According to a , 56% of Indian families report suffering from digestive health problems, including symptoms like bloating after eating, gas, acidity, and indigestion. These problems are particularly pronounced in the summer and tend to worsen with age, especially for after 35-40 years. This is partly due to sarcopenia, which is the gradual loss of muscle mass that begins around this age, and a sedentary lifestyle which involves long hours in front of a computer.
At 42, I've noticed that poor circulation and varicose veins have become more of an issue for me, especially when the temperature outside is warm. Why? I've found that the heat and humidity can cause blood vessels to dilate, slowing down circulation and leading to fluid buildup. This often results in around my belly, flanks, and thighs.
While the experience is not uncommon, it still feels frustrating and uncomfortable. After having tested out various practices, there's one that I've stuck with since I turned 40. It took some repetition and perseverance, but it's now become a key part of my .
This technique is dry brushing. Popularised by Gwyneth Paltrow, the practice includes brushing a horsehair glove or a wooden bath brush on dry skin before showering, for a couple of minutes. Initially, I used circular motions, but therapist Débora López Jurado from The Beauty Concept introduced me to a more effective technique: quick, upward strokes towards the heart.
For example, on the legs and belly, brush upwards, and the .