Should I Be Skin Brushing? Benefits and Techniques

by | Sep 10, 2021

WHY SKIN BRUSHING?

 

The skin is our largest route for eliminating wastes from the body. Skin breathes, yet we take it for granted with applying many types of lotions, sprays, and deodorants containing chemicals and other noxious ingredients that are absorbed into the body via the skin. This vital route of elimination often operates below its capacity. Skin is clogged with dead skin and un-removed waste excreted through perspiring. Dry skin brushing is a simple, inexpensive way to remove waste from the skin and assist in waste removal via the lymph system that lies just beneath the skin layers. Our bodies make a new top layer of skin every 24 hours. Using skin brushing daily, the layer is removed which allows the new layer to come to the surface. If you want smoother softer skin – daily skin brushing will help.

 

THE LYMPH SYSTEM

 

The interstitial fluid that bathes our cells, bringing nutrients and removing waste by-products comprises the lymph system. True detoxification occurs primarily via the lymph system. Our bodies contain more lymph than blood; however the lymph relies on the pumping of the blood system to be effective. It has no heart of its own. Therefore, the health of the lymph depends on other forces such as massage and exercise to move the fluid and to assist in drainage. Using dry skin brushing will promote the body to release toxins/waste into the lymph system, which then moves into the two lymph plexuses – the thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct near the heart for drainage into the blood circulation. Lymph drainage is essential in a cleansing program.

 

TECHNIQUE

 

Skin brushing is recommended:

  1. Daily
  2. Before the bath or shower
  3. Start gently (may feel tender at first)
  4. Brush your entire skin surface (except open or cracked skin)
  5. Use a dry brush (stiffer bristles than wet)
  6. Brush on dry skin
  7. Use long firm strokes up the legs towards the heart; fingertips upward.
  8. In the upper right quadrant (rib cage area), brush down toward the liver.
  9. Brush the palms of hands and soles of feet as a reflexive stimulus.
  10. Use natural fiber vegetable brush or “loofa” sponge

 

Dr. Noe King