Did you know that the skin is the largest eliminative organ of the body? It is estimated that one-third of all body impurities are excreted through the skin and chemical analysis of sweat shows that it has almost the same constituents as urine.
Uric acid, the main metabolic waste product in urine, is found in large amounts in perspiration. If the skin becomes clogged and the pores choked with millions of dead cells, uric acid and other impurities must remain in the body or attempt to find an alternative route of elimination.
You probably brush your hair and your teeth, but do you brush your skin? Why would you? Dry brushing your skin is a great way to help your body detox because it helps to tone the skin with gentle stimulation removing some of the dead outer layer of skin, also known as exfoliation. This in turn helps to clean the junk from the skin pores that clog them up, allowing the metabolic toxins normally excreted through the skin to be eliminated.
Benefits Of Dry Brushing
Besides the benefit of making your skin softer, there are several other benefits of dry brushing. Here are just a few of them:
- Lymphatic Support – The lymphatic system is a major part of the body’s immune system. This system is made up of organs and lymph nodes, ducts and vessels that transport lymph through the body collecting dead cells, chemicals and other compounds your body can’t About 60% of the lymphatic system is located in the top two layers of skin and since it doesn’t have a pump like your heart, it needs stimulation to drain properly and remove the toxins. Brushing the skin regularly provide this stimulation to help detoxify the body naturally.
- Increased circulation and oxygenation – The act of dry brushing increases blood circulation and oxygenation, which in turn can also increase your energy levels. Dry brushing before your morning shower helps get your body awake and pumping with energy to face your day. For this reason, I don’t recommend doing this at night time!
- Stress relief – Can be a meditative practice, reducing muscle tension, calming your mind and relieving stress. Focusing on the act of brushing your skin takes your mind off whatever may be troubling you, especially if you can do it in a quiet place or with soothing music in the background. Often, when your body and mind are stressed out, you feel a lack of energy. As I already mentioned, dry brushing can help to increase energy levels, so this is really a doubly good tool to use for stress management.
So How Do You Dry Brush?
Choosing the right brush is the first thing to do. Use a natural bristle brush about the size of your hand or larger. If unable to find a natural bristle brush, satisfactory substitutes are a loofah mitt, or coarse bath gloves. Typically, brushes are long handled to reach the parts of your body that are not easily accessible. If you have never done this before, consider starting with a soft brush then move up to a coarser brush once your skin is accustomed to being brushed.
Starting with the soles of the feet, work up legs in long, smooth strokes, hands and arms, the back, abdomen, chest and neck. Always brush toward the heart/chest area where the lymph system drains. Press the brush against your skin as much as you can comfortably stand, then vigorously brush and massage every part of your body. Sensitivity of the skin varies with every individual, and different parts of the body vary in sensitivity.
Your skin should be pink after each session (not red or irritated) and you can brush as long or as little as you’d like. I typically brush each section of skin 10 times or more depending on how much time I have. Sometimes it’s just a few minutes and sometimes its 15-20 minutes.
Once you have finished, it’s time to hit the shower. If you typically use moisturizer or lotion after showering, make sure that the product you are using does not contain phthalates or other harmful chemicals. These toxic chemicals can also be found in shampoos and body washes, so make sure you check those as well. Now that your pores are open, it’s even easier for the toxins to enter your body, undoing all the good that you just did. I recommend using Young Living personal care products, as I know that they are safe to use.
If you have questions about non-toxic skin care products, dry brushing or other ways to detox your body, please schedule a complimentary call. I would love to be able to help you.
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Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not to be construed as medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. These statements made have not been approved by the FDA, nor should they be taken as a substitute for medical advice from a licensed physician.
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