OIL PULLING.... HAVEN'T TRIED THIS ONE YET BUT.......



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Oil pulling.... I've heard and read so much about it but have yet to give it a try. Not sure why I'm dragging my feet on it. Maybe it's the vision (and fear) of having Castor oil in my mouth. I always go back to old cartoons and shows where a kid is forced to take it and after having it shoved into their mouth, they immediately run outside, lean over a fence (or similar) and chuck it back up.

Well, I'm trying to work past that vision. It's a very old Aryuvedic method of detox and healing that supposedly works on the root cause of whatever ailment, disease and such that you may be suffering from. According to my source, it is not an overnight treatment. It takes times to work its wonders.


THE METHOD

In the morning before breakfast on an empty stomach you take one tablespoon in the mouth but do not swallow it. Move Oil Slowly in the mouth as rinsing or swishing and Dr Karach puts it as ' sip, suck and pull through the teeth' for fifteen to twenty minutes. This process makes oil thoroughly mixed with saliva. Swishing activates the enzymes and the enzymes draw toxins out of the blood. The oil must not be swallowed, for it has become toxic. As the process continues, the oil gets thinner and white. If the oil is still yellow, it has not been pulled long enough. It is then spit from the mouth , the oral cavity must be thoroughly rinsed and mouth must be washed thoroughly. Just use normal tap water and good old fingers to clean.



Clean the sink properly, you can use some antibacterial soap to clean the sink. Because the spittle contains harmful bacteria and toxic bodily waste. If one were to see one drop of this liquid magnified 600 times under a microscope, one would see microbes in their first stage of development.


It is important to understand that during the oilpulling / oilswishing process one's metabolism is intensified. This leads to improved health. One of the most striking results of this process is the fastening of loose teeth, the elimination of bleeding gums and the visible whitening of the teeth.


The oil pulling /swishing is done best before breakfast. To accelerate the healing process, it can be repeated three times a day, but always before meals on an empty stomach.

NOTE: The recommended oils to use are cold-pressed Sunflower Oil, Sesame Oil.

 WHAT OIL PULLING DOES
 
The simplicity of this healing system in which Oil is swirled backwards and forwards in the mouth, is due to the stimulating effect which it has on the body's eliminatory system.



Through this method it is possible to heal individual cells, cell conglomerates such as lymph nodes and more complex tissues such as internal organs simultaneously. This occurs because the beneficial microflora throughout the body are provided with a healthy continuum. Without this natural bodily intrusive element evinced by the microflora the usual pattern of human health tends to lean towards illness rather than wellness.

You can read more and watch videos on oil pulling at OilPulling.com.
 
I do plan on giving this a try. I think I can deal with swishing Sunflower or Sesame oil in my mouth for 20 minutes.
 
What about you? Have any of you tried this or are currently using this method?...

Post Title → OIL PULLING.... HAVEN'T TRIED THIS ONE YET BUT.......

MY REVIEW OF CAROLYN AKENS BODY REJUVENATION DETOX PROGRAM

One of my green goodie juices.

Okay, lovely ones. Here’s my review of Carolyn’s Detox program


After getting over my immediate apprehensive once I committed to going thru this detox, I was excited. I was looking forward to doing something good (and long overdue) for my body. Then I received the detox program, I was bit put off. I honestly was expecting a 1, or at most, 2-pager document that would just give me step-by-step instructions on what to do everyday. Here's the thing: After sitting my impatient-want-what-I-want-now ass down and reading the materials, it dawned on me that I was in “microwave” mode. “Damn”. *hangs head*

Allow me to briefly explain: I was so used to getting things in a condensed format, super fast. And much like the microwave meals & fast food; I've found and observed that condensed and super fast can and do leave you without a bunch of essential things that you need. Aside from the fact that that wham-bam way of doing things can leave you feeling a bit empty once it’s all said and done. It negates the fact that everyone’s body is different. It skirts the issue of considering a person’s personality, emotional state and where they are in life. After reading all the materials, I realized that her detox program respects the individual, unique person. No, we are not assembly line machines so why should any program presented to us be a cookie-cutter, general quickie program. There is absolutely nothing general about you, me or anyone else.

