The Dry Brushing Technique

[Guest guest]

The Dry Brushing Technique

Did You Know?

The skin is

the largest most important eliminative organ in the body and is

responsible for one quarter of the body�s detoxification each day?

The skin eliminates over one pound of waste acids each day in the average adult, most of it through the sweat glands?

That the skin is known also as our third kidney?

That the skin receives one third of all the blood circulated in the body?

That the skin is the last to receive nutrients in the body, yet the first to show signs of imbalance or deficiency?

Detoxification

is performed by a number of organs, glands, and transportation systems,

including the skin, gut, kidneys, liver, lungs, lymphatic system, and

mucous membranes. The

dry brushing technique deals with detoxification of the skin.

Dry brushing is a way to stimulate all the above organs of detoxification because it provides a gentle internal massage.

Dry Brushing

was recommended by the Finnish Dr., Paavo Airola for his patients 30

years ago and is still popular in European spas and many cancer

treatment centers today. The Russians, Turks and Scandinavians have

used this treatment for centuries. Dry brushing is promoted as a

preventative for dry skin and a way to exfoliate the skin, thus

stimulating skin renewal that is super soft to the touch, but there are

many other benefits as well:

Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing Explained:

1.

Removes cellulite

2.

Cleanses the lymphatic system

3.

Removes dead skin layers

4.

Strengthens the immune system

5.

Stimulates the hormone and oil-producing glands

6.

Tightens the skin preventing premature aging

7.

Tones the muscles

8.

Stimulates circulation

9.

Improves the function of the nervous system

10. Helps digestion

11. AND it�s easy, inexpensive and invigorating!

1. Dry brushing removes cellulite--

Cellulite is a non-scientific term defined as toxic deposits of

subcutaneous fat material and fibrous tissue that are not able to be

eliminated and which cause a dimpling effect on the overlying skin.

These deposits most commonly occur on the thighs and hips of women.

Cellulite can affect men and women of any body weight or size. What

causes the toxins? Well, some think that we store the breakdown product

of cells as toxins in this subcutaneous tissue. Others think that toxic

emotions can be stored in the subcutaneous tissue which then builds up

as cellulite.

Your best bets for getting rid of cellulite are dry brushing,

connective tissue massage, working though the emotional issues that are

causing the toxins to stagnate, eating foods that feed the skin, an

alkaline diet program and a consistent/persistent exercise routine.

These techniques will break down the unwelcome toxic body deposits and

send them scurrying out your body through the elimination channels we

discussed above. And your health will be SO much better for it!

Foods that feed the skin include

foods

that are rich in lecithin, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants such

as eggs, organ meats, a balance of Omega-3-6-9 oils like Udo�s Choice,

fresh dark green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, berries of all kinds, and

dark chocolate (in condiment amounts�like an ounce a day!)

2. Dry brushing cleans the lymphatic system. Lymph

is considered part of our immune system and is made of white blood

cells called lymphocytes and the interstitial fluid that bathe our

cells, bringing our cells nutrients and removing their waste. All

detoxification occurs first and foremost through the lymph. Our bodies

contain far more lymph than blood, so you can see how important this

might be. Paavo Airola maintains that dry brushing is an essential part

of any intestinal cleansing and healing program.

Dry brushing

literally moves the lymph containing large proteins and

particulate matter that cannot be transported in any other way back

into circulatory system. If these proteins stayed in our systems

outside the blood vessels, it would attract other fluid. Pretty soon

we�d get swollen ankles, limbs and eventually we�d be leaking fluid out

our skin (not a pretty sight.) This is called

lymphedema and is why most health programs include some type of exercise and body work.

So, why don�t we die if we don�t do this dry brushing thing?

Well, lymph vessels themselves have their own pumping mechanism sensing

when the vessels have more fluid in them or in the interstitial fluids.

Lymph only goes one way because of the many one-way valves on the

insides of each lymph vessel. The body is a fascinating thing. It

literally pumps the lymph along its path back to the heart. Removal of

proteins from the interstitial spaces is an essential function. Without

this happening, we would die within 24 hours. We can help speed this

process up when we dry brush or massage toward the heart, contract our

muscles and move our bodies (like when we walk or exercise.)

Increased lymph flow can also be caused by high blood pressure.

This is why it is so important to attend to this malady and why the

doctors get into a frenzy of prescribing so many different medications

for it. (Currently there are over 140 medications for high blood

pressure!)

3. Dry brushing removes dead skin layers.

Dry skin

brushing helps shed dead skin cells, which can help improve skin

texture and cell renewal. Dry skin is a sign of detoxification.

Therefore it�s good to keep the process going by removing the dead skin

daily. If this does not occur, a �log jam� can happen where the person

ends up with eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff.

