Did you know that your largest organ of elimination is the skin? Every day over a half a kilogram of waste product is released through the skin and it is estimated that around one third of all body impurities are excreted through the skin. In each square centimetre of skin there are up to 100 sweat glands (as well as sebaceous glands, sensory cells, pain and pressure detectors, cold and heat sensors).
Dry brushing the skin is a great way of stimulating the skin’s cells and sensors to improve efficiency.
The sweat glands act not only as body temperature regulators but also as tiny kidneys, detoxifying organs and ‘cleansing’ the blood. The chemical analysis of sweat indicates that the components are similar to urine.
If the skin becomes inactive or its pore clogged then the elimination of the bodies impurities through the skin will be reduce and the other organs of elimination (eg kidneys or liver) may have an increased load.
In addition to acting as an organ of excretion, skin has many other vital roles. The body actually breathes thro
ugh the skin, absorbing oxygen and eliminating carbon dioxide and some nutrients can be absorbed through the skin.
Some studies have shown that skin is capable of assimilating some vitamins or minerals that are applied directly on
to the skin. The production and absorption of vitamin D is influenced by sunlight reacting with oils produced by the skin’s gland. However in our 21st century world of chemicals, pollutions, artificial fibres in clothing, air conditioners, etc skin is rarely exposed to fresh-air or stimulating temperature changes. To perform it’s many functions your skin may need a helping hand and daily brushing will provide your skin with stimulation and cleansing.
Skin brushing is a simple self-help health care technique. Skin brushing can be performed while the skin is wet (when you’re in the shower) although some people claim that dry skin brushing is preferable. Stimulation of the skin activates natural healing pathways by removing toxins and unwanted material from pores and other external surface areas.
In order to give your skin a daily tonic then you need to buy a natural bristle brush around the size of your h
and (with a handle makes brushing your back easier). Spend a few minutes brushing, working on each limb, the front of the trunk and the back. Vary the brushing pressure to cater for varying sensitivity of the different parts of your body (eg the face, abdomen, breasts, etc are more sensitive). Also skin brushing is a great way to warm your body. However, as a word of caution, never brush damaged, infected or irritated skin.