Almost gone spinach, pear, apple & mint smoothie.

Having said that, I loved the fact that I could modify this detox to fit my needs and where I was mentally & emotionally. There’s nothing dogmatic about it. Love that. So much information was provided to ensure that I fully understood what a detox is, what it can do for my body, what to expect during a detox and how I can safely & effectively execute it. There were sample menus for different types of detoxes, listing of detox herbs and different detoxification methods explained in detail. This is not only a program but also an education. On top of which, Carolyn’s support is always there for you. You get weekly calls with her and daily emails. And as an added bonus, you get an awesome Q&A conference call with Karen Langston, internationally recognized nutritionist and recent heroine entrepreneur.

After my “Aha” moment of realization, I fell into the program with fervor. My first week went well, although I had bouts with nausea, headaches and not my usual amount of energy, which I didn’t realize until the following week when I felt soooo much better. This detox was actually a joyful & eye-opening experience for me. Maybe it was because it wasn’t a rigid “you-can-only-do-this-this-and-this-and-it-has-to-be-this-way” type of detox but more of an exploration of the delicious and healthy bounty that the earth provides us with. Okay, I admit it. That description might be a bit – deep. But I really had fun and enjoyed it. I enjoyed juicing collard greens, cabbage & garlic for the first time. I enjoyed trying the delicious quinoa. And I actually really enjoyed the taste of avocados. Haha! It was also fun coming up a light & clean, vegan dishes for dinner. Go figure. I felt as if I discovered a new world of flavors but more importantly, I discovered that I could actually do this. I could actually go more than a week without eating any type of animal products. Yay me!
 

Spiralized zucchini with portabello mushrooms, red & yellow bell peppers, red onions & fresh garlic lightly sauteed in evoo.

Will I do this again? Hell yes! I'm so happy that I started my year off with this detox. As a matter of fact, I am continuing this way of eating. As stated earlier this week, I have not thrown in the towel on meat, fish or eggs but I’m certainly cutting my intake of them way down. And I also look forward to going thru vegan-spells; meaning eating 100% vegan for a month or months at a time.

Would I recommend this detox program? Again, hell yeah! This program is an education & a detox. Not just a program that you do quickly and forget just as quickly, but a lasting effective program that teaches you the importance of a detox, why one may be necessary and that it is in fact doable on all levels.

Oh, and I forgot to mention my bmi (body mass index) has dropped and is back in its healthy range and I lost 10 lbs. Damn, I really had put on a few pounds. I’m so stoked that I’m back in some of my favorite clothes, too.  
A note for Carolyn:
Carolyn, words cannot express my thanks & appreciation for you allowing me to experience your program. I have gained so much from this. Now I feel prepared to take the next steps in my healthy journey. Now I know that I can eat a clean, vegan diet. Where I once apprehensive and unsure as to whether I could prepare some healthy (& edible), clean vegan meals, I now have the confidence and know that I can successfully do so. And now that I feel great & my bmi is back in check, I can get my swerve back on. Just kidding. Well, uh, not really. Haha! Thanks so much. And may only the best continue to come your way.
Much luv & {{Hugs}},
Cheris

*********************************

Carolyn Akens Body Rejuvenation Detox Program
Website: CarolynAkens.com
Carolyn Akens on facebook: http://bit.ly/fbcarolynakens
Carolyn Akens on twitter: www.twitter.com/carolynakens
Email: carolyn@carolynakens.com
phone: (678) 807-9187

Post Title → MY REVIEW OF CAROLYN AKENS BODY REJUVENATION DETOX PROGRAM

DETOX UPDATE III - THE HOME STRETCH

Well peeps,

I'm in the home stretch of the detox. With 17 days of Carolyn Akens Body Rejuvenation Detox program under my belt and 4 more days to go. I'm armed with a sizable amount of leafy greens, fruits & veggies accompanied by some whole grains to make it thru the next few days.

I must say that I have enjoyed this journey. Although I can't say that I've missed one or two things that I was in the habit of having or just plain enjoyed. I can say that, for the most part, it has (and still does) feel great treating my body to nothing but good whole, clean foods. I love that feeling. I swear making a serious conscious effort to do right by your body is a form of love; self-love that I've never quite understood until now.

