Dry Skin Brushing

 

Note: Always consult your doctor before making any major lifestyle changes.

 It is well known that the skin is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for one-fourth of the bodies detoxification each day. Thus that makes it one of the most important elimination organs!

Our skin is also known as the "3rd" kidney while the lungs are known as the "2nd" Kidney. Toxicity can gather beneath the skin's surface from such common influences such as improper pH levels in body soaps, skin creams and anti-perspirants. Also synthetic fibers worn next to the skin as well as poor diet can contribute to a combination of skin problems.

When you practice in regular and proper skin brushing you help your lymph system to clean itself of the toxins that collect in the lymph glands. Dry Skin brushing is a simple technique to improve surface circulation and keep the pores of the skin open to encourage your bodies discharge of metabolic wastes resulting in an improved ability to combat bacteria. Plus it helps your skin to look and feel healthier and more resilient!


Benefits At a Glance:
-Tightens Skin.
-Helps Digestion.
-Removes Cellulite.
-Stimulates Circulation.
-Increases Cell Renewal.
-Cleans Lymphatic System.
-Removes Dead Skin Layers.
-Strengthens Immune System.
-Improves Exchange between Cells.
-Stimulates the Glands thus helping all of the
Body Systems to perform at peal efficiency!

Dry Skin Brushing Technique:
1. Buy a natural (not synthetic) bristle brush as natural bristled brushes will not scratch the surface of your skin. Its best to purchase a brush with a long handle so you are able to get to areas of your body that are not easy to reach.

2.Dry Skin Brush before showering or bathing at least ONCE per day however twice a day is recommended if at all possible.

3.Do not wet your skin as it will not have the same affect because this stretches your skin.

4. Do lighter strokes over and around your breasts but do not brush the nipples.

5. Brush each part of your body several times vigorously and completely being sure to brush your whole body.

6. Brush the soles of your feet first because the nerve endings there affect your whole body. Next brush your ankles, calves, and thighs. Then brush across your stomach and your buttocks and lastly brush your hands to your arms.

7. Always skin brush towards the heart.

8. Do circular counter-clockwise strokes on your abdomen.

9. For areas that are sensitive like the groin area, face and under arms those maybe skipped.

10. After you have completed your brushing take a warm bath or shower which should always be followed by a cool rinse at the end to invigorate blood circulation and stimulate surface warmth.

11. Wash your brush every few weeks in water and allow it DRY.

Usually the results of dry skin brushing maybe seen within a month. The benefits for just a few moments of your time is well worth it! Happy Brushing!

 

<3 Rea

Mini-Relaxations

Strategies for De-Stressing
 Mini-Relaxations

 The best-written book on stress control is no help to you if you can't find time to read it. If you only have a short while to spare, dip into the stress-busting suggestions described in this section. Whether you have one minute or half an hour, you'll find ways to ease your day.

 Mini-relaxations can help allay fear and reduce pain while you sit in the dentist's chair or lie on an examining table. They're equally helpful in thwarting stress before an important meeting, while stuck in traffic, or when faced with people or situations that annoy you. Here are a few quick relaxation techniques to try.

 When you've got 1 minute
 Place your hand just beneath your navel so you can feel the gentle rise and fall of your belly as you breathe. Breathe in slowly. Pause for a count of three. Breathe out. Pause for a count of three. Continue to breathe deeply for one minute, pausing for a count of three after each inhalation and exhalation.

 Or alternatively, while sitting comfortably, take a few slow deep breaths and quietly repeat to yourself "I am" as you breathe in and "at peace" as you breathe out. Repeat slowly two or three times. Then feel your entire body relax into the support of the chair.

 When you've got 2 minutes
 Count down slowly from 10 to zero. With each number, take one complete breath, inhaling and exhaling. For example, breathe in deeply saying "10" to yourself. Breathe out slowly. On your next breath, say "nine" and so on. If you feel lightheaded, count down more slowly to space your breaths further apart. When you reach zero, you should feel more relaxed. If not, go through the exercise again.

