When I first learned about the specific things we can do for having healthy skin, I realized in a small way the benefit of skin brushing. So I bought a brush and would do skin brushing occasionally in the bath. I wasn’t too committed to doing it which translated meant that I didn’t really believe the benefit was worth my time and effort.
That is no longer true. I now allow time to do dry skin brushing every day right before I bathe. The reason it is now part of my personal wellness program is because I’ve learned the benefits and I believe they are true.
The skin, the largest organ of the body, is responsible for 1/4 of the body’s detoxification every day. It actually eliminates two pounds of acid waste daily. When the blood is full of toxic materials, it is the skin that will show this first. The skin is the last to receive nutrients that it needs, yet the first to show signs of imbalance or deficiency!
All of that was enough information to make me cross the line of head knowledge about it (believing those are nice facts) and heart knowledge (actually choosing to incorporate skin brushing into my daily routine to reap the health benefits myself).
Here are the benefits of skin brushing that I have learned:
1. Helps the body eliminate cellulite.
2. Helps the skin to tighten.
3. Works wonders when you’re losing weight (or have lost weight and are now dealing with sagging skin).
4. Sloughs off dead cells, thus improving skin texture and cell renewal.
5. Stimulates blood flow to the skin, which in turns helps the body to rid itself of wastes.
6. Helps the body detox even better when alfalfa supplements are taken in conjunction with skin brushing.
7. Rejuvenates the nerve system by stimulating the nerve endings.
8. Eliminates clogged pores so that the skin can absorb nutrients better.
Want to know how to get started? Buy a stiff, natural body brush. If it seems too firm on dry skin, start with it wet and soapy in the shower or bath. Once the skin gets stronger, switch to dry brushing. Dry skin brushing will give stronger stimulation that your skin needs. Use a prescribed sequence of hands, arms, chest, stomach. Then proceed to brush feet, legs, buttocks, remembering to always brush toward the heart in long strokes. For certain targeted areas (like upper thighs, stomach, buttocks) you can use circular motions, but always end with long strokes.)
After I finish brushing, bathing, and drying off, I complete my skin health treatment by infusing my skin with natural vitamins using my favorite body lotion. I don’t know about you, but I want to be sure my skin care reflects my commitment to having a healthy body, and that now includes skin brushing.