I've already planned out my juices & smoothies for the rest of my detox. And I'm really excited about them. I'll be trying some new combo's with veggies I've never juiced with before like cabbage & collards (tried for 1st time last week). I've done dishes with quinoa ("keen-wah") and steamed some veggies that I've never considered steamable. All in all, I'm having fun.

Anyhoo, I just wanted to drop in with a quick post on my detox experience so far. My full review/experience/results will be posted next Thursday.

{{Hugs}},

Post Title → DETOX UPDATE III - THE HOME STRETCH

DETOX UPDATE II

A simple salad I made that was so delicious.

Woo hoo!! Hi Gorgeous!

Let me start by saying that I feel good. I really do. =)


*Forewarning: There will be some content in this post that you may consider tmi. Just so you know.*

For those of you who may not know, I'm on Carolyn Akens Body Rejuvenation Detox Program , which lasts for 21 days.  I am rounding out my 2nd week on it. Woo hoo!!

On to the details:

This past week has been much better than the end of last week. Let me give you a glimpse into the day-to-day detox happenings for me.

Thursday
Felt good. Noticed how my pooch (stomach) is going down. Felt nauseas later on. (Story on that coming later in post). Had a couple of foul-smelling loose stools. Felt better after eliminating though.

Friday
Woke up feeling better. Still experienced some slightly loose stools.

Saturday
Felt good. That is until another wave of nausea hit. Story on that coming later in post.

Sunday – Wednesday
Felt & feeling great! Great physically and emotionally. I’m more inclined to workout this week. And I’m amazed at the energy and vitality that I’m feeling. I really am. Not sure what I expected but, it’s like I want to run and keep on going.



Okay. So here’s the breakdown on my bouts with nausea:

I had to take my daughter somewhere after school. And with a limited window of time, she grabbed something from the fridge. A hotdog. Once the hotdog was ready, we hopped into the car to be on our way. As the car doors closed, I was engulfed in this serious hotdog aroma. At first, it smelled absolutely magnificent to me. I thought, “Oh God. That smells sooo good.” Not a minute later, I was thinking, “Oh God. That smells soooo.... awful.” It’s funny now but it was not a cute situation to be in. From that moment on, I felt horrible and just wanted to be home. About an hour & a half later, we finally got home and I commenced to drinking the lemon water. I even tried some fresh coconut juice I'd gotten from the Farmer’s Market. None of which helped. Eventually, I had the urge to use the bathroom which was exactly what I needed to do. Eliminate the toxins thru excrement that were jacking my body up. And so it happened and I felt much better.

Saturday’s instance was quite similar. A friend of mine was having a business event that I was determined to attend. Well, at least, show my face at. I couldn’t stay long because I had to pick up my daughter from her ever-time changing cheer practice. Little did I know that it was best that way. When I got to my friend’s home, they were still getting prepared for her event. Her sister was putting the finishing touches on her hair & makeup. Her hubby was in the kitchen frying up some chicken. Yes. That was it right there. I smelled it and thought, “Hmm, haven’t smelled that aroma in awhile.” You know the one, that home-fried chicken smell. Anyhoo, I was okay for most of the time that I was there. Even had a few pieces of fruit. But an interesting thing happened once I got in my car to go pick up my daughter. I noticed the fried chicken, or better yet, fried chicken grease aroma was still with me. It was in my coat and clothes. So as I’m driving in this closed-up car, I’m noticing this scent more and more. And not in a good way. Damn! Here we go again. So this time, I took it upon myself to purchase an enema to help the process. Cause I hate feeling like I need to hurl.

Needless to say, after all was said and done, I felt much better.

And oh…. I’ve now graduated to green, odorless poop. I know. Tmi.

Lol.

Post Title → DETOX UPDATE II

DETOX EXPERIENCE & UPDATE

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Hi Beautiful Ones!


Here's what's been going on with me so far on Carolyn Akens "Body Rejuvenation Detox Program", which I started on this past Monday.


So here’s the day-by-day rundown on my experience so far:


Monday – Went well. I felt good. No cravings. No worries.

