indicates moving downward, blue moving upward. Move up the front and inside of the legs, the front of the body, and then down the inside of the arms.

Next, move up the back of the arms and then down the back of the body and the back and outside of the legs." 

Opare Health Care

Courtesy of Opare Health Care, Atlanta, GA.

Connect with Opare Integrative Health at www.opare.net for more info on their juice fasting protocols available online soon.  Get other health news, healing techniques, recipes and more from The Opares on Facebook and Twitter.