The Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing

Your skin is your body's largest organ. And there are many ways that it helps you. The most important way is to detoxify and eliminate toxins. Some say that up to 1/3 of the toxins in your body are excreted through your skin.

Skin brushing is not anything new, but it seems to be gaining some attention the past couple years. No wonder! Here is a list of many of the benefits:

• Skin brushing helps to clear away dead skin cells on the surface of our skin!
• Not only does it help with the surface of the skin, it helps increase circulation in our bodies
• Some say that it helps reduce cellulite
• Stimulates your lymphatic system
• It is supposed to help with ingrown hairs! So, be sure to brush your thighs!

 How do you start?

1. Start with dry skin. Don't use on wet skin.
2. Always brush toward your heart, starting at your feet and working to your torso... then your hands and again, working toward your torso.
3. Brush in mid to long strokes that are firm, but not hard.
4. Brush each area with 3-5 strokes minimum.
5. You should do your armpit or groin area to stimulate the lymph nodes, however, do not brush over any open sores or wounds.
6. Drink a full glass of water shortly afterward.
7. Brush daily.

Don't: 
1. Don't brush your face
2. Don't share your brush. Each family member should have their own.


This is one of the many ways to detox. Because we are exposed to so many toxins in our daily lives, I recommend using my detox foot pads as well as other methods like dry skin brushing, to support your body's natural detoxification methods.

Natural Ways To Detoxify Your Body

Detoxing connotes a regimen for those with substance addictions, but detoxifying is a regimen recommended by nutritionists worldwide and for good reason.  As one herbalist put it, detoxification is the process whereby everything from metabolic by-products, preservatives and additives, alcohol and other recreational drugs, free radicals, medications and environmental poisons and pollution are neutralized and excreted.   The body is in a continuous state of detoxing, however, purposeful and periodic detoxing, especially after the especially indulgent holidays, is a fantastic way to kick-start the new year, stave off threats to your immune system, and recondition your body.

In addition to fighting your way through flu season and all the nasty bugs and viruses that come with it, your body is under the additional stressors that can come with trying to catch up on backlogged work, holiday travel or hosting out-of-town guests, and eating too many rich foods coupled with a drop in physical activity.  To get control of the reins again, the following are a few recommendations for naturally detoxifying your body.

Exercise: get your whole body into the act

One general rule of thumb is that the more muscles you get to work (upper- and lower-body muscles and torso), the greater the results.  Classes focusing on cardio workouts (biking, spin classes, and boxercise) are excellent for releasing tension.  While yoga is often touted as an optimal way to relax, for some the pace can be distracting.  If this sounds like you, physical fitness experts recommend something more fast-paced which can shift your focus from your concerns to your body – thus enabling you to reach a more relaxed state more readily.

One exception to this is Bikram Yoga, which is known for its intensity.  Because of the heat (almost 38 degrees Celsius) and the amount of water ingested during a session, participants are believed to accelerate the elimination of toxins through increased sweating.

Brush your skin!

Sounds strange, but brushing the skin (with loofahs, for example) is an excellent way to aid the body in eliminating toxins.  Skin, the largest organ of the body, is in a continual purge – and as we age, the skin’s ability to eliminate toxins (i.e., shed its outer layers) slows down.  Scrubbing or brushing the body regularly stimulates the skin and lymph system, by pumping oxygenating blood to both, and thereby is a powerful way to aid detoxification.

Eat your antioxidants

Free radicals ride roughshod over our systems, continuously damaging cells, and have been linked to serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.  Green tea, blueberries, goji berries and other superfoods are rich in antioxidants.  The molecules in antioxidants are great for detoxifying your system. 

A final word…

• Avoid celebrity or otherwise short-term diets.
• Drinking dandelion tea is a boon for liver cleansing.
• Reintroduce friendly bacteria into your digestive system (i.e., probiotics and fermented foods).
• Eat unheated vegetable and plant food.
• Reduce or eliminating dairy.
• Get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly and cultivate a high-fiber diet

By taking up these body-friendly habits, you boost the body‘s ability to get rid of toxins naturally.

Source: http://www.arklatexhomepage.com/story/9-ways-to-detox-naturally-in-2014/d/story/RWgKsFK_hUqGV_h4Fk6a3w