Tuesday – Woke up to a slight headache. Eventually went away. Came back for a visit & stayed later on in the day thru the bed time. Panicked a bit because I was stuck in the house and couldn’t restock on dwindling supply of produce. Did get in a nice walk outside.

Wednesday – Better day. Restocked on produce. Slight headachey off and on, but took Carolyn’s advice to drink lots of water & juice. Be glad when folks go back to school/work, so that I can really get into my meditation. Planned menu for rest of week and weekend.

I honestly haven't had any cravings. Which is a little weird because I kind of expected it. Or maybe it hasn’t hit me yet. I believe because I am being nourished with wholesome juices, smoothies and greens. Not to say that certain foods haven’t crossed my mind. Case in point: I was so excited about getting in the car and driving to the Farmer’s Market & Natural Foods Warehouse that I was about to include a trip to Whole Foods. No sooner than I thought about Whole Foods, did sushi pop into my mind. I think it just came out of my anticipation of getting out of the house after being cooped up. Either way, I quickly reminded myself about why I was doing a detox.



Here's a more detailed description on my Tuesday trip ("walk outside").
I got enough produce to get me through to Wednesday, the day I’d have more dinero to stock up til next week. As the media has shown the entire world, the South, mainly ATL, was put to a standstill by the snow, which was then topped with ice. So I slightly began to freak out come Tuesday when I looked at my dwindling stash. I ended up walking to the nearest grocery store (Kroger) for some detox tea, organic lettuce and distilled water. No biggie. I wanted to get out. And the walk was great exercise. Try walking in snow, some slush and dodging icy patches and you’ll be guaranteed a good workout. Plus it was absolutely wonderful to get some fresh air, albeit was freezing. Anyhoo, got to the store and all the lines were ridiculously long. Seriously. Let me break it down to you. When the 15 or less register’s line starts from there and ends midway in the frozen section aisle, we’ve got a problem. On top of which, the self-checkout section was totally closed because “the system needed repair”. Mk. But I digress, there was absolutely no water and the organic produce was slim pickings.


But it was all good. No worries. I kept it clean with what I had and managed to get a green smoothie and a salad out of what was left to accompany my own juice. Woo hoo!


*Side Note: Even before I embarked on this detox, I began considering going 100% vegan for a set amount of time. Like 30 days, a couple of months or so. Just so you know, it is something I’m considering. Off and on, I’ve been researching a lot of vegan cookbooks, checking their ingredients and whatnot.

Things I’ve noticed….even more.
There are WAY too many food and restaurant commercials on tv. It’s ridiculous but I do know the game of it all, so I just turn away or turn the tv off. Definitely cutting down on the media. I can see how people’s plans to live a healthier lifestyle can be thwarted and derailed by being into the television too much. My plan is to go for an entire day without the television or radio. Ideally, I’d love to shut down social media, television and radio for awhile. Not sure if I can successfully make that happen but I’m willing to give it a try.  Also, looking forward to a doing all juices for a few days of the detox.



STAY TUNED FOR:

EXERCISE & MEDITATION EXPERIENCE DURING DETOX

UPDATES ON DAILY DETOX EXPERIENCE

FULL THOUGHTS ON EXPERIENCE OF C.A. BODY REJUVENATION DETOX PROGRAM

Til next time,

Post Title → DETOX EXPERIENCE & UPDATE

IT'S DETOX TIME FOR C.O.

Hola Beautifuls!

I intended to get this post up earlier but wasn't feeling too hot. Let me tell you. Proper sleep and rest is VERY important.

Anyhoo... I hope everyone survived the holidays with little to no weight gain. I managed to come through without gaining weight. So I'm happy about that. I'm sure I could've trimmed down some more had I continued to work out consistently and lowered my holiday indulging some more. Am I upset about it? Not at all. I enjoyed my holidays.

Seeing as this is the New Year and I discussed going thru Carolyn Aken’s Body Rejuvenation Detox program as my Phase I of 2011. Read here where I talked about my plans. I’ll be starting on this coming Monday and ending 21 days later.  In all honesty, I was a little freaked after I committed to it. I went thru the Oh-my-God-What-have-I-done-Can I-really-do-this phase. And the short answer was and still is, “Yes.”

