Friday, September 9, 2011

Detox 1-2-3's


The idea of detoxifying sounds good, given our toxin-filled environment and not to mention all that delightful wine and cheese consumed over the summer.
Great News: There’s an easy, safe, at-home way to clear toxins from the body—one that actually feels good and is inexpensive. It’s a technique known as 'dry brushing'. There are many ways to detoxify the body through different organs, but using a dry brush to detoxify via the skin. After all, it is our biggest organ, spanning over 5ft.sq when laid out.  Detoxing the skin has many benefits.












Know this: When you dry brush, you exfoliate dead cells and give the body a gentle massage. This improves circulation... gives you glowing skin... and energizes you. But the most therapeutic benefit involves activating the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. The light pressure of brushing encourages movement of lymph fluid under the skin. This fluid carries away impurities that then are eliminated by the body. The movement of the lymph fluid, which results in lymphatic drainage, is a major component of your detoxification system. Dry brushing is safe for everyone, including pregnant women. And it leaves you feeling invigorated!

Get it done: The best time to dry brush is before or during a shower. The water washes away dead cells exfoliated during the treatment. It’s important that you always brush toward your heart because this is the natural direction of your circulation and the natural flow of lymph fluid. I recommend that you brush your skin from your head to your heart on the upper body and from the hands and arms in toward your torso. Then brush from your feet up your legs toward your torso. Long sweeping strokes are best. Dry brushing should take about five to 10 minutes daily. 

Choosing your weapon: Look for a brush that has a long handle and relatively soft bristles. (The amount of pressure you apply is more important than the bristles’ softness.) Most wooden-handled brushes, available everywhere, cost about $6. You can also use a loofah, which is a coarse sponge, although you may find it too rough for your skin. You will also can get a detox effect if you move a loofah toward your heart in the shower.  Good health... great skin!


Melani Chong - ceo founder - soyaboutique.inc.