Your skin is the largest organ in your body. Most people don't think of the skin as an organ. Most people don't stop to consider all the functions their skin performs. It acts as a barrier protecting our body from germs and disease. It regulates the bodies temperature. Your skin helps in your body detox. One fourth of the toxins your body releases daily are excreted through the skin. One third of the blood getting pumped around your body goes to feeding your skin.
Skin brushing has been practiced for centuries. The Japanese vigorously rub their bodies with a loofah before bathing. Ancient Greeks used spoon-like skin scrapers to remove dirt and improve circulation before bathing. Cherokee Indians brushed their skin with dried corn husks to enhance the skin's beauty. Comanche Indians scrubbed their skin with sand.
Dry skin brushing is an easy and a effective way to improve your health. Here are some of the positive effects it can have on your health:
increase circulation
improve digestion
improve lymph flow
decrease cellulite
increase overall skin health
strengthen the immune system
removes dead skin cells Who thought that you could get some much benefit from something that only takes 5 minutes a day?
Here's what you need to start your own dry skin brushing routine. You can use a brush that hasnatural bristles, like some type of animal hair or vegetable fiber. Synthetic bristles are too sharp and will irritate the skin. It's best to have a brush with a handle so that you can reach your back with no problem. Some people like to use a loofah to do their dry brushing. That's fine too. That's all you need a brush or loofah and a
naked body.When you do your dry skin brushing you need to make sure that the brush and your skin are completely dry.Don't brush any rashes, broken skin, your nipples or genitals. You should use a small very soft bristled brush on your face.
It's best to do your dry skin brushing right before you shower. No matter what time of the day you dry brush you need to bathe right afterward. This way you'll wash off any toxins on your skin and dead skin.
Start with your feet because the soles of your feet contain many nerve endings that effect other areas of your body. You use firmer pressure when brushing the soles of your feet. For the rest of your body use firm yet gentle strokes. Your skin will flush at first, but as it gets used to brushing it will flush less and less. Dry skin brushing should feel good. It shouldn't hurt.
Remember to always brush toward your heart.
Brush your soles in a circular motion
Brush up your legs on all sides
Brush your hands and up your arms
Brush your stomach gently in a counterclockwise motion
Brush your chest, avoiding the nipples
Brush your back and buttock
Bathe
Clean your brush at least once a month. Make sure the brush is completely dry before using it. You should have a different brush for each person in your household for hygiene purposes.