The correct way to skin brush

The reason I skin brush is not for sloughing off old dead skin cells or to open pores (which it does!), but to stimulate and activate my Lymphatic System.  It is part of my healthy detox/ cleanse arsenal that I LOVE to implement on a daily basis.  What is the lymphatic system?, you may ask.  Well, let me give you a short (as short as possible) description and breakdown of what it is and what it does for us and our health.

Did you know that the skin is the largest organ in the body, and is responsible for one-fourth of the body’s detoxification each day? That makes it one of the most important elimination organs. Toxicity can gather beneath the skin’s surface from common use of improper pH levels in body soaps, skin creams and anti-perspirants, plus synthetic fibers worn next to the skin. Any one of them can contribute to a variety of skin problems and conditions. ()

The lymphatic system helps to maintain fluid balance, defend the body against disease and absorb liquids from the intestine and transport them to the blood. The Lymphatic System collects and returns fluid that leaks from blood vessels. It absorbs fats and vitamins. Lastly, it defends against invading microorganisms, such as cancer cells and disease.  Delivering nutrients, oxygen, and hormones from the blood to the cells that make up the tissues of the body system is also what the lymphatic system does with the circulatory system. This is an important system.  It is a slow moving system and dry brushing helps get things moving.  If you are finding you are retaining water and you can’t figure out why, it may be a lymphatic issue and dry brushing may be beneficial to you.

Dry skin brushing is helpful for vanity issues such as cellulite and tightening of skin.  I would like to make a brief comment on cellulite because so many deal with this and are interested in it.  We store our toxins and our emotions in our fat cells.  When trying to rid yourself of weight and/or cellulite, you want to reduce your toxins and even your toxic emotions.  Anger, resentment, hurt, fears, just to name a few are some of the most negative emotions and are believed to build up as cellulite.  You want to use emotional remedies, affirmations and even biofeedback if necessary to shift your self if you truly want to get rid of your cellulite.  Alkalizing your diet is beneficial to your skin and eating foods that nourish your skin like, essential fatty acids like omegas and flax oils.  Tomatoes, foods rich in lecithin like eggs (this means the yoke), berries of all kinds and dark leafy greens are important to be part of your daily diet, and of course regular exercise (Rebounding isanother FABULOUS lymphatic system stimulator – if not THE BEST).

Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing:

1.    Removes cellulite

2.    Cleanses the lymphatic system

3.    Removes dead skin layers

4.    Strengthens the immune system

5.     Stimulates the hormone and oil-producing glands

6.    Tightens the skin preventing premature aging

7.    Tones the muscles

8.    Stimulates circulation

9.    Improves the function of the nervous system

10.   Helps digestion

11. AND it’s easy, inexpensive and invigorating!

Dry skin brushing is best done first thing in the morning (naked!), and takes only 5-10 minutes. For best results, it should be done 5 or 6 days a week – everyday is OPTIMAL.   Mornings are best because toxins are released and build up during sleep. Dry skin brushing helps you feel alert, and by removing the dead skin cells and stimulating more blood and lymph flow and circulation, it will help the skin to produce more oils from the unclogged pores. Oil glands are free to release more of their protective and moisturizing oils. ()

I’ve been dry skin brushing for several years and came across this video 8 months ago about the CORRECT way to do it.   I didn’t know this info. before and was excited to learn more and how to do it properly.   Of course, I have to share with you and pass the information on so that you can do the same to educate others.  Here’s a video below from Green Smoothie Girl where she interviewed Brandi Owens, a lymphatic drainage therapist, on how the lymphatic system works and how to use a skin brush for best beauty and health results!   Watch this video first to understand more about how the lymphatic system works and why brushing is important in specific ways.

Now, WATCH the video that I made (Welcome to my first ever video blog!) of a complete skin brushing routine based on Brandi’s technique.  (I apologize in advance for all the UM’s & AND’s that I do – I was a little nervous, but I will get over it! :)) 

I have noticed a difference in my own results since implementing this technique/ routine for many months now.  The results were fast and continue to improve the more consistent I am with it.    I personally like to skin brush in the morning before getting dressed (it’s a great morning picker-upper) – it’s very stimulating and makes me feel great.

 I use the thru Amazon.com – great price and free shipping!

The stiff natural vegetable fibers may seem too hard at first, but give yourself a week or two to get accustomed to dry skin brushing. You’ll find you get addicted to the energized feeling and clear mind you get from the process.

Summary of benefits:

• Your natural skin oils will now be able to coat your skin’s top layer and alleviate the dryness, plus moisturize your skin naturally. Great for the dry winter months.
• It reduces the need for body lotion.
• By dry brushing the entire body, it helps release toxins from the skin, reducing the stress on the liver, kidneys and colon, at the same time reducing body odor.
• Protects the skin with natural sun protection factors. Great for spring and summer.
• Helps eliminate fat deposits.
• Helps to create lymphatic flow and boosts the immune system.
• It is an excellent way to warm up before exercising. You will avoid pulling muscles.
• It will help prevent or eliminate arthritic acid stiffness in the joints.

Do you dry skin brush and what have your results been? 

**So, what did you think of the video? It would be wonderful to get your feedback. And if there are any topics that you would love for me to create a video blog about in the future, please let me know (raw, vegan recipes, organic gardneing, natural products, DIY, detox/cleanse protocols, exercise, etc.! ( I am new at making videos and I have LOTS to learn, so be patient if you would like to see more.)

♥ For more healthy living and organic gardening tips, quick recipes, what I’m eating and inspirational quotes, . Lots of fun stuff!

May the GREENS be with You! and Be Inspired!