Dry Skin Brushing

The dry skin brushing technique is used to stimulate the lymphatic system, which is the body’s cellular waste removal system.  As the cells get nourished they produce a certain amount of waste matter which must be efficiently removed.  This is the job of the lymphatic system.  The lymphatic system has no pump like the heart is for the circulatory system, so the lymphatic fluid must move!  Exercise will stimulate lymphatic circulation by vigorously moving your arms and legs, or even a brisk walk.  Jumping on a trampoline is highly beneficial because jumping while moving the arms will pump the lymphatic fluid.

Dry Skin Brushing is an excellent way to clean your lymph.

1. Mentally divide the body into 2 parts with the belly button being the dividing line.
2. On the upper half of your body, including the arms, you brush your dry skin energetically with a soft natural bristle broad brush in a long stroke that always ends at a location close to your collar-bone. Do the left half of your upper body towards the left collar-bone and the right half towards the right one. Encircle each breast, stroke the breast tissue gently but firmly – always towards the respective collar-bone. This is the general area where the lymph fluid re-enters the blood circulation for ultimate filtering by the kidneys and eventual recycling.
3. On the lower body, including the legs, you would brush your dry skin with long strokes towards the inguinal lymph nodes in each groin i.e. where each leg joins the main trunk towards the front lower part of your abdomen. This is where the largest and most important lymph nodes are located and where a large part of the lymph toxins are ‘digested’ and conditioned. This action will stimulate to a great extent the efficient flow of the lymph fluid and therefore ensure an effective waste removal action. Brush your abdomen from right to left to stimulate digestion.  Brush the backs of your legs upward toward the buttocks, also brush your back and buttocks any way wish.
4. End with a shower or bath to wash away all the debris that came up to the skin.

DRY BRUSHING TIPS

Brush Tips: You’ll need a high-quality dry brush. Look for one with bristles made from natural materials. They should feel stiff but not overly so. Ideally, choose a brush with a long handle so you can reach your entire back and other hard-to-reach spots.

How Often: Dry skin brushing should be done daily for best results, or even twice a day if you like. Try incorporating it into your normal daily routine, such as doing your brushing before your morning shower and then again after work (avoid doing it too close to bedtime, as it may leave you feeling energized).

Special Precaution: Avoid brushing your face (unless you have a special brush designed for this delicate skin), your genitals, or any areas with irritations or abrasions (including varicose veins).

Pressure: The pressure you apply while brushing your skin should be firm but not painful (avoid “scrubbing”). Your skin should be pink after a session (not red or irritated) and you can brush for as long (or as little) as you’d like. An average dry brushing session may last between two and 20 minutes.

Arms Only:  Those unable to use their legs: the arm muscles are just as good, and perhaps better, at pumping the lymphatic system as are the legs. Thus, lifting hand weights can accomplish much in helping the lymphatic system.

Do Not Scrub:   You should not use a scrubbing, circular or back and forth motion, when you are dry brushing your stomach it is the only time that you are going to apply clockwise brushing movements

Brush Care: Clean the brush meticulously after every brushing session

Dry Skin: If your skin is extremely dry, rub some oil into it after you have brushed it and showered. Jojoba oil is an excellent skin softener.

MORE BENEFITS  

• Stimulate Your Lymphatic System    When your lymphatic system is not working properly, waste and toxins can build up and make you sick. Lymphatic congestion is a major factor leading to inflammation and disease. By stimulating your lymphatic system and helping it release toxins, dry skin brushing is a powerful detoxification aid.
• Exfoliation   Dry skin brushing removes dead dry skin, improving appearance, clearing your clogged pores, and allowing your skin to “breathe.”
• Increase Circulation   When you dry brush your skin, it increases circulation to your skin, which encourages the elimination of metabolic waste.
• Reduce Cellulite   Dry skin brushing may help to soften hard fat deposits below the skin while distributing fat deposits more evenly. This may help to diminish the appearance of cellulite.
• Stress Relief   The act of dry brushing has been described as meditative (especially if you do it in a quiet space) and may reduce muscle tension, calm your mind, and relieve stress.
• Improve Digestion and Kidney Function   Dry skin brushing may go even deeper, helping to support your digestion and organ function.
• It’s Invigorating   Many people become “addicted” to dry skin brushing (in a good way) because it simply feels so good. Along with glowing and tighter skin, regular dry skin brushers report feeling invigorated after a quick session.

More Resources About Detoxifying and Lymphatic Cleansing:
Detoxifying
The Lymphatic System
Rebounding

Sources:  Natural News.Com, Mercola.com