Your skin is your largest elimination organ. It releases about a pound of waste every day; this is the first place that there are usually obvious signs of a toxic imbalance.
If the skin isn’t able to release toxins efficiently, skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema can occur as well as rashes or acne. One of the reasons the skin is unable to release toxic substances as it should is due to clogged pores that can build up over time from dead skin cells, excreted waste and external pollution from things like skin care products and dirt.
Skin brushing can help detox the skin so that it can release toxins. It helps to stimulate the lymphatic system which is an essential part of the body’s immune system; lymphocytes or white blood cells, carry nutrients to your body’s cells and remove waste.
The lymph system is made up of lymph vessels, lymph nodes as well as organs, and removes foreign substances and microorganisms as part of the body’s natural defense system.
It acts like a filtration system in helping to prevent bacteria and other unwanted materials from entering the bloodstream. When this system doesn’t work efficiently, body tissues can begin to swell and become inflamed.
Skin brushing can help speed up this process, clearing up the lymphatic system and encouraging cell regeneration and blood circulation; this can promote detoxification and can even result in lost pounds as well as reduced cellulite, improved body tone and more radiant-looking skin.
The process is just as simple as it sounds, only taking a few minutes by using gentle brush strokes across the body with a loofah or a long-handled brush with natural bristles. It involves a natural, gentle massaging of the bristles to remove dead skin, eliminating surface toxins from the body.
Never use synthetic bristles as they are too harsh and can scratch the skin. Start with dry skin and brush from the extremities inward, toward the body’s core. Pass over each part of the body, other than the face, with the brush just once.
Use long and gentle, yet firm strokes rather than a back and forth motion. It’s best to brush toward the heart which can complement the natural flow of blood. On thin layers of skin, use a light touch; however, on areas like the feet where the skin is thick, you can brush more vigorously. The process of skin brushing over the entire body should only take 3 to 5 minutes. Take a shower afterwards to rinse off any dead skin cells.
It can also help to give the immune system a boost and reduce the duration of an infection or illness by helping to eliminate toxins quicker and stimulating the lymph system.
Adding skin brushing to an already healthy lifestyle can help you to feel more revitalized, rejuvenated and improve overall wellness.
-The Aternative Daily