The Lymphatic System is a part of our immune system and is made of white blood cells called lymphocytes and the interstitial fluid that bathe our cells to bring them nutrients and remove waste. Dry brushing is a way to stimulate all the above organs of detoxification because it provides a gentle internal massage.

The skin is the largest detoxifying organ and is sometimes called the “Third Kidney” and is responsible for 1/4 of the body’s daily detox. It receives 1/3 of all the blood circulated in the body. The skin is the last to receive nutrients and the FIRST place we see imbalance or deficiency. The skin also eliminates over one pound of waste acids per day through the sweat glands in the average adult.

What are the results I should expect?

Dry brushing cleans the lymphatic system and improves the over-all health and condition of your skin by:

• Removing dead skin layers – which makes your skin soother and softer-not to mention healthier!  Dry skin is a sign of detoxification. Dry brushing helps shed skin cells which can help improve skin texture and cell renewal.
• Strengthen the Immune System by stimulating the lymphatic system to move the toxins and increase lymph flow to move the Macrophage (White Blood Cells) thoroughly through your body.
• May reduce the duration of infection and accelerate the clearing of toxins
• Stimulates the Hormone and Oil Glands, which helps to eliminate dry skin
• Tightens the skin by increasing the flow of blood which in turn moves toxins and lessens the appearance of cellulite (our bodies produce a new layer of skin every 24 hours) so skin brushing helps to remove the top layer allowing the new layer to come to the surface resulting in softer skin
• Tones muscles- helps to rid the muscles of lactic acid that can cause muscle soreness after a workout, yard work, etc. 
• Helps with muscle tone by stimulating the nerve endings, which causes the individual muscle fibers to activate and move.
• Stimulates Circulation
• Helps with digestion

How often should I do it?

Brush once daily for an approximate 2-week period.  Then 3-4 times a week will help maintain, brush twice if you are ill or engaged in a detox program.  The best time to brush is first thing in the morning or in the evening before bed. Always follow brushing with a shower to remove toxins and dead skin. If you feel the need to do it daily, it will only be more helpful to you. All of this allows you to become healthier and more vital just by simply taking time to brush.

Dry Brushing Instructions

Get Naked – Always dry brush your dry body before you shower or bathe because you will want to wash off impurities from the skin as a result from the brushing action.

• Starting at your feet or hands, ALWAYS brush towards the heart.  Brush the front then the back of your body.  Sweep from your feet to the groin area, from the back of your legs across your glutes (buttocks) to the groin area again.  Go around your stomach in a clock-wise sweep beginning on your right side at the groin area, up your ascending large intestine, across from your liver area to your spleen/pancreas and down the left side of your large intestine to your left groin area. Then from the tips of your fingers sweep both the front and back parts of your hands & arms to the armpit area. Go from your head, gently sliding down neck on all sides sweeping onto you clavicle (collarbone) and armpit area.  Brush you back pulling toward the groin and/or armpit area to complete the dry brushing.  

• Use light pressure in areas where the skin is thin and harder pressure on places like the souls of your feet.  Always stroke TOWARDS your HEART!  This is the direction that the lymphatic system flows.  Stroking away from your heart puts extra pressure on the valves within the veins and lymph vessels and can cause ruptured vessels and varicose veins.

• Avoid brushing over any areas where the skin may be broken such as areas of rash, wounds, cuts and infections (ie: poison oak or poison ivy)

• Dry off vigorously and massage your skin with pure plant oils such as olive, avocado, apricot, almond, sesame, coconut or coconut butter.  Feel how soft you skin is, and how relaxed it makes you 

• ExtraExtra: Want to feel really good?

End your regular shower with extremely hot shower then turn the hot OFF and turn on the COLD or COOL (if it is more comfortable for you).  Douse your entire body from the top of your head down to your toes ~ FRONT and BACK!  This seals the Chi or Life Force in you and gives you energy for the day! It also invigorates the skin and stimulates circulation. (Note – before you use hot water, make sure you have a water filter to remove any toxins from the water. If you do not have a showerhead water filter, visit http://www.ancient5.com/product-p/drybr.htm to order one today.)

How do I care for my Dry Brush?

Clean your Dry Skin Brush using soap and water once a week. After rinsing, dry your skin brush in an open sunny spot to prevent mildew.

Questions?

If you have questions regarding Dry Brushing techniques or need more information, call Ancient Elements at (855) 877-8220 or (678) 653-8532