dry skin brushing

Photo by Mark Neal on Pexels.com

Photo by Castorly Stock on Pexels.com

Hey eKa CIRCLE

It’s been a few days of couch sitting for me as I have been trying to rest a small virus. I’m watching my hubby work so hard on new landscaping outside, shovelling and leveling the new soil. We have a new creation in progress, yet he is covered in that “good earth.”

I got to thinking of sharing about skin brushing and its hidden benefits. I have been practising this for a while now. I also made husband a turmeric sugar scrub to help remove the sweat and grime. I will share the recipe below.

So what is dry skin brushing? Its practised in scandinavian countries and has the incredible benefits of lymphatic drainage, exfoliation, opens the pores and helps prevent breakouts, removes toxins, reduces cellulite and gives a natural energy boost by increasing circulation. Other cultures have variants of this technique using all manner of natural exfoliants mud, sand, salt, spices.

Skin brushing is easy really. Use a firm natural bristle brush, a long handle helps to reach your back. Start at the feet and move upwards in long smooth strokes, you don’t need to brush too  firmly. As a rule of thumb you should brush inwards toward the heart chakra -the centre of the body for optimum lymphatic drainage. On the stomach and armpits use a circular clockwise motion. A smaller softer brush may be necessary for your face. After you have finished the dry skin brushing rinse the skin with a warm shower and finish with a cold shower to increase your white blood-cell count.

Exfoliation is one of the most overlooked remedies for good health and wellbeing. Yet the skin is the bodies largest organ. Try to cut out using any products containing petro- chemicals and other man made substances. It is becoming very clear that these are not only affecting our health negatively but the waterways and natural environment are suffering as well. As a rule of thumb if it requires glossy advertising to sell it I would avoid it.

You can use all sorts of mediums to help exfoliate. Sand is a great one. Rub the skin all over next time you are at the beach. Pumice stones, smooth river stones are great for the feet. Loofahs made from dry cucumbers and natural bristle brushes. Or you can try a natural body scrub with an exfoliant like clay, mud, salt or sugar. Here is a quick recipe for a turmeric body scrub you can make in a few minutes.

light & love

M + E

Turmeric Sugar Scrub

1/2 cup sugar

1 tbs aluminium free bicarb soda

1 tbs Himalayan salt

1 tbs dry turmeric

Mix to combine. Store in a dry jar- we choose to recycle at eKa CIRCLE.

Sugar is an easy vehicle that won’t clog your drain at home. Better sweet on the outside than on the inside. The perfect way to use it up if you are reducing sugar in your diet. Bicarb is alkaline and makes the skin feel soft. The salt helps to activate the vibratory quality of the cells and also acts as a mild abrasive. Turmeric is antibacterial and anti inflammatory it also helps to brighten the skin and cleanse the pores.