With Dr. Kate Wood – Lyme Disease Information
Skin brushing is quick, cheap and helps your body inside and out! Everyone should skin brush but it is especially important for anyone with Lyme Disease and anyone with Chronic Disease.
Why Should I Skin Brush?
Did you know that your skin is your largest organ and the first avenue of elimination for toxins. Its estimated that up to one third of impurities are excreted via the skin each day. If your pores become clogged with things like dead skins cells it affects your body’s ability to detox toxins and other waste properly. This often means that your internal organs have to pick up the slack to excrete these toxins such as your liver, kidneys and colon.
What are the benefits of Skin Brushing?
- Increased toxins are removed from the body
- Increases circulation which improves muscle tone and texture and decreases cellulite (fatty deposits under the skin)
- Rejuvenates your cells
- Naturally moisterises the skin leaving it glowing and looking younger for longer
- Decreases build up in pores that cause breakouts and rashes
- Allows your skin to absorb more oxygen and nutrients into the body
- Takes some of the workload off your internal organs so they can function efficiently and effectively as they are meant to
- Stimulates the lymphatic system which in turn strengthens your immune system
When is the best time to Skin Brush?
The best time to skin brush is in the morning but before every shower is ideal.
Does it matter which brush I use?
Any brush is better than none! However a natural bristled brush is the best and preferably a vegetable derived one. Next best option is a loafer. Look for one with a detachable handle for those hard to reach spots!
Where do I buy a brush from?
You can buy them online or at health food stores, chemists, department stores and some supermarkets. Avoid buying synthetic or nylon brushes as they are to rough and can do more harm than good! Spend a little extra as its the only expense for the whole process.
How do I Skin Brush?
General rules of Skin Brushing
Always start at the extremity and brush towards your major lymph glands or heart. You have major lymph glands on the inside of your ankles, behind your knees, in your groin, under your arm pits and in your neck so try and brush towards these and over these to stimulate your lymphatic system. Use light brisk strokes and use your other hand to brush the skin after the brush has passed over the skin. Ideal brushing time is 3-5 minutes but if you are in a rush 1 minute is better than none! Brush at least once a day where possible. Its called dry skin brushing for a reason – don't get your brush wet!
- Start at the sole of the foot and brush up the calf and shin towards the back of the knee, up the thigh to the groin (repeat on other leg)
- Next start on the palm of your hand and sweep up both sides of the arm to the armpit (repeat on other arm)
- To brush your back use a long handled brush or a partner
- Next work your tummy – start with downward strokes towards the groin. Then use a clockwise motion to follow the movement of the colon
- Lastly brush your chest and neck up towards the lymph glands in your neck (or you could brush towards the armpits)
- Always have a shower after you skin brush to wash off an dead skin cells. The heat of the shower also helps circulation and enhances elimination and detoxification.
- To supercharge this process spoil yourself and buy a nice organic body oil to run on afterwards. The shower will hydrate your skin and then an oil rubbed in straight after will nourish your skin as the pores are nice and open. This can help your skin look younger for longer!
So get brushing and see the results for yourself!
