Dry Brushing and Why You Should Try It

I know, I know, most of us barely have time to relax in the shower, but trust me if you take five extra minutes to do this, it will prove more than worth it. It’s called dry skin brushing. It’s a really old ayurvedic technique that involves using a natural bristle brush and firmly, but gently, brushing your skin. Dry brushing not only loosens dead skin, but it improves your circulation by getting your blood flowing. It also reduces cellulite over time and aids in fat burning and elimination - due to the stimulation of the nerve endings when you brush. A healthy plus is that it encourages toxin removal by stimulating your kidneys and lymphatic system, making them more effective at removing the bad stuff from the body. Getting rid of that dead skin also helps open your pores, so more toxins can be released. I tried it and was amazed by the results. Not to mention, it feels invigorating! Wanna try it? 

Here’s what you need to get started:

1.      About 5 to 10 minutes to spare, preferably before the shower, so you can rinse off the dead skin

2.      A natural bristle brush- you can get one from your local drug store or a health food store or my favorite (Amazon)

Here’s how you brush:

·         Starting at your feet brush in an upward motion with short quick stokes

·         Continue brushing up your legs and then start with your hands, continuing to brush upward

·         Brush in a circular motion over your abdomen- Great for digestion and toxin removal

·         Brush your chest to your neck (gently girls) in a n upward motion towards your shoulders

·         Finally brush your back (this is where a handled brush is useful) down toward your lower back.

·         Shower afterward to remove the dead skin cells and moisturize with natural oil like coconut or shea butter.

Oil pulling for Oral Health and more.....

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that is believed to aid in toxin and bacterial elimination. The process involves putting about a teaspoon of oil (olive, coconut, sesame or sunflower usually) in your mouth and swishing it around for at least 15-20 minutes. I have been doing this for about two months now, and I have noticed my teeth are whiter, my tooth pain is gone and my gums are healthier! I use organic coconut oil, which comes in a jar (from Trader Joes or Amazon), it’s pretty solid until you put it in your mouth and then it turns liquid. I swish it around in my mouth each night, while I get ready for my shower and while in the shower, and spit it into the sink after 15 minutes (if the hubby and kids are calling), or 20 when I have time. When I spit out the oil, in the trash or the toilet, (never spit this in your sink unless you’re looking for plumbing issues) I rinse my mouth with water, and give it a good brushing. Every now and then I brush with peroxide, or a xylitol based (from Amazon) tooth paste but never fluoride toothpaste, since I do believe that stuff is a neuro-toxin at worse and totally unnecessary at the least. The results were astonishing at just about two weeks, but the clean feeling can be felt on the first try. And you will wake up with no morning breath, guaranteed!

How the heck did I start putting oil in my mouth in the first place?

I read about oil-pulling one night when I was just too through with dentistry and wanted to know if it was possible to heal your own cavities.  I read from so many bloggers and holistic experts who follow Weston A Price, that it is possible to heal your own cavities and remineralize your teeth. In other words, decay is not final; our teeth are alive and capable of healing just like cuts on our skin can. Amazing right? So, among the many things that capable to rebuilding teeth and preventing future decay, including oil swishing, fermented cod liver oil along with high vitamin butter oil (you can get this from Green Pastures website), and xylitol, on which there are some amazing studies regarding its effectiveness in preventing tooth decay and rebuilding teeth.  Ok, back to the coconut oil- you can oil pull with many oils, but I prefer coconut oil because the taste is almost non-existent, and it smells nice, you can use olive oil if you can stand it. It feels weird, so try not to do this on a full stomach the first time to avoid gagging, but in addition to a brighter smile, I notice that when I’m done oil-pulling I cough up a lot of phlegm. So, this may be removing some toxic stuff, as the Ayurvedic experts claim. After all coconut oil has naturally occurring anti-bacterial properties so when it comes into contact with the membranes in your mouth, it is believed to be able to draw out the toxins.  

Happy Swishing!!

Tips: Swish when you can avoid speaking for 20 minutes-if you try to do both, YOU WILL SWALLOW!! Yuck!

Rinse your mouth out afterwards, and have a drink of spring or filtered water, you will feel great afterward.

Coconut oil is also a great moisturizer and conditioner and styling product too, get a big jar!

For some more info on oil pulling:
 http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/article%20oil%20pulling.htm

 http://trinaholden.com/healing-cavities-a-true-weve-done-it-story/

http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/oil-pulling-has-helped-me-tremendously.html

http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/oil_pulling_questions.html