The more chemicals, environmental toxins, pesticides, processed foods and allergens that we are exposed to, the more work our bodies have to do to eliminate these things….on top of carrying out normal metabolic function. It’s no easy job!

When the burden becomes too heavy, our organ systems are unable to manage it all and therefore inflammation, colds, and diseases can set in. So what’s the newest, greatest superfood to save our bodies now?? I'm just kidding…no superfoods to the rescue this time. Instead, I am going to tell you about the benefits of dry skin brushing and how it is a valuable tool in maintaining health.

Dry skin brushing is amazing! It is such a simple habit to take up, but one that can do an immense amount of good. Most importantly, it helps to increase circulation and improve lymphatic drainage. By doing these things, dry brushing supports our body’s ability to effectively eliminate the waste and toxins we are exposed to in our daily lives. Any time we can help the body in the process of detoxification, we minimize the toxic burden on our organs and immune system as a whole. By spending less energy fighting to protect our cells, our bodies can put more energy toward optimal function.

Dry skin brushing is a simple, and inexpensive way to boost our body’s ability to function on a cellular level, and enhance overall health. Best part? This health tip doesn’t require you to have to spend more and more money continually refilling it, it lasts for a long time. I picked mine up at a wellness store for $15!

Some other reasons to try it:

Exfoliation
- Removes dead skin cells, and clears pores to allow your skin to breathe better.
Increase Circulation
- Improves elimination of wastes. If you’re too busy for exercise one day, keep dry skin brushing in mind to keep up good blood flow (delivery of nutrients, and elimination of wastes).
Reduce Cellulite
- May soften fat deposits below the skin’s surface, and help improve the appearance of the skin. By removing toxins, it also supports the health of our connective tissue.
Stress relief
- Meditative process that helps relieve muscle tension, calm the mind, and relieve stress. Similar to the effects of a light massage.
Improve Digestion and Kidney Function
- Supports elimination of toxins and wastes via lymphatic drainage.
Energy
- Improved circulation helps increase energy, and it feels really nice!

The technique:

Start at the feet, using light sweeping motions towards the heart.
Move your way up the legs, to the abdomen, arms, chest and back.
Avoid any sensitive areas- you don't want to further irritate the skin!

Make sure to pick up a brush that has natural bristles. The bristles don’t have to be too rigid to stimulate the lymphatic system, brushing shouldn’t hurt. It's best to get in the habit of doing this practice once a day, but anything helps! You can take your time and do your dry brushing for as long as you want, for 2 minutes or 20…up to you. Try dry brushing before you jump in the shower in the morning to help wake you up!

I chose this picture for this post, my 30th birthday- another new start this year surrounded by lots of love and close friends!

The first post is a little intimidating- I’ve been trying to figure out what would merit the very first spot on the blog! What I decided to write about, is just that though- getting going, and taking the first steps in the direction of your goals.

Yesterday over coffee with a friend, we talked about how hard it is to take those first steps- how you want it to be perfect so you can put your best foot forward from the start. Depending on how big your goals are, and how connected you are to them, this first step can be scary. We talked about the desire to be anonymous in your first attempt at putting yourself out there, for some reason feeling like you are more vulnerable in front of the people that you already know. Not knowing what their expectations may be, and also showing a side of yourself that those around you don't necessary know all that well, or see all too often. Our passions, hobbies, and ultimately the career paths we choose, are what we have chosen to repeatedly pursue in our alone time, without any thought of trying to relate or connect to others. It is the side, that is simply true to ourselves, and putting it out there to share can tweak at our vulnerability strings.

Later that day another friend and colleague passed on a video, without knowing where I was at, that couldn’t have been better timing. The video was by a motivational speaker, who spoke about starting your dream. The biggest take away I got from it was this: “ You don't have to be great to start. You have to start to be great.”

So here it is- a new start. Yaaaahoooo! :)