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Dry Skin Brushing

skinThe body has five major paths of elimination; the colon, kidneys, liver, lungs, and skin. Of these, our skin is the largest elimination organ, which is sometimes referred to as the “third kidney” (the second being our lungs). In fact, up to one third of all body impurities are excreted through the skin. It releases a pound of waste each day and will be the first organ to show symptoms of imbalance or toxicity. If your skin cannot efficiently release toxins you may experience rashes, acne, hives, itchiness, body odor, or even eczema and psoriasis.
Dry skin brushing is an important therapy you can add to your detox program. Daily dry friction brushing is far more cleansing and eliminates more waste material than any soap could, another added benefit is that the skin is not robbed of its natural oils needed to keep it from becoming too dry. Dry skin brushing tones the skin, improves surface circulation to keep pores open, encouraging the bodies discharge of metabolic wastes. It aids in relieving skin conditions such as acne, hives body odor, eczema and more. More importantly it helps your lymphatic system to rid itself of toxins that collect in the lymph glands. Altogether helping your skin to look and feel healthier and more resilient.
How dry skin brushing will benefit you:

bath brush
• Tightens skin
• Regulates and increases blood circulation and lymph flow
• Revitalizes and increases your skins ability to eliminate toxins out of the system
• Rejuvenates the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings in the skin
• Contributes to healthier muscle tone and better distribution of fat deposits (yes, with continued use it can break down cellulite)
• Gently removes dead layers of skin and other impurities (keeps pores open)
• Stimulates the hormone and oil producing glands responsible for keeping your skin looking and feeling young, smooth and strong
• Helps in digestion
• Strengthens immune system

How to choose your brush
Choose a dry skin brush that has natural fiber bristles and a long handle for reaching all of your back. The bristles may feel to firm at first, but your skin will adjust to this over time. If you have very sensitive skin, you may want to start with a softer brush or a dry towel.
How to “dry skin brush”
Dry skin brushing means brushing the skin without the use of water or soaps. Use a separate brush for face and body. Brush before showering or bathing at least once per day twice if possible.
When dry brushing the body, brush the limbs with an upward movement. Every brush motion should be directed towards the heart. Start by brushing skin gently until it becomes conditioned. Avoid brushing the parts of your body that are irritated, damaged or infected. The scalp should also be brushed. It can stimulate hair growth by increasing blood circulation and will keep the scalp clean from dandruff, stale oils, etc.
• Lighter strokes over and around breasts, and do NOT brush the nipples.
• Brush over each part of your body several times vigorously.
• Always brush towards your heart
Start with the soles of your feet first, because the nerve endings there affect your whole body. Next brush your ankles, calves and thighs. Then brush across your stomach with circular counter clockwise strokes. Then onto your buttocks and lastly brush your hands and arms.

For the face, start by washing with a gentle cleanser, then dry with a towel. Start brushing using gentle upward movements from the center to the temples on the forehead then work down over the eyes, along the nose. Next make gentle counter clockwise movements on the right cheek, and clockwise on the left, always moving along the cheek muscles Be careful never to stretch the skin. Move down to the chin, the ears and finally the neck, using a firm, brisk rotary motion. If your face is too sensitive to use a dry brush, use a loofah or a special facial brush instead. Smooth upward strokes lift the muscles of the face instead of dragging them down. We don’t need to give gravity any extra help! Your facial brushing strokes should move up the neck and along the contour of the face.

After you have brushed the entire body then take a warm bath or shower which should be followed by a cool rinse at the end to invigorate blood circulation and stimulate surface warmth.

During the first couple of months be extra gentle while brushing! The sensation should be pleasantly stimulating. Stop immediately if it doesn’t feel good and increase the brushing intensity more gradually.

At first, the whole procedure should not last more than 30 seconds. Gradually increase the time to one, two and finally, three minutes.
Cleaning your brush
Keeping your brush clean is important; you need to wash out all of the dead skin cells and debris. Wash your dry skin brush with non-toxic soap every two weeks or so. Dry it in the sun or a warm place.
Being Consistent is the key
Dry skin brushing stimulates and invigorates the entire body. When done consistently (3-5 minutes morning and night), it will drastically improve the look of your skin and give an overall feeling of well being.

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