by Reneé Rainbow, LMT
This simple, easy to learn, self-care practice helps eliminate toxins and reduce cellulite by stimulating the lymphatic system.
Your skin is the primary sign of an internally toxic body. As soon as your internal body becomes toxic, it will spread out into your skin causing it to become dry, irritated, and itchy.
Dry skin brushing is a self-care technique that is not only a great way to maintain healthy skin, but it is also a great way to maintain a healthy body. It helps remove the buildup of dead skin cells and stimulates the lymphatic system to eliminate toxins. (Daily dry brushing has also been shown to help reduce the appearance of cellulite.)
The lymphatic system works alongside the circulatory system, but does not have its own pump, so it relies on the movement we create in our bodies to stimulate the lymph fluid that removes debris and metabolic waste from our bodies. Three main ways to bring movement to the lymphatic system are exercise, massage, and dry skin brushing.
Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing
- Helps shed dead skin cells, which improves skin texture and cell renewal.
- Increases circulation to skin, encouraging your body’s discharge of metabolic wastes, which greatly aids the lymphatic drainage of the entire body.
- Tightens the skin because it increases the flow of blood, increasing circulation to the skin which can lessen the appearance of cellulite.
- Stimulates lymph channels to drain toxic matter into the colon, thereby purifying the entire system.
- Helps with muscle tone and more even distribution of fat deposits.
- Rejuvenates the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings in the skin.
- Helps your skin absorb nutrients by eliminating clogged pores. (Healthy, breathing skin contributes to overall body health. )
- Increased blood flow results in you feeling more invigorated and energized.
Getting Started with a daily routine of Dry Skin Brushing, Essential Oils & Massage
Purchase a natural bristle brush with a long handle so that you are able to reach all areas of your body. Avoid synthetic brushes as they can create micro tears in the skin.
Skin brushing should be performed first thing in the morning prior to your bath or shower and your body should be dry and naked. It should only take a few minutes.
Begin brushing your skin in short, brisk strokes always brushing towards the heart. Start on the bottom of your feet and move upwards: from the hands towards the shoulders, and on the torso in an upward direction. Brush each area 2-3 times, overlapping to ensure thorough coverage. (Avoid sensitive areas and anywhere the skin is broken. You do not need to scrub the skin very hard, just a light brushing motion in one direction is all you need.)
After brushing your skin, take your normal shower or bath. You may even want to try alternating temperatures in the shower from hot to cold. This will further invigorate the skin and stimulate blood circulation.
After getting out of the shower, dry off and apply one or more of the following essential oils known to stimulate the lymphatic system:
- Cypress*
- Lavender*
- Lemongrass*
The best areas to apply are the neck, abdomen, armpits and behind the knees where the lymph nodes are located. Always use therapeutic grade essential oils so you don’t add more toxicity.
After applying the essential oils, I recommend using Cel-Lite Magic* massage oil to massage the entire body.
Additional ways to stimulate lymph flow include exercise (especially rebounding), massage or raindrop therapy, deep breathing, and drinking lots and lots of good clean water.
Using these practices on a daily basis not only helps eliminate toxins and cellulite, it also has long-term effects such as weight loss, increased energy, and healthier, more radiant skin. We all know that if you feel good, you look good!
Please join me in the next Essential Oils for Health and Wellness class on Monday, August 29th (6:30 pm to 8:00 pm) where I’ll demonstrate Dry Skin Brushing and go over simple self-care solutions that integrate essential oils.
For more information please call 410-296-4028.
Renee Rainbow, LMT
Massage Therapist and Essential Oils Educator
*These therapeutic grade essential oils and products are available through Young Living Essential Oils. Please use #759342 when ordering.
