When you think of detoxing, you probably imagine weeks of drinking nothing but green juice and long stretches of time dedicated to a sugar-free existence. All of that is important, of course, but did you know there’s a simple tool you can use to detox every day without having to make massive changes to your diets?
Your skin is your largest organ and largely responsible for eliminating waste products, so much so that it’s sometimes referred to as a third kidney. But, the pores of your skin, which is where the waste products are pushed out, can become clogged with dead skin and even beauty products (hint: if you wouldn’t drink a bottle of your lotion, don’t go putting it on your skin, either).
Dry brushing stimulates detox by removing the layers of dead skin and opening up the pores so that your skin can more easily move waste products out. Dry brushing also stimulates the lymphatic system, which is responsible for collecting waste products that accumulate in the spaces between your cells, called the intracellular matrix. Movement, like walking, pumps lymph fluid through your body, but since most of us don’t move enough throughout the day, dry brushing is a great way to help boost your lymphatic system’s effectiveness.
Here’s how to dry brush for detox:
1. Buy a dry bristle brush, or you can also use a loofah. Just make sure whatever you buy has natural fibers and not synthetic since those are easier on your skin.
2. Stand somewhere where you don’t mind a firestorm of dead skin swirling around. I use my shower, with the door closed, but make sure you do this BEFORE you turn the water on. Your skin needs to be dry for maximum benefit.
3. Start brushing at your feet. Brush the tops and the soles of your feet in a circular motion, and then continue up your calves and thighs, always brushing toward your heart. Make sure to pay extra special attention to the back of the thighs and glutes since dry brushing can help reduce the appearance of cellulite (because cellulite forms where the muscles aren’t firing properly, and wherever there is no movement in the body is a good place for toxins to accumulate).
4. Continue to brush upward along your torso and back (this is when it’s a good idea to buy a long handled dry brush for easier reaching).
5. Brush your arms, starting at the palm and fingertips and brushing upward along the front and back of each arm.
6. Make sure you avoid any sensitive skin areas, like your face and under arms.
Dry brushing can be a little scratchy at first, so don’t use so much pressure that you’re hurting your skin. It should feel invigorating, and your skin will be a little pink, but no need to scratch holes in yourself. All in all, dry brushing takes five to ten minutes a day and is an excellent addition to your detox routine to give you glowing skin and radiant health.
Did you know there is a dangerous, hormone-mimicking substance invading our food, water, and homes? You can make sure you’re not at risk by finding out which are the biggest culprits and should be avoided at all cost PLUS learn which foods actually block this toxin from being absorbed into your body. Just head on over to Enlighten Up Detox to download my free detox guide.
Skin brushing works wonders if you do it regularly in conjunction with a detox. It leaves you feeling very energized afterwards. Best to do it first thing in the morning. It’s so stimulating it can prevent you sleeping if you do it before bed.
Sandy Halliday´s last [type] ..How A High Fruit & Vegetable Diet Can Detox Your Body