Dry Skin Brushing

The skin is one of the five main channels of elimination, throwing off about two pounds of toxic material each day in the form of perspiration. The skin has been called the third kidney because of its ability to rid the body of toxic waste material.

Skin brushing stimulates the circulation and lymphatic systems and has a powerful rejuvenating effect on the nervous system because of the hundreds of nerve endings in the skin. By vigorous skin brushing over the major lymph glands which are dumping stations for waste fluids, you can stimulate the expulsion of mucoid lymph. It also removes dead skin layers and impurities, thus keeping the pores open and unclogged and increasing the elimination capacity of the skin.

HOW TO SKIN BRUSH

• You will need a natural bristle brush with a long handle on it, which may be purchased in most health food stores.

• Start on the soles of your feet.

• Brush upwards towards the heart and downwards from above the heart in one direction only.

• Work your way up your legs and thighs, paying particular attention to behind the knees and groin, as this is where major lymph glands are.

• Brush up over the buttocks and lower back.

• Use a circular clockwise movement over the abdomen, following the line of the colon (do this about 10 times).

• Brush the palms and back of hands, up the arms to the shoulders.

• Use downward movements on the neck, throat and chest (females should go gently on the chest area).

• Use the handle of the brush to brush across the top of the shoulders and upper back.

• Avoid the face, genital area and nipples.

• Start gently and build up the intensity and pressure of your strokes. Each stroke should be long and firm.

• Skin brushing should take 5 minutes first thing in the morning before you shower. Never brush over skin that is irritated, damaged, sunburnt, infected or over varicose veins. Wash your brush out once a week with warm soapy water, rinse well and dry it thoroughly in the airing cupboard. Remember, 5 minutes of dry skin brushing is equivalent to 30 minutes jogging as far as physical tone is concerned.

   

Ciara Murphy MH Ir RGN

Newtownpark Clinic, 7 Rockville Road, Blackrock, Co. Dublin. 01 2108489

www.irishherbalist.ie