Cleansing Your Skin
Our bodies are designed (under ideal circumstances) to be automatically self-cleansing without a conscious effort on our part. The skin is the largest organ of our body, but this cleansing process involves other organs and glands including the kidneys, liver, lungs, lymphatic system and mucous membranes.
If the skin is allowed to become inactive, the pores become clogged with millions of dead cells, leaving metabolic wastes and other impurities in the body. This causes the other eliminative organs and glands to work harder to detoxify the body, becoming overworked, weakened and eventually dysfunctional.
The accumulated toxins are then deposited in the body's tissues. It has been found in research that more than one pound of waste product is eliminated through the skin each day . . . so proper skin elimination is vital to our health.
What Is Dry Brush Massage?
A method of stimulating the skin to revive skin tone and color, increasing circulation, removing dead skin cells and keeping pores open, increasing the body's ability to eliminate toxins, stimulating hormone and oil producing glands, stimulating nerve endings in the skin, contributing to healthier muscle tone and better distribution of fat deposits. It also gives the complexion a healthy glow.
How Do I Perform A Dry Brush Massage?
- Get a natural bristle brush of plant fiber or boar bristle (NO nylon or synthetic brushes).
- Start with a softer bristle brush then gradually increase to a coarser bristle brush as the skin becomes used to the brushing.
- Start at soles of feet and work up the body in circular motions, using as much pressure as you can comfortably stand. Continue brushing until the skin becomes rosy and warm (five to ten minutes to begin). Brush from the fingertips to the armpits with circular strokes, then long, smooth strokes.
- The best time to dry brush is when you first get up in the morning and again before going to bed. It is best to follow the dry brushing with a shower or sponging to rid the body of the dead skin you have just brushed off.
FYI tips . . .
- Your brush will accumulate dead skin and impurities, so a warm, soapy wash is advisable every couple of weeks. Each family member should have their own brush.
- Do not brush any area that is extra sensitive, irritated, or has open sores.
- The skin on the face should not be brushed with a coarse body brush. However, you may use a soft brush or a facial exfolient for the face.
Source:
- How To Get Well, Paavo Airola, PhD, Health Plus Publishing, 1974, ppgs 225-229.
To use this article, you must add "Reprinted from WellnessForAllSeasons.Com". Please drop us a note and let us know that you've selected one of our articles for your organization's newsletter or website.