When you are forced to rely on inexpensive ways to stay healthy, you learn many techniques that were used for years, centuries or used in other countries/cultures than in our own. One such technique is Dry Skin Brushing.
The skin is the largest organ in the body and along with the other three eliminative organs(the intestines, lungs and kidneys), must be functioning normally in order for you to experience optimum health. The skin is responsible for 1/4 of the body’s detoxification every day as well as being an important means for oxygen and nourishment to enter the body. More than a pound of waste products are discharged daily through the skin. If the skin’s pores become clogged with dead skin cells, the impurities will remain in the body, causing the other eliminative organs to work harder. If the toxins and wastes build up in the tissues, sooner or later, disease will follow.
Toxicity gathers beneath the skin’s surface from everyday influences such as synthetic fivers worn next to the skin, deodorants, antiperspirants, skin creams and alkali body soaps. The skin should be slightly acidic for optimal functioning.
Dry skin brushing has been practiced for thousands of years by many cultures…The Japanese, the Scandinavians, the Russians, Ancient Greek athletes, Cherokee Indians and the Comanche Indians. Dry skin brushing exfoliates and stimulates new skin.
When you do dry skin brushing, you will notice the following benefits:
a. Tightens skin (giving smooth glowing skin)
b. Helps digestion
c. Removes cellulite
d. Stimulates circulation(increases venous flow…the veins carry the blood back to the heart).
e. Increases cell renewal(encourages cell to regenerate).
f. Cleans the lymphatic system(lymph drainage).
g. Removes dead skin layers(our bodies made a new top layer of skin every 24 hours).
h. Strengthens the immune system.
I. Stimulates the glands(helping all the body systems perform at peak efficiency).
j. Evening brushing removes the effects of fatigue at the end of the workday. Fatigue is due to the
accumulation of waste acids that are attempting to be eliminated through the skin.(if you are tired and
to go somewhere, you will feel less fatigued after doing the dry skin brushing…very stimulated)
k. Prevents the accumulation of catarrhal and mucus wastes.
l. Benefits mature skin by stimulating sweat and oil glands. Strengthens the skin pores through which the
skin is moisturized and cleansed.
m. Fends off acne and fungal infections.
What you Need:
For the Body…the ideal dry brush is made of natural vegetable bristles that are neither too stiff nor too soft. It shouldn’t scratch you but you should feel some friction against the skin. When you begin the process, it is suggested that you start with a softer brush and as your skin becomes stronger, your brush can become stronger as well. The important thing is to do it…if you don’t have “the perfect brush” as of yet, well, use what you have and keep looking for a better brush.
For the Face…use a soft cosmetic brush or a soft dry washcloth.
How to Dry Skin Brush:
a. The skin is DRY. The brush is DRY. Always remember that you are brushing towards your heart.
b. Brush each part of the body several times vigorously:
1. Brush the soles of the feet first(the nerve endings there affect the whole body)
2. Brush ankles, calves and thighs.
3. Brush across the stomach and buttocks.
4. Brush counter clockwise strokes on the abdomen.
5. Lighter strokes over and around the breasts but do not brush the nipples.
6. Shoulders and back.
7. Brush hands and arms.
8. Take the cosmetic brush or soft washcloth and using circular movements, gently brush your face.
9. Take a warm shower or bath which should always be followed by a cool rinse to invigorate blood
circulation and stimulate surface warmth.
You have now removed all dead skin cells and are on your way to healthy younger looking skin.
Your skin brush should be washed every few weeks in water and left to dry.
a. do not brush over any skin with wounds, rashes, or cuts.
b. Slight flushing of the skin is normal…that means your skin is being stimulated. The skin should not be red
or irritated…that means you are brushing too vigorously. In the beginning you should be brushing quite
gently and gradually you can brush more vigorously.
c. For a thorough lymphatic cleansing, dry skin brush daily for minimum of
d. Do the skin brushing for a minimum of 30 days to start seeing results.
Once you have initiated dry skin brushing as a daily habit, your next steps would be to use the proper PH level soaps and lotions, eliminate toxic deodorants and antiperspirants(anything used to block perspiration also blocks toxins from being eliminated from these large pores. Even more dangerous is the fact that the active ingredient used is always an aluminum based compound), and wear undergarments and clothes made from natural fibers that allow the skin to breathe.