by Elizabeth Claire

Created on: February 08, 2009

A simple, fifteen-minute daily routine of dry body brushing has the ability to remove dead skin layers, tighten the skin, improve muscle tone, stimulate all the nerve endings in the body, improve digestion, lessen the appearance of cellulite, stimulate circulation, increase cell renewal, strengthen the immune system, stimulate all the glands, and keep all the important systems of the human body functioning at peak efficiency.

Used for centuries in Russia, Turkey, and Scandinavia, and still popular in spas around the world today, dry brushing the body provides benefits far beyond simple exfoliation to prevent dry skin. The process is also an easy way to stimulate the body's natural detoxification because it provides a gentle internal massage of all the main organs. By dry brushing the skin, you are also assisting your body's lymphatic system to release the toxins which, through the detoxification processes of the other organs, collect in the lymph glands throughout the body.

The skin, which is in fact the largest organ of the human body and the first to show signs of nutritional imbalance or deficiency, is responsible for about one-quarter of the body's detoxification processes. Working in conjunction with the lungs, liver, and kidneys, the skin works to rid the body of not only ingested toxins from the foods we eat, but also chemical toxins from lotions, skin creams, antiperspirants, and the synthetic fibers from our clothing, and environmental toxins from such things as smoking and general air pollution.

The simple technique, described below, stimulates the surface circulation of the skin, and works to keep the pores open and encourages the body's overall functioning and discharge of metabolic wastes.

Dry Body Brushing in Brief

Buy and use only a natural bristle brush. The idea of dry body brushing is not to scratch the surface of the skin. The process should not hurt, but rather be invigorating. There are boar's hair bristle brushes from $5 and up, with long, removable handles so you are able to reach all the areas of the body, including your back. Clean your brush using soap and water once a week and rinse it well. To prevent mildew, dry your brush completely in an airy, sunny spot.

Always remember to stroke towards the heart. Moving blood and lymph back towards the heart releases any extra pressure on the valves within the veins and lymph vessels, which can cause ruptured vessels and varicose veins. Using a lighter downstroke and harder upstroke works effectively

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