Brush Your Way to Summer Beauty.
Last week’s blog was so popular, it inspired me to discuss another—more advanced lymph flow technique—that is perfect for summer beauty!
The dry skin brush massage is a wellness technique highlighted in my books, The Fat Flush Fitness Plan and Fat Flush for Life.
One of the most effective detox techniques, dry brush massage can help you achieve your weight loss goal by stimulating lymph flow, increasing circulation, and activating your skin’s oil-producing glands.
Skin brushing can dramatically help in reducing the appearance of cellulite, rebuilding strong connective tissue, and promoting toned skin, especially important as you continue to lose weight.
Dry brushing is best done early in the day. Plan enough time to take a shower or a relaxing bath after dry brushing because you will want to wash off the dead skin. Do not brush the sensitive skin on your face, and of course avoid any areas that are bruised or irritated.
Dry brushing will leave your skin glowing and your body feeling invigorated!
Dry Brush Massage
Follow these simple steps and remember to always brush toward the heart.
1. Use a medium-firm vegetable brush with natural bristles (can be purchased in health food stores) that is as large as your hand and has a long enough handle to reach your back.
2. Start by opening the primary lymph ducts (just below your collarbone and on the right and left groin areas) with a gentle finger massage. Next, begin to brush the soles of your feet vigorously in a circular motion. The amount of pressure depends on the condition of your skin. Using short upward strokes (toward your heart), slowly move up over your feet and legs. Continue up over your abdomen and over your buttocks to your waist.
3. Move to the palms of your hands using circular motions, then use short strokes up your hands and arms. Continue brushing down your neck—out to your shoulders and then down your chest and your back.
4. This can be followed with a sesame oil massage then a shower.
Note: It is important to keep your brush clean. Wash it often with warm soapy water, then allow it to air dry. Once per week treat your brush to a 30-minutes soak in a solution of one quart of water and a few drops of Clorox bleach.
