Since I got hooked on this about 10 years ago, I have been thanked by many people for telling them about DRY SKIN BRUSHING (a specific way of brushing the skin with a natural bristle body brush as a benefit to your lymphatic system). They couldn’t believe what a difference it made in their energy level and overall health. It is really a great way to begin your day, so let's go over the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of this great deed you can do for your body’s lymphatic system.
What is Lymph?
Between the cells in all tissues are tiny channels where fluid collects. This fluid is called lymph. “It is a colorless, odourless, absorbent substance which helps nourish the body by transporting various nutrients such as salts, minerals and proteins to all parts of the body.” www.detox.org
Lymph also manufactures most of the body's white blood cells, or lymphocytes (which is why healthy lymph is important for maintaining a good functioning immune system).
The function of the lymph system is greatly enhanced by dry skin brushing. It is also an excellent way to help your body wake up in the morning! The skin is your largest eliminative organ (in fact it is the largest organ of the human body, renewing some of its cells every 24 hours). It can release up to 2 pounds of toxins daily! Skin brushing reduces the toxic load of other organs such as our liver, lungs, and kidneys. The lymph system is a main factor in eliminating waste from our bodies. There are 45 pints – that’s 3 times more lymph in our body then blood (15 pints). The lymph system has no pump like the blood systems’ heart does. We therefore need to exercise, stretch, do yoga or do some kind of movement to help the lymph move and prevent it from getting too thick and clogged as to prevent stagnation, settling, and accumulation of the waste products from depositing in our muscles, organs and joints (causing soreness, arthritis, poor muscle tone, cellulite, poor circulation). Ever wonder where cellulite comes from? Stagnant lymph!!
Dry skin brushing can have the following benefits:
· Conditions the skin by sloughing off dead cells & keeping pores open
· Provides great energy first thing in the morning
· Stimulating lymphatic drainage which removes toxins (poor lymphatic drainage has been linked to hypertension, arthritis, depression and other conditions)
· Improves circulation (this has helped me with my leg circulation since I sit at a desk all day!)
· Stimulates hormone function
· Rejuvenates the nervous system
· Enhances immune function (you may notice you don’t get sick as often)
· Contributes to better muscle tone and fat distribution within body tissues (including helping with cellulite)
· Helping to prevent ingrown hairs
· Many men and women feel they don’t need skin moisturizers as much (since the skin is able to “breathe” better and is free to release more of its own protective and moisturizing oils)
How to do it:
- All you need is a natural (vegetable) bristle body brush or mitt available from a health food store (avoid using synthetic fibers – as they may damage the skin)
- I recommend dry skin brushing first thing in the morning BEFORE showering (or BEFORE your morning exercise routine). The morning is an excellent time because the toxins release and accumulate during sleep
- It should take approximately 5 minutes a day (4-5 times per week)
- Avoid brushing over tumors, open or inflamed skin areas
- BRUSH IN THIS ORDER: First brush from knees up to top of thighs (front /back/sides). Then start to brush from the feet (including the soles), up the legs, buttocks, hips, the back, then gently brush in a circular motion around the abdomen (make sure to do front, back and sides)
- Always brush toward the heart – as lymph flows upwards. When you reach the heart area then hold the arms up and brush down the arms from the fingers to the shoulders (front and back), then the back of the neck, the top of the chest staying directly off the breast nipple (ouch), and finally very lightly on the sides of the neck in a downward motion
- Give yourself 1-2 weeks to get used to dry skin brushing as the stiff natural bristles may seem too hard at first. Eventually you will want to apply more pressure, but start off softly
- Brush until your skin becomes rosy, warm and glowing
- Brush off your brush or shake out your mitt over the tub
- Now you are ready for a bath or shower!
- Wash the brush with mild soap/water every few weeks and let dry (to clean brush of toxins)
- To invigorate, have a hot bath or shower, for relaxation, have one that is warm (it is advisable to have a cool shower after a hot bath or shower. This further enhances the stimulating effects of dry-brushing)
- After a few weeks you’ll become addicted to the great energy you’ll feel after dry skin brushing!
References
Gendel, W., “Skin Brushing for Vibrant Health”, www.foreverhealthy.net/html/archives/articles/skinbrushing.asp
North-O’Connell, J., “Give Your Skin The Brush Off”, Alive Magazine, March 2003
