The skin eliminates two pounds of toxic waste each day. When you think about what the body is actually eliminating on a daily basis, it makes perfect sense that the elements such as uric acid crystals, catarrh, and other acids can be more easily shed if the top layer of your dead skin is removed. In a way, the skin is similar in function to the kidneys, because it helps us get rid of unwanted and unnecessary uric acids.
     Think of your skin like a thin layer of dough that surrounds your body. Even though it weighs twice as much as the liver or the brain, it receives only a third of the blood that circulates throughout your body. Clothes prevent the skin from being able to breathe, as it should. In fact, we don’t even sweat like we were meant to.     Wearing synthetic fibers, like polyester and nylon, prevents proper perspiration. Natural fabrics like cotton help absorb toxins and waste material being eliminated from the skin. All of this stagnant behavior to our skin increases the need and importance of body brushing.
     The skin becomes inactive and can not properly be used as a source of elimination as it should. Skin brushing also helps your body along in the middle of a healing crisis. There isn’t a soap available to cleanse your skin as well as skin brushing can. We make new skin every twenty-four hours, so removing the top layer of dead tissue and cells to expose the healthy lively layer of skin beneath that is the best body cleansing available.
 
How to skin brush
      Start your day every morning by using a natural bristle brush that looks like a shoe shining brush. Make sure you use only a natural bristle, because synthetic fibers such as nylon will irritate your skin. You want to brush your dry skin in an elongated upward motion toward the heart for two to three minutes every morning. Brushing wet skin can pull or sag your skin and defeat the purpose of removing that dead, dry outer layer.
     Start with your feet and ankles, and work your way up the body to your calves and thighs. Really concentrate on brushing the lymphatic areas of your body (the backs of your knees, your inner thighs, and under your arms) to stimulate those glands and get them started on flushing out those toxins. Brush each arm and hand. Gently brush up your stomach and tush, shoulders and back. Finish this regimen by making sure you cover the entire surface of your body, excluding your breasts and face. The brushing should not irritate you. It may take a couple of days to get used to it. You will feel the difference in your skin in less than a week.
     Skin brushing also helps reduce cellulite, aids in the digestive process, tightens the skin, and stimulates the lymph glands to help the body perform at its peak level. Brush before working out so that you sweat evenly all over. Too many people sweat only under their arms and from their faces during a workout. Skin brushing really opens your pores and allows your body to sweat evenly all over, which releases all those toxins from every area of your body. On mornings brush before you take a shower so that you can rinse the excess residue off you body.
     You should use a special soft brush designed for your face if you are going to brush it. These brushes can be easily found in most health food stores. A loofah face sponge works in a similar way, and you can easily get a loofah at most cosmetic or drug stores.
     The best way to understand the benefits of skin brushing is to experience it firsthand. Most people find that it feels great, helps keep their skin younger-looking and more vibrant, and actually improves the overall beauty and health of the body. Dry skin brushing is one of the most powerful gifts you can give yourself, your skin, and your lymphatic system on a daily basis. Go ahead and give yourself the big brush-off.