(NaturalNews) The skin is the largest organ in the body, and the most powerful route for eliminating toxins. That is why it is essential that people with Chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and other diseases associated with toxic overload regularly skin brush. More than 2lbs of waste are eliminated each day. Sunshine and air are also taken in through the skin. In fact, it can be said that our skin actually breathes. Skin Brushing has been shown to help the skin detoxify and renew itself.
Unfortunately, the skin of most people is unable to efficiently detoxify because it is clogged with dead skin cells and waste excreted through sweating that has not been removed. Dry skin brushing is a simple, inexpensive way of removing the waste from the skin and breaking down old toxic deposits. Skin brushing eliminates dead skin cells so that the new layer, which is regenerated daily, can come to the surface, making the skin soft and smooth. Skin brushing also gets the lymphatic system flowing so that it can perform its tasks effectively.
The lymph is the fluid that brings nutrients to our cells while removing waste. In fact, it is the primary vehicle for elimination. Unlike the blood, which has the heart to pump it, the lymphatic system is dependent upon outside forces such as exercise and massage for its circulation around the body. Most people are not able to get a massage every day, and far too few people in modern society get regular exercise. Dry skin brushing prompts the body to release its toxic deposits into the lymph, whilst simultaneously cleansing the lymph itself.
Because of its powerful ability to release the skin's detoxification potential and to cleanse mucoid deposits from the cells directly into the colon, dry skin brushing is considered to be an essential part of any intestinal cleansing program.
The best time to skin brush is before a bath or shower. For optimal results, skin brush every day. Your skin may feel tender at first, but if you continue to brush your skin on a regular basis, you will soon feel the benefits, and your skin will come to crave the daily brush!
The entire surface of the skin should be brushed, with the exception of any broken or cracked skin and the face, which is generally too sensitive to be brushed. It is imperative that the brushing be carried out when your body is dry. The brush should also be kept dry so that the bristles don't become soft and lose their effect.
In order to maximize the lymphatic benefits of dry skin brushing, the skin should be brushed according to the locations of the two lymph plexuses. The majority of the lymph in the body drains into the thoracic duct, located near the heart. However the lymph from the upper-right quadrant of the body (the right side of the face, neck and chest, including the right arm, and following the line of the ribs down) drains into the right lymphatic ducts, located above the liver, under the right breast.
The skin should therefore be brushed in long, firm strokes up the legs and in towards the heart, except for the upper-right quadrant, which should be brushed downwards towards the liver (under the right ribcage) and the right breast.
Alex Howard is author of "WHY ME? My Journey from M.E. to Health and Happiness" and founder of The Optimum Health Clinic, an award winning clinic specialising in M.E./C.F.S./Fibromyalgia based in Harley Street Clinic, London, UK. The clinic has treated over 5,000 patients with M.E./Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Fibromyalgia in over twenty-five countries around the world, and is currently running a two year clinical trial in conjunction with two top universities. A free information pack, including a 75 documentary about the clinic and its work, can be ordered from www.FreedomFromME.co.uk