4. Dry brushing strengthens the immune system. Dry

skin brushing may reduce duration of infection and accelerate the

clearing of toxins. It helps support the immune system during cancer

and other chronic illness treatment. By

stimulating

the lymph vessels to drain toxic mucoid matter into organs of

detoxification we can purify the entire system. After several days of

dry brushing, sometimes you may notice a gelatinous mucoid material in

your stools. This is a normal sign that the intestinal tract is

renewing itself.

Best of all, it feels invigorating!

5. Dry brushing stimulates the hormone and oil glands, thus helping all of the body systems perform at peak efficiency.

The skin is your body's largest organ. When improperly

maintained, the elimination duties of the skin are forced upon the

kidneys. Chemical analysis of sweat shows that it has almost the same

constituents as urine. If the skin becomes inactive, its pores choke

with millions of dead cells, uric acid and other impurities which will

remain in the body putting extra stress on the liver and kidneys.

People with big hips and thighs usually have low-grade bladder

infections. Another sign of this is that the body gives off a distinct

sickening odor. When the bladder and kidney are really sick, the calves

are often swollen as well and the feet stink. So, give your kidneys a

break�keep your skin clean and rejuvenated. Bathe daily and do a dry

brushing before the bath to help stimulate blood flow to the surface so

that toxins can more easily escape.

6. Dry Brushing tightens the skin

by increasing the flow of blood which, in turn moves toxins and lessens the appearance of cellulite.

Our bodies make a new top layer of skin every 24 hours - skin brushing

removes the old top layer, allowing the clean new layer to come to the

surface, resulting in softer, smoother skin.

7. Dry Brushing tones the muscles.

Dry skin brushing helps muscle tone by stimulating the nerve endings

which causes the individual muscle fibers to activate and move. It also

helps mobilize fat and helps to even distribution of fat deposits. This

is a great technique for invalids who can�t exercise.

8. Dry brushing stimulates circulation.

Our skin breathes! And yet,

in most people, this vital route of detoxification is operating far

below its capacity, because it is clogged with dead skin cells and the

un-removed waste excreted through perspiration. Dry skin

brushing increases circulation to skin, encouraging your body�s

discharge of metabolic wastes. Increased blood flow begins entering the

areas brushed and you will experience an increase in electromagnetic

energy that permits you to feel energized and invigorated. By activating the circulation you can also prevent varicose veins.

9. Dry brushing improves the function of the nervous system--Dry skin brushing rejuvenates the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings in the skin.

10. Helps digestion --

Dry skin brushing helps your skin to absorb nutrients by eliminating

clogged pores. Healthy, breathing skin contributes to overall body

health. When you

brush, the pores of your skin open allowing your skin to absorb

nutrients and eliminate toxins. Clogged pores are not just a cosmetic

concern. Healthy, breathing skin contributes to overall body health.

What You Need To Do Dry Brushing:

To dry brush, use a soft natural fiber brush

with a long handle, so that you are able to reach all areas of your

body. One with a removable head with a strap for your hand is a good

choice. Here�s a picture of

what you are looking for:

(Available from health food stores or your local Co-op.)

A

loofah sponge or a rough towel can also be used. Most nylon and

synthetic fiber brushes are too sharp and may damage skin although I

found a softer bath brush with nylon bristles that seems to do the

trick. The important thing is to find something that is just right for

your skin. Once your skin becomes �seasoned,� you can switch to a

coarser brush.

Tips and Tricks for Dry Brushing:

Always dry brush your dry and naked body before you shower or bathe because you will want to wash off the impurities from the skin as a result from the brushing action.

You can do the brushing head-to-toe or toe-to-head.

It really doesn�t matter as long as the entire body is brushed. Long

sweeping strokes starting from the bottom of your feet upwards, and

from the hands towards the shoulders, and on the torso in an upward

direction help drain the lymph back to your heart.

Note:

Stroking away from your heart puts extra pressure on the valves within

the veins and lymph vessels and can cause ruptured vessels and varicose

veins.

Use light pressure in areas where the skin is thin and harder pressure on places like the soles of the feet.

Skin brushing should be performed once a day, preferably first thing in the morning.

A thorough skin brushing takes about 15 minutes, but any time spent brushing prior to bathing will benefit the body.

If you are feeling ill, increasing the treatments to twice a day is good.

You can also dry brush areas of cellulite

five to 10 minutes twice a day to achieve cellulite dissolving but the

technique needs to be done consistently for a minimum of five months.

�

Avoid sensitive areas and anywhere the skin is broken such as areas of skin rash, wounds, cuts, and infections. Also, never brush an area affected by poison oak or poison ivy.

�

Finish up with your regular shower and ending with three hot and cold cycles.

That means turning on the water as hot as you can take it for several

seconds, then as cold as you can handle it, then hot, then cold for

three cycles. End with either hot or cold. This will further invigorate

the skin and stimulate blood circulation, bringing more blood to the

outer layers of the skin.

�

After getting out of the shower,

dry off vigorously and massage your skin with pure plant oils such as

olive, avocado, apricot, almond, sesame, coconut or cocoa butter. Add a

little peanut and Castor oil to the mix if you have arthritis. Edgar

Cayce says this works to take out some of the pain, and we�ve found

that to be true over the years.

