Yogi Tip #6, Speed Up Skin Cell Regeneration With Dry Skin Brushing
Why skin brushing?
As the largest organ, the skin often mirrors our general well-being. Our pores can easily get clogged up with dead skin cells, excreted wastes and external pollution (including dirt and skin care products) which prevent the skin from effectively releasing toxins. With toxins unable to release through our skin they build as cellulite or re-circulate into the blood stream stressing the kidneys, liver and other eliminating organs. Eeeek! So it’s oober important to assist the skin’s heavy workload this winter by treating ourselves to the body rejuvenation treatment of dry skin brushing to remove the top layer of dead skin. Last winter I noticed my skin was really dry and itchy. I started getting tiny bumps on my back and shoulders, yet my diet and sadhana practice was the same as before. I tried moisturising more but this worsened the tiny pimply things on my skin. I remembered how good my skin felt when I skin brushed, so I began a diligent routine of skin brushing daily. I’d skin brush, shower and then moisturise. A difference was noticeable within days. So I guess my poor skin had gotten pretty dry and became clogged cos it was unable to breathe! By brushing and removing the dead skin layer, my skin was able to breathe again, ahhhh! I love this daily ritual of pampering; it feels sooo good, yet it only takes me a few minutes. So here’s how to try it for yourself: Get yourself a dry skin brush! There are many different ones available; big or small, ones with firm or soft bristles etc. Just whatever you do – ensure you get one with natural bristles not synthetic ones!
How to use your dry skin brush
Brush your dry body, ideally in the morning, before your shower or bath. Start at your feet in a circular motion and continue up your legs, towards your heart. Always use brisk circular motions or long, even strokes. When you reach your arms, begin at your fingers; brushing up your arms, toward your heart. Brush your shoulders and chest down, always toward your heart. A long handled brush helps when doing your back, move from bottom to top. Brush firmly on sturdy areas where you can (eg. soles of the feet) but lightly on sensitive areas like your breasts/chest etc. Avoid brushing broken skin or any rash, infection or wound. Finish by a shower using the combination of ishnaan (cold) &hot therapy to enhance the stimulation of your lymphatic system and further boost circulation.
Other benefits of skin brushing
- Increases cell renewal
- Stimulates blood circulation and lymph flow to clean your lymphatic system
- Stimulates the hormone and oil glands
- Reduces cellulite
- Strengthens the immune system
- Stimulates the nervous system, tones the muscles, tightens the skin
- Nurtures your body with love and attention
We suggest dry skin bushing daily for good habit, but especially if you do any kind of fast or cleanse, because then it’s super important to assist your body to eliminate those toxins. So honour the temple that is your body with good skin health that brings a radiant glow!
Tell us what you like most about skin brushing…