 When you've got 3 minutes
 While sitting down, take a break from whatever you're doing and check your body for tension. Relax your facial muscles and allow your jaw to fall open slightly. Let your shoulders drop. Let your arms fall to your sides. Allow your hands to loosen so that there are spaces between your fingers. Uncross your legs or ankles. Feel your thighs sink into your chair, letting your legs fall comfortably apart. Feel your shins and calves become heavier and your feet grow roots into the floor. Now breathe in slowly and breathe out slowly. Each time you breathe out, try to relax even more.

 When you've got 5 minutes
 Try self-massage. A combination of strokes works well to relieve muscle tension. Try gentle chops with the edge of your hands or tapping with fingers or cupped palms. Put fingertip pressure on muscle knots. Knead across muscles, and try long, light, gliding strokes. You can apply these strokes to any part of the body that falls easily within your reach. For a short session like this, try focusing on your neck and head.

 Start by kneading the muscles at the back of your neck and shoulders. Make a loose fist and drum swiftly up and down the sides and back of your neck. Next, use your thumbs to work tiny circles around the base of your skull. Slowly massage the rest of your scalp with your fingertips. Then tap your fingers against your scalp, moving from the front to the back and then over the sides.

 Now massage your face. Make a series of tiny circles with your thumbs or fingertips. Pay particular attention to your temples, forehead, and jaw muscles. Use your middle fingers to massage the bridge of your nose and work outward over your eyebrows to your temples.
 Finally, close your eyes. Cup your hands loosely over your face and inhale and exhale easily for a short while.

 When you've got 10 minutes
 Try imagery. Start by sitting comfortably in a quiet room. Breathe deeply for a few minutes. Now picture yourself in a place that conjures up good memories. What do you smell - the heavy scent of roses on a hot day, crisp fall air, the wholesome smell of baking bread? What do you hear? Drink in the colors and shapes that surround you. Focus on sensory pleasures: the swoosh of a gentle wind; soft, cool grass tickling your feet; the salty smell and rhythmic beat of the ocean. Passively observe intrusive thoughts, and then gently disengage from them to return to the world you've created.

Set a Nightly Teatime

There's nothing like a hot cup of tea to make you feel all warm and relaxed before turning in after a busy day. Not only is tea delicious, but routinely making a mug at night might help you unwind and sleep better - especially because some caffeine-free herbal teas, such as chamomile and peppermint, are said to help relieve insomnia. Here's a list of teas that might help you catch some extra z's!

-Chamomile: Besides being able to soothe the occasional upset stomach or bout of nausea, chamomile is also a calming sleep aid with no known side effects.

-Peppermint: Although it's associated more with relieving indigestion, peppermint tea is a relaxing before bed treat.

-Jasmine: Known for its ability to help relieve headache pain, this soothing herbal supplement makes a fragrant and flavorful tea that's effective in promoting sleep in adults; it's considered mild enough to treat children's sleep disorders too.

-Sage: Said to be an effective sleep aid, sage may also help alleviate depression and certain nervous conditions that might keep you from getting a good night's sleep.

<3 Rea

Considering Alternative Medicine?

Why tell your health care providers about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use?

-Giving your health care providers a full picture of what you do to manage your health helps you stay in control.

-Some CAM approaches can have an effect on conventional medicine. Talking to your health care providers about CAM use will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

-Talking to your providers about CAM use helps them to be fully informed and your partners in health care.



Tips for talking to your health care providers about CAM:

-When completing patient history forms, be sure to include all therapies and treatments you use. Make a list in advance.

-Tell your health care providers about all therapies or treatments-including over-the-counter and prescription medicines, as well as herbal and dietary supplements.

-Don't wait for your providers to ask about your CAM use. Be proactive.

-If you are considering a new CAM therapy, ask your health care providers about its safety, effectiveness, and possible interactions with medications (both prescription and nonprescription).


<3 Rea