So after releasing the fear, I embraced this part of my journey. And now I’m looking forward to it. Actually, I’m kinda excited about it! And as part of this journey, I’ll be posting here every Thursday on my experience during this process. Partly, to help me stay through the process and hopefully to show others that it is doable.


Be sure to check out Carolyn Akens site. Her testimony is proof that you can achieve a healthy you. Plus she’s a sweetie.

What are your plans to finetune your health?....

Post Title → IT'S DETOX TIME FOR C.O.

I FINALLY TOOK THE PLUNGE...INTO KOMBUCHA

GT's Organic Raw Kombucha

 For a few years, I've read and heard about folks drinking up this "kombucha" thing. I've heard wonderful things about what it does for your digestion but also heard that it tastes...uh, a little "different". So after many, many, many months, I decided to take the plunge and give Kombucha tea a try.

I decided to pick up some GT's Organic Raw Kombucha drink a try. I chose this one because I read that it was 100% organic and raw. I ended up trying the botanic no.7 that has hisbiscus and ginger in it. I discovered that the "different" taste that it has is similiar to apple cider vinegar. So it wasn't a turn-off for me since I've been drinking ACV diluted in water. I actually kind of like it. They also have their Synergy line, which is 95% raw organic and  5%  real fruit juice. May give this one a try tomorrow just for kicks.

Let me provide some explanation as to why I had interest in this drink and chose to give it a try.

Sounds so mysterious.... Da heck is Kombucha?


Kombucha is a fermented beverage made of tea and bacteria cultures. For the last 2,000 years in Asia, families drank kombucha for its purported medicinal qualities. The special yeast and bacteria cultures are usually circulated person-to-person, although now mixtures can be purchased online. This homeopathic drink tastes tart but full-flavored, like carbonated apple cider. Kombucha recipes have travelled to Korea and Japan, from there to Russia, and finally reached Europe after WWI.

You must have a "mother brew" to cultivate kombucha, which is why originally it was handed down through generations of a family. Much like yogurt, a cup of kombucha can be reserved to make the next batch. This is because it is a living brew, with microorganisms that are beneficial to our digestive tract and others claim help other internal systems. The culture is not a fungus, as some report, but a mixture of bacteria and yeast that forms a gelatinous, yellowish substance.

While the health benefits of kombucha have not been officially evaluated as a medicine, many people have experienced positive effects from 1/2-2 cups (120-470 ml) a day. It's said to be calming, aid in digestion as the bacteria stays in our intestinal tract, ease the pain of arthritis, improve immunity, and lower cholesterol. A poultice of kombucha can be applied topically to sores as an antiseptic. Some people even drink kombucha to detoxify, as a part of an overall health strategy such as a vegan diet, a juice fast, or only eating raw food.

*above info from Wisegeek.com
 
What are the reported health benefits of kombucha?
 
First, there’s all the benefits of detoxification, such as healthy livers and cancer prevention. One of kombucha’s greatest health benefits is its ability to detox the body. It is rich in many of the enzymes and bacterial acids your body produces and/or uses to detox your system, thus reducing your pancreatic load and easing the burden on your liver. Kombucha is very high in Glucaric acid, and recent studies have shown that glucaric acid helps prevent cancer. I know 2 people in my immediate circle of friends who have had cancer (pancreatic and breast) and fought it into remission without any chemo or radiation therapy. Instead, they warded it off by detoxing their lives (going 100% organic, removing chemical cleaners and agents in their home, changing their diet to be at least 80% raw or fermented, etc.) Central to the detoxification process was drinking Kombucha regularly. Even Alexander Solzhenitsyn, the recently deceased Russian author and nobel-prize winner, in his autobiography, claimed that kombucha tea cured his stomach cancer during his internment in soviet labor camps. (And because of this testimony, President Reagan used Kombucha to halt the spread of his cancer in 1987. You’ll note he didn’t die until 2004, and that was from old age, NOT cancer.)


Next, there’s all the benefits of the glucosamines it contains, such as preventing or treating all forms of arthritis. Glucosamines increase synovial hyaluronic acid production. Hyaluronic acid functions physiologically to aid preservation of cartilage structure and prevent arthritic pain, with relief comparable to NSAIDs and advantage over glucocorticoids. Hyaluronic acid enables connective tissue to bind moisture thousands of times its weight and maintains tissue structure, moisture, lubrication and flexibility and lessens free radical damage, while associated collagen retards and reduces wrinkles.