�

Clean your skin brush using soap and water once a week. After rinsing, dry your skin brush in an open, sunny spot to prevent mildew.

Any well designed program will take about 30 days to see and experience the changes. Please be patient and keep up the program!

For a thorough lymphatic cleansing, perform skin brushing daily for a minimum of three months.

How to Dry Brush (Easy, Fast Instructions):

Begin with your feet and brush vigorously in circular motions.

Continue brushing up your legs.

Proceed to your hands and arms.

Brush your entire back and abdomen area, shoulders and neck.

Use circular counter-clockwise strokes on the abdomen.

Lightly brush the breasts.

Brush upwards on the back and down from the neck. Better yet, have a friend, spouse or family member brush your back.

Need More Specific Instructions?

Skip this section

Here are the verbose directions.

(You

will do most steps 7-14 times. Hang in there�it�s not as complicated as

it sounds and doesn�t take as long as it seems once you get the flow of

it.)

Using your right hand, gently

slide the brush along your right jaw line starting from your earlobe to

the underside of your chin 7 times.

Place the brush at the hairline on your neck and gently pull around the right side of your neck to the Adam's apple 7 times.

Hold the brush with your

right hand at the bottom of your neck (where it joins the top of your

back) and bring it around your neck to the right and down along your

right collar bone and end up between your collar bones 7 times.

Stroke your breastbone in a circular fashion to stimulate the thymus gland 7 times.

Carefully brush the breast in a circular motion 7 times.

Repeat the above steps for your left side holding the brush with your left hand.

To stimulate the pituitary

gland, hold the brush on the back of your head near the base of your

neck and rock the brush up and down, then side to side, both sides 14

times.

Hold the brush in your left armpit with your right hand and rotate it counter clockwise 7 times, then clockwise 7 times.

Repeat on your right armpit with your left hand.

Brush upward 7 times from your upper right thigh to your right armpit.

Repeat process on your left side. Women may need to hold their breast out of the way with their free hand.

Brush back and forth over your belly button and around your waistline 14 times (like passing a basketball behind your back).

Brush in a circular motion over your belly-button, counter-clockwise 7 times then clockwise 7 times.

Finish brushing the front of

your body in any direction starting at the bottom and brushing all the

way up 14 times. Very little pressure needs to be applied to the

genitals and women's breasts because the skin is sensitive and will

redden if irritated.

Brush up and down your spine from the base of your neck and down as far as you can 14 times.

Finish your upper back by stroking it around toward your sides.

Brush your spine from

tailbone up as high as you can reach 14 times, holding the brush with

two hands or with the detachable wooden handle.

Finish your lower back by stroking it around toward your sides.

Brush up from right ankle to right knee and work all the way around your leg, brushing up towards your heart.

Hold the brush in the right groin with both hands and rotate it 7 times counter-clockwise, then 7 times clockwise.

Repeat with the left groin.

Brush from right knee to right hip 7 times.

Work all the way around your leg continuing to brush upwards (towards the heart).

Brush up from right ankle to right knee and work all the way around your leg, brushing up towards your heart.

Brush around your right ankle 7 times.

Brush back and forth over the top of your right foot from toes to ankle.

Brush across your right toes on top and underneath 7 times.

Brush the bottom of your right foot heel to toe 7 times.

Now do the same with for the left foot, leg and thigh.

Brush upward from right elbow to your armpit and shoulder 7 times.

Brush from your right wrist to the elbow in the same manner 7 times.

Repeat steps on your left arm.

Lightly brush the webbing (or

junction) between your left thumb and index or pointer finger on the

palm side 14 times, then on the non-palm side 14 times.

Brush your left palm from wrist to fingertips and back 7 times.

Brush the back of your left hand the same way 7 times.

Brush each left hand finger individually back and forth 7 times on the areas that have not been brushed yet.

Repeat the steps for your right hand.

After brushing, take a hot shower with soap

(about three minutes in duration), followed by a 10-20 second cold

rinse. Repeat this procedure three times. If the hot/cold showers are

too extreme, a warm shower can be used. Follow the shower with a

rubdown with either a sponge or towel to remove dead skin.

Problems with dry, flaky or thickened skin on your feet? One of my favorite products obtained from your local Rite Aid Store is called Pretty Feet & Hands

Rough Skin Remover. This stuff is awesome. Shake well before using.

Pour about a quarter-size puddle of fluid into the palm of one hand,

then rub the areas that have lots of dry skin on them. The dry skin

balls up in your hand. Rinse the areas and apply lotion. Note:

You can only do this process once a day. The product doesn�t work after

the area is wet or after a shower. It may take up to four days for

those tough areas like the feet to make the skin like new. The product

appears to be safe and does not cause allergic reactions. One 3-ounce

bottle usually runs around $10.

Resources:

How to Get Well by Dr. Paavo Airola