Everybody’s heard of exfoliating, but not too many have heard of skin brushing. Even if you have heard of it, you might not be aware of the benefits associated with skin brushing, or the technique involved. As the body’s largest organ, our skin’s chief function (other than to cover up our innards) is waste elimination, just as it is for the kidney, lungs and bowels. In order to function properly and help your other organs perform effectively, your skin must have good circulation and be able to shed the top layer of dead cells efficiently. This is where skin brushing comes in.
Here’s how:
LEGS
Before your shower or bath, begin to brush your dry skin, with a dry brush, starting at your feet. With your left leg, brush up with 3-4 long strokes from your ankle to your knee and brush your foot firmly. Brush the front and back of your thigh using the same long strokes. Move to the right leg and complete the same procedure.
ABDOMEN
Brush up over the buttocks and hips, front and back, using long strokes. Brush a small circle around your navel and make clockwise concentric circles moving outward until your whole abdomen is covered. Starting on the left side and moving to the right side of your waist, brush up to your breasts. Brush across the chest (from the center out) to the shoulders and the back of the shoulders as far as you can reach.
ARMS
With your left arm, palm facing down, brush from the fingertips to the shoulder, using long strokes.Brush the palm of your hand and the under side of your arm. Raise your arm and brush down in the armpit. Repeat on the right arm.
DONE!
What does this accomplish? In 3-4 minutes you have invigorated your skin by stimulating blood and lymph circulation, which in turn boosts the immune system and helps your other organs to perform at their peak. You have also stimulated the oil glands under your skin to help moisturize and condition your skin.
It may take a few days for your skin to become accustomed to brushing, similar to how your gums and teeth get used to an electric toothbrush. Just be gentle with your brush and soon you’ll discover the wonderful benefits of skin brushing for yourself.