Then, there’s all the benefits of the fact that it’s a probiotic beverage, such as improved digestion, fighting candida (harmful yeast) overgrowth, and the general health and well-being associated with this. As such, it’s noted for reducing or eliminating the symptoms of fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, etc.

Plus, it’s extraordinarily anti-oxidant rich, and you all know the benefits of anti-oxidants for boosting your immune system and energy levels.

*above info and more from FoodRenegade.com
 
Have any of you tried this type of beverage before or drink it on the regular?.....

Post Title → I FINALLY TOOK THE PLUNGE...INTO KOMBUCHA

REDEDICATIONS

Due to yo-yo eating and inconsistent workouts, I’ve had to rededicate myself to consistent exercise & consistent healthy eating. One of my goals is to be in skinny jeans by Christmas. Yes, I said skinny jeans. Not that I’m big on them, it just gives me a nice goal to envision.

Anyhoo, I’m working (along w/a lil help from here and there) on a detox plan that will include colonics. Don’t know what a colonic is?.. Well, think of it as a major enema or just read {here}.  It’s been a few years since I’ve had one but I’m definitely not a stranger to them. I’ve already scheduled a colonic for next week so expect a post on it.I’m also paying really close attention to the ingredient listing on ALL products. Vegan included. *Carolyn Akens had warned me about that.* It’s amazing (and sad & unfortunate) how much crappy shit is in the majority of things sold. Since I’m still working out the details of my detox plan & eating habits, I’ll have to post on that later. Or it may turn out to be something that I sort of “wing” as I get retuned to listening to my body. Either way, I’ll be chronicling all of this, in some way, on the blog.

As far as my workouts are concerned, I’ve gone back to the gym and am working on my running (better yet jogging). I’m doing pretty good so far. And will continue to work on increasing my distance. I have an awesome goal. I’ll be returning to jog the Peachtree 2011 . This is my main motivation for working on my jogging endurance and time. It’s not until July 4th, so my plans are to be more than ready for it by then. What I’m even more excited about is the half-marathon that I’ll be participating in Thanksgiving Day morning. *I’m so stocked about it!* Wish me success!
I’ll definitely post on the experience.



Is there anything that you’ve had to rededicate yourself to lately?....

Post Title → REDEDICATIONS

WHERE I'M AT, PT. II

Hi Gorgeous!

 

 

I know I haven’t posted on healthy eating in awhile so here goes. I have totally been “off the wagon” and I just cannot post about something that is not going on in my life. It just wouldn’t be right.

 

Truth be told, I’ve succumbed to stress and eating on the go. Don’t get me wrong. I do get my wheatgrass, fresh juice, vegan and raw-vegan foods in but not on the level that I had going on before.

 

I read where Evelyn (EvelynParham.com) did a water fast (Whew!) for a few days. While I do feel the need to do a serious detox, I’m not quite 100% convinced that I could do a water fast just yet but I am marinating on it.

 

I feel as if I’m starting fresh. So here’s the deal-i-o:

• increase salad intake
• e3live in the morning
• include a fresh juice everyday
• increase fruit intake
• bring the green smoothie back on a daily basis
• incorporate colonics

But all of this would go absolutely nowhere without two main ingredients; Willpower and Focus.
I can't say it any better than Evelyn Parham's post on these two important facets here.

How's your willpower and focus when it comes to your health and wellness?

Post Title → WHERE I'M AT, PT. II

YOU BRUSH YOUR WHAT??!!

*skin brushing diagram

Get your minds outta the gutter, Beautifuls. Lol.
I'm referring to dry skin brushing.

Dry skin brushing is a health and beauty technique that involves using a natural fiber brush or loofah pad, to detoxify the skin. This procedure is done when you are dry and naked, right before you get in the shower.

