Dry brushing is a great way to stimulate the lymphatic system and assist in the removal of toxins. It also improves the function of your other eliminatory organs.
The major routes of elimination include the colon, kidneys, lungs, menses and the skin. The largest eliminative organ is your skin, which is also the overflow route for other channels of elimination if they dysfunction or are overloaded. Up to a third of all body impurities are excreted through the skin. Hundreds of thousands of tiny pores and sweat glands act to detoxify and excrete toxins and waste products.
Your body actually breathes through the skin, absorbing oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide that is formed in tissues. If the pores become choked with dead cells and debris, the skin becomes inactive, the functions of the skin are ineffective and impurities remain in the body, which can then contribute to degenerative diseases. Moisturizers, deodorants and artificial fibres can actually make things worse.
What are the benefits of Dry Skin Brushing?
- Effectively removes dead layers of skin and other impurities. Keeps pores open and functioning
- Stimulates and increases blood circulation in all underlying organs and tissues, especially small blood capillaries
- Revitalizes and increases the eliminative capacity of your skin and helps to throw toxins out of the system
- Removes cellulite and tightens the skin thus preventing premature aging
- Cleanses and strengthens the lymphatic system
- Stimulates the hormone and oil producing glands; keeping your skin looking and feeling young, smooth and strong
- Has a powerful rejuvenating influence on the nervous system by stimulating nerve ends in the skin
- Helps prevent colds, especially when used in combination with hot-cold showers
- Contributes to healthier muscle tone and better distribution of fat deposits, with continued use it breaks down cellulite
The brush itself:
Use a soft natural fiber brush with a long handle, so that you are able to reach all areas of your body. You can pick this up at any good health shop.
How do I do it?
- Dry brush your dry and naked body before you shower or bathe so that you can wash off the impurities from the skin as a result from the brushing action
- You can do the brushing head-to-toe or toe-to-head. It really doesn’t matter as long as the entire body is brushed. One method is to use long sweeping strokes that start in the torso and end at the hands or feet. Alternatively, you can brush towards the heart, starting with your feet and legs, then hands and arms, back, abdomen, chest and neck
- Use as much pressure as you can comfortably stand. Initially you may want to start gently until your brush is seasoned, but work up to brushing until your skin is rosy, warm and glowing. Use light pressure in areas where skin is thin and harder pressures on places like the soles of the feet
- Skin brushing should be performed once a day, preferably first thing in the morning. A thorough skin brushing takes about 10 to 15 minutes, but any time spent brushing prior to bathing will benefit the body. If you are feeling ill, increasing treatments to twice daily is good.
Some extra tips to get the most out of dry skin brushing:
- Every two weeks or so – wash your dry skin brush with a natural soap. Dry your brush in the sun or a warm place. Washing the brush regularly will help to keep impurities from clogging it up
- For hygienic reasons, use separate brushes for each member of the family
- Avoid brushing any skin that is irritated, damaged or infected
- The scalp can be brushed too. Scalp brushing will stimulate hair growth by increasing blood circulation and keep scalp clean from dandruff, stale oils, etc.
- The facial skin of most people is too sensitive for brushing, avoid this delicate area, or use a specially designed facial brush with soft bristles