As the largest eliminatory organ on the human body and helps to detox the toxins away from the body, it is no wonder people obsess over the tone, tightness, color, age and health of the skin. From the forehead to the back of the lower legs, everything from expensive cremes, body butters, lasers, skin wraps and saunas are used religiously by people of all ages, in hopes that we obtain our perfect idea of outer, ageless beauty: Beautiful and glowing, cellulite and vein free skin.
I suggest people to look toward a much simpler tool to gain that radiant glow. One that can be used on an infant and senior just the same. It is soft and nurturing and does not contain an ounce of an artificial chemical. Actually, the most popular form of skin beautification is the use of lotions, but according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), "80 percent of all products may be contaminated with one or more of the two dozen recognized cosmetic impurities that are linked to cancer and other health concerns," so how about reaching for a more "organic" and fundamental non-cream?
Not only is a skin brush an essential tool for exfoliating the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, good circulation, strengthening the immune system, stimulating the nervous system, toning the muscles and improving digestion, but it also costs around ten dollars and is extremely easy to do!
The lymphatic system helps the body to detox and remove toxins by cleansing the immune system. White blood cells called lymphocytes carry nutrients to cells and remove waste. The lymph flows outside of the circulatory system to bathe, cleanse and restore all cells, but it must be returned to the blood vessels to dump its waste. This is done through tiny lymph vessels with one-way valves to the heart. If we don’t move the lymph quickly enough we end up with swollen tissues, particularly in the ankles. Exercise (especially yoga), lymphatic massage and skin brushing help to speed the process and clear the lymphatic system.
Dry skin is a sign of detoxification. It is important to remove the dead cells to keep from clogging the system. This improves skin texture and renews the skin cells.
With routine daily brushing and bathing, the skin can produce the oil needed to stay healthy. Sweating is an important part of detoxification but when the perspiration system is clogged, people may experience foul body odor and the bladder, kidneys and liver organs are taxed, working overtime to detox the poisons out of the body. With regular exercise and cleansing the skin (infrared saunas do an excellent job as well), people begin to notice odorless body sweat. However, with increased detoxing on your whole body cleanse, people may witness odor worse before it gets better.
Consistency is key if you want to see the body rid itself with cellulite. Consistency and frequency. Skin appearance will get exponentially better, but for some people, this may take weeks or months to see cellulite disappear. When skin is massaged and stimulated, it begins to break up the toxic deposits of stored fatty tissues that pucker the overlying skin into cellulite. Connective tissue massage and releasing stored emotions are also good treatments for cellulite, along with interval training, fat burning strength and cardio training and eating well. It is a holistic approach!
Dry skin brushing can reduce the length of infections and illness by moving the toxins more quickly through the system and stimulating the lymph to move waste matter out. The skin is often labeled "the third kidney" because of its ability to remove the body of toxins and keep our bodies strong.
By stimulating nerve endings in the skin, this technique will rejuvenate your nerves and activate individual muscle fibers, resulting in toner muscles. The increased blood flow to skin, and removing of dead cells, stimulates the creation of new skin cells which tightens and regenerates overall skin health.
Taking time to pay attention to your body, every inch of the body, gives respect and love toward yourself. Just spending a few minutes a day can help your soul feel alive, beautiful and young. This healing practice is best practiced in the morning, before the shower. Below is a description of how to perform self dry skin brushing.
❥ Begin by brushing your dry body before you shower or bathe, first thing in the morning, preferably in the morning.
❥ Begin at your feet and brush upward toward the heart. Use gentle but firm brisk circular motions or long, even strokes.
❥ Brush all the way up legs, then over abdomen, buttocks, and back. If you have cellulite on your hips and thighs, concentrate there a little longer. For complete dissolving of cellulite (remember the consistency, frequency, the holistic approach combining with exercise and eating well), and brush for 10 minutes daily and continue for several months.
❥ Brush lightly on sensitive areas like breasts (if you are male) and more firmly on areas like soles of the feet. Some practitioners suggest that women avoid brushing breasts altogether.
❥ When you reach arms, begin at fingers and brush up your arms, toward heart. Brush shoulders and chest down, always toward the heart.
❥ Avoid brushing anywhere the skin is broken and exposed, healing, or where you have a rash, infection, cut or wound. Light brushing on bruised and closed skin is suggested for faster healing time.
❥ Finish by taking a shower and use cold/hot therapy to further stimulate the lymphatic system and improve circulation.
❥ Dry off vigorously with a towel and massage pure plant oils into your skin such as almond, sesame, avocado, coconut, olive or cacao butter.
❥ The brush itself looks a bit like a softer version of a horse’s brush, with natural and soft bristles. There are so many different types of dry skin brushes. Find one that is easy to hold and feels gentle on your skin. Be sure to wash the brush with gentle soap and warm water, and hang to dry after daily use.
