You shower or bathe every morning, right?  So why not incorporate a dry body brushing routine before you step into the shower or bath – I guarantee, it will set you up for the rest of the day.

Body brushing uses a loofah or natural bristle brush with a long handle (or you can use synthetic gloves, but it doesn’t feel as nice).  To get the desired effect, the brush should always be kept dry.

Not only will body brushing leave you feel refreshed and energised after your shower or bath, but it will help your body detoxify, exfoliate dead skin cells, improve circulation and lymphatic drainage and reduce the appearance of cellulite.

The skin is the largest organ in the body and plays an important role in the elimination of toxins. and of course, smooth skin is particularly nice to have at this time of year when (hopefully) summer is just around the corner.

So, how does one body brush?  Well it's important to work on dry skin to get the desired effect and it's essential to work towards the heart because that stimulates the flow of lymphatic fluid.  It also helps if you can remember to keep your touch light and your strokes sweeping.  By the end of your body brushing routine, your skin should feel tingly, rather than sore or scratched.

Begin with the feet and ankles and then move to lower legs, thighs, stomach, back and arms.  Your back is the exception to the brushing upwards rule - for your back you are best to brush from the neck down.  And remember it's called body brushing - so stay away from the delicate skin of the face.

Once you're feeling full of zing from your brushing, you can jump into your shower or bath and wash away the dead skin cells.  And afterwards, if you've got time, moisturise for that nourished, smooth, supple skin feeling.

A couple of notes of caution: be careful of delicate skin areas and don't dry body brush over inflamed, cut or broken skin, or over varicose veins.  Also, have your own personal body brush and wash it regularly.

Give body brushing a try daily for 30 days and see the health and beauty benefits - better circulation and smoother skin.

Of course, if you run out of stamina, jump into the shower before you remember to do your body brushing, or just want someone else to take the strain, a reflexology treatment could be a good substitute.  It's relaxing, reviving and helps re-balance the body.  And there's 20% off your first treatment in May and June 2014.