Its been a long time since I had a Self Care Sunday, so I’m making the most of this one! I’m putting myself through my own 14 Day Detox, so my self-care practices today are designed to naturally support detoxification.
Dry Skin Brushing is one of the easiest and most accessible rituals you can complete on a daily basis and supports detoxification in 2 ways:
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It exfoliates the top level of the epidermis, removing old skin cells which then enables them to release toxins (the skin and the liver are our two biggest organs of detoxification). This also gives you the bonus of fresh, glowing skin.
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It stimulates the lymphatic system, which is one of the main systems responsible for eliminating waste products from our food, the external environment and those built up through our daily metabolic processes. The lymphatic system does not have a pump (in the way the circulatory system does) so it is essential to help it move through the body (exercise is another great way to do this).
How to Brush
Turn your shower on before you start – the heat will open the pores whilst you are brushing.
Take your brush and use long sweeping strokes up towards the heart. Smaller circular motions can be used around the butt and thighs, and use larger clockwise circles around the stomach which will aid digestion and gut health.
Be sure to brush your armpits as there are a collection of lymph glands here.
Be very gentle on the delicate skin on the chest.
After brushing, jump into a hot shower, then switch between hot and cold for a few minutes, which will again stimulate circulation and the lymphatic system, energize you, and give you an amazing glow.
Post-shower, dry off gently, apply a topical magnesium to the back of your knees and inner elbows, then massage in a toxin-free body lotion or body oil to the rest of your body.