Dry Skin Brushing
Believe it or not, the skin is one of the most toxifed parts of the body. Our skin is the longest organ, it stretches from the top of our head to the tip of our toes, and up to one-third of all the blood circulating in our body goes to the skin. Our skin is also responsible of eliminating most of the toxins inside our bodies. That is why our skin deserves the same care and attention as any of our internal organs such as the heart, kidney or lungs. However, despite that fact, many people do not pay much attention to the well-being of their skin, especially skin that is not part of our face. What makes it even more surprising is that, unlike the internal organs, the skin usually does not require any expensive prescribed medication. Most of the care the skin needs can be accomplished with simple techniques and habits that only employ just a little bit of our time. Dry brushing (or dry skin brushing), as the term suggests, is the practice that involves brushing the surface of your skin for about 3 to 5 minutes. The purpose of this practice is massaging the skin while exfoliating and improving circulation.
1. It may help reduce the appearance of cellulite
Dry brushing the skin, you are able to massage the subcutaneous adipose tissue thereby helping break down the toxins that may be piled in it. These broken down toxins can then be eliminated through the skin and other “fltering” organs such as the kidneys. Regular exercise and healthy eating are recommended to speed up the elimination process commenced by dry skin brushing.
2. It can help eliminate dead skin
Dry brushing your skin can expedite this process to help quickly rid of dead skin cells thereby speeding up the formation of new ones. New skin cells are usually softer, smoother and have a natural glow.
3. It can enhance blood circulation and cleansing of the lymphatic system
Toxins form part of our everyday lives; from the air we breathe, to the food we eat and the water we drink. Other organs in the body also release toxins as byproducts of their metabolism. It is the lymphatic’s systems responsibility to wash away these toxins.
When you dry brush your skin, you can improve blood circulation which in turn may help make the lymphatic system more effcient so that toxins are expelled fpster.
4. It can help promote even fat distribution
Continuous dry skin brushing, however, can help evenly distribute the fat across the entire body instead of depositing them in the same places every time.
5. It can enhance nutrients absorption by the skin
A mixture of dead skin cells, broken or crooked hairs, environmental pollution and sweat can block our pores. And sometimes, the regular daily shower may not be enough to fully clear these blockages. When this happens, the skin cannot effectively absorb vital nutrients and substances our body needs.
Frequent dry skin brushing can help clear and open up the pores of the skin to freely eliminate waste and absorb nutrients, moisture and sunlight for overall well-being.
6. It may help rejuvenate the nervous system
Our nervous system plays a major role in the functioning of our entire body, and most of our nerve endings are near the skin. These nerve endings are responsible for communicating senses to the brain which allow us to react according to the situation. When a person regularly dry brushes their skin, these nerve endings may be rejuvenated, making the body much more alert and responsive to stimulation, especially touch.
7. It may help improve digestion and kidney functionality
We have already discussed the role of our lymphatic system and how dry skin brushing can help this system. The other important effect of dry brushing is that, when the lymphatic system is cleansed, extra water and toxins that may be stored in the lymph nodes are expelled, which means the cells would need new supply of nutrients. The faster this cycle repeats the faster food is digested to provide nutrients. This may help relieve stress on the kidneys as fltering of the body system is also faster thanks to the supportive role of high functioning skin and fast-draining lymphatic system.
8. It can help smooth and tighten skin
As a person continually dry brushes their skin, the blood fow to and from the skin is enhanced. This, over time, can strengthen the skin, giving it a natural glow and a smoother look and feel. The best part is, all the breaks in the skin that speed ageing may be gradually reduced also as an effect of dry skin brushing.
9.It may relieve stress
Many doctors and therapists have recommended dry skin brushing as a great means of releasing stress. The process is very meditating especially when done at a slow rate. Dry skin brushing has the added beneft of working deeply on the inside to get you relaxed and relieved.
10.It can promote happiness
The process of dry brushing your skin simply feels great! It is even better when done among the frst things you do in the day. The improved circulation helps make you more alert and relaxed at the same time which gives you a sensation of joy and satisfaction that can positively affect the rest of your day.