Dry skin brushing is one of the best ways to release toxins from the body through the skin, by increasing circulation in the vascular and lymphatic systems.

The lymphatic system has a crucial connection with the immune system, as it is associated with the spleen, thymus, and bone marrow and it works with the movement of the interstitial fluid in the body.

The heart pumps blood so it circulates throughout the body. Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system does not have an internal pump. Instead, the lymphatic system relies on movement, in the form of physical exercise, and stimulation. Dry skin brushing stimulates the lymphatic system. (Metabolic exercise, such as brisk walking and bouncing on a rebounder, and massage therapy are also excellent for moving lymph fluid.)

Since the lymph carries toxic wastes, which include toxins eaten with food or absorbed from the environment, and which are the natural result of the body’s metabolic processes, the lymphatic system is a good place to start detoxification from the inside out.

The role of the skin in detoxification

The skin is the largest organ in the body. Because it plays a significant role in detoxification, it is sometimes called the “third kidney.” Other organs involved in detoxification are the kidneys, liver, and lungs. Through perspiration, which is generated by movement, toxins move to the surface of the skin, where they can evaporate.

One important note: Chemicals in commercial deodorants go directly into the lymphatic nodes in the armpits. For this reason, please consider using aluminum- and chemical-free deodorants.

Toxins also collect under the skin from such common substances as soap, skin cream, and even from synthetic fiber worn next to the skin. Herbicides and pesticides are often used to treat materials, and new clothing can penetrate through the outer layers of the skin; therefore, it is always advisable to wash new clothes and dry them in the sunlight and open air to reduce chemical exposure. Dry-cleaned clothes should be taken out of the plastic and aired before wearing. All of these toxins can contribute to a variety of skin problems, as well as to other physical conditions.

Every year we lose approximately 7.5 pounds (3.5 kg) of skin through sloughing. It is essential to keep the pores open, the sweat glands stimulated, the lymphatic system pumping and detox ongoing.

Benefits of dry skin brushing

Here are some of the reported benefits of dry skin brushing:

• Tightens skin and makes it glow
• Helps digestion through blood circulation and oxygenation
• Helps to remove cellulite
• Stimulates blood circulation
• Increases the rate of cell renewal
• Assists the lymphatic system in the clearing of toxic deposits
• Removes dead skin
• Strengthens the immune system
• Improves the exchange of fluid and trace minerals between cells
• Stimulates the endocrine glands to help all the systems in the body perform at peak efficiency

How to dry brush your skin

• First, buy a natural (non-synthetic) bristle brush that won’t scratch your skin. Buy one that suits you, long-handled or short-handled, so that you can reach all areas of your body.
• Perform the brushing at least once a day before showering or bathing. If you brush on wet the skin, it will not have the same effect and it will stretch your skin.
• Always start on the bottom of your feet and brush in small clockwise circles, moving toward your heart. The soles of your feet have nerve endings that affect the whole body.
• After your feet, brush your ankles, calves, and thighs, then across your stomach, chest, buttocks and back, and finally, your hands and arms to your shoulders.
• Make circular, counterclockwise strokes on your abdomen and small clockwise circles on the rest of the body, always moving toward the heart.
• Reach around from the sides, waist, and shoulders to get to all areas of your back.
• Brush more lightly over and around your breasts, and do not brush your nipples at all.
• Brush each part of your body several times, vigorously but lightly.
• After brushing, take a warm bath or shower, followed by a cool bath or shower.
• Use good-quality liquid peppermint soap. Peppermint soap is stimulating and naturally antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral. If it is too drying, use pure glycerin soap.
• Wash your brush in warm water every month and let it dry before using it again.

Dry skin brushing helps your lymphatic system clear out toxins that accumulate in the lymphatic fluid. This simple technique improves circulation in the skin and keeps the pores open, encouraging the discharge of metabolic and chemical wastes, and thus improving your body’s ability to combat infection and inflammation. It also helps your skin look and feel resilient effecting an unmistakable look of glowing health.

Rae Hatherton is the author of Alive! An Energy Plan for Life, and The Alive Recipe Collection: Sculpting Your Body With Food  (www.alivethebook.com). A naturopath, certified massage therapist, teacher and body/mind energy coach, Rae works with food combining, circadian rhythms, breath, meditation, acupressure, teas, movement and coaching to help her clients transform their health, their hormones, their energy and their lives. She lives and works in Toronto and has an office in Louisville Kentucky. To learn more about Rae’s work, visit www.tibetanenergymedicine.com