 Some facts on skin:

• The skin is the largest most important eliminative organ in the body and is responsible for one quarter of the body’s detoxification each day
• The skin eliminates over one pound of waste acids each day in the average adult, most of it through the sweat glands
• That the skin is known also as our third kidney
• That the skin receives one third of all the blood circulated in the body
• That the skin is the last to receive nutrients in the body, yet the first to show signs of imbalance or deficiency

 Detoxification is performed by a number of organs, glands, and transportation systems, including the skin, gut, kidneys, liver, lungs, lymphatic system, and mucous membranes. The dry brushing technique deals with detoxification of the skin.

Dry brushing is a way to stimulate all the above organs of detoxification because it provides a gentle internal massage.




Dry Brushing was recommended by the Finnish Dr., Paavo Airola for his patients 30 years ago and is still popular in European spas and many cancer treatment centers today. The Russians, Turks and Scandinavians have used this treatment for centuries. Dry brushing is promoted as a preventative for dry skin and a way to exfoliate the skin, thus stimulating skin renewal that is super soft to the touch, but there are many other benefits as well:

Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing:

1. Removes cellulite


2. Cleanses the lymphatic system


3. Removes dead skin layers


4. Strengthens the immune system


5. Stimulates the hormone and oil-producing glands


6. Tightens the skin preventing premature aging


7. Tones the muscles


8. Stimulates circulation


9. Improves the function of the nervous system


10. Helps digestion


11. AND it’s easy, inexpensive and invigorating!



I consistently dry brushed my skin daily for a little over a month. At first, the sensation was a bit rough and I found my skin to react sensitively to it. I also noticed that I felt a little crappy shortly after beginning brushing. I took this as my body was going through detox. After a few days though, I felt great and so did the brush on my skin.


After dry brushing my body, I immediately jumped into the shower to wash off the impurities from my brushing session.

SOME NEED-TO-KNOW POINTERS ON DRY SKIN BRUSHING:

• Always dry brush your dry and naked body before you shower or bathe because you will want to wash off the impurities from the skin as a result from the brushing action.

 

• You can do the brushing head-to-toe or toe-to-head. It really doesn’t matter as long as the entire body is brushed. Long sweeping strokes starting from the bottom of your feet upwards, and from the hands towards the shoulders, and on the torso in an upward direction help drain the lymph back to your heart.

 

• Use light pressure in areas where the skin is thin and harder pressure on places like the soles of the feet.

 

• Skin brushing should be performed once a day, preferably first thing in the morning. A thorough skin brushing takes about 15 minutes, but any time spent brushing prior to bathing will benefit the body. If you are feeling ill, increasing the treatments to twice a day is good. You can also dry brush areas of cellulite five to 10 minutes twice a day to achieve cellulite dissolving but the technique needs to be done consistently for a minimum of five months.

 

• Avoid sensitive areas and anywhere the skin is broken such as areas of skin rash, wounds, cuts, and infections. Also, never brush an area affected by poison oak or poison ivy.

 

• Finish up with your regular shower and ending with three hot and cold cycles. That means turning on the water as hot as you can take it for several seconds, then as cold as you can handle it, then hot, then cold for three cycles. End with either hot or cold. This will further invigorate the skin and stimulate blood circulation, bringing more blood to the outer layers of the skin.

 

• After getting out of the shower, dry off vigorously and massage your skin with pure plant oils such as olive, avocado, apricot, almond, sesame, coconut or cocoa butter. Add a little peanut and Castor oil to the mix if you have arthritis. Edgar Cayce says this works to take out some of the pain, and we’ve found that to be true over the years.

 

• Clean your skin brush using soap and water once a week. After rinsing, dry your skin brush in an open, sunny spot to prevent mildew.

 

• Any well designed program will take about 30 days to see and experience the changes. Please be patient and keep up the program! For a thorough lymphatic cleansing, perform skin brushing daily for a minimum of three months.

Note: Stroking away from your heart puts extra pressure on the valves within the veins and lymph vessels and can cause ruptured vessels and varicose veins.

**This information is from Natural Health Techniques.com. You can read more up on dry skin brushing here.



Also, Evelyn, from EvelynParham.com (A great healthy raw & live plant-based living site!), did a great video that you can use as a visual to show you how to dry skin brush properly. You can click the link to it here.



{{Hugs}},





 

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