Body Brushing
Materials Needed:
To Support Feeling:
Numb
How to Do It
Use a dry brush or a soft-bristled brush and gently brush your skin, starting from your feet and moving upwards toward your heart. Use long, sweeping motions and focus on the sensation of the bristles against your skin. As you brush, imagine that you’re waking up your body, bringing life and sensation back to each area.
Why It Works
Dry brushing stimulates the skin and lymphatic system, encouraging circulation and a heightened sense of awareness in the body, which can help alleviate feelings of numbness.
Guided Practice
Hold a soft body brush in your hand, and sit or stand comfortably. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Notice the bristles of the brush, their texture, and how they feel firm or soft against your skin begin to brush your skin gently, starting at your feet and moving upwards, using long, sweeping strokes. Notice any sensations in your body—perhaps a tingling or a tickling.
Feel the sensation of the bristles on your skin—the tingling, the slight scratchiness, or perhaps a soothing sensation. Notice how different areas of your skin respond differently to the brush, and how these sensations change as you move from one part of your body to another. Reflect on where in your life these sensations or feelings might be familiar—perhaps in moments of care, attention, or even discomfort. Allow any images, beliefs, or meanings to arise naturally as you continue brushing. Feel the contrast between areas that feel sensitive and those that feel more numb or desensitized—one might feel vibrant and alive, while the other feels muted. Stay with the act of brushing, noticing how your body and breath respond to the varying sensations and textures. When you feel ready to stop, pause and take a deep breath. Notice any remaining sensations—perhaps a warmth or a tingling that lingers on your skin. Allow yourself to stay with whatever sensations or thoughts arise, being fully present. When you’re ready, gently bring your awareness back to the room.