Revitalize Your Skin for Spring with Dry Skin Brushing

Dry skin brushing is an easy way to help keep skin smooth, soft, and healthy. Dry skin brushing stimulates the sweat and oil glands, which decrease production with age, and helps stimulate collagen in the skin. Dry skin brushing also exfoliates the layers of dead cells, improving skin’s appearance (our skin's ability to shed the outermost layer of cells decreases with age), and can help break up areas of cellulite.

To use the dry skin brushing technique, use a natural bristled brush, preferably a long-handled bath brush. Note that it must be of natural bristles because nylon can tear the skin and disturb the electro-magnetic balance of the skin. Never wet your brush; dry skin is important as water acts as a lubricant and the beneficial affects of the friction are lost.

Using small circles, move your brush all over the bare body. As you move through each area, it may assist lymphatic flow to begin in the lymph node for that area, then work from the outer extremities towards that lymph node. Begin at the feet and work towards the heart to stimulate venous circulation. Do not brush the face or any tender or inflamed areas, but do brush the soles of the feet.

The brush may feel rough to begin with, so use gentle pressure until you become used to the sensation. Increase the pressure as needed. Dry skin brush at least once a day for best results.

It can also be helpful to follow dry skin brushing with a salt scrub (use ½-cup of sea salt or Epsom salt, add sufficient olive oil (you can also use sweet almond oil) to made a paste. Add a few drops of essential oil if you want). Rub all over the body, avoiding the eyes, mucous membranes, and any broken skin. Then rinse off in the shower.

It's a Great Day to Quit … American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout

Thursday is the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout, an "event" encouraging smokers to quit that day (or to at least make a plan for quitting that day).

It has been said that the easiest way to quit smoking is not to start. But if you, or someone you care about, have become addicted to smoking, read on (please feel free to forward this email, too).

Quitting is not easy. But making the decision to quit is the first step towards living a healthier life. The next step is to stay smoke-free and there are many support tools available. For a holistic option consider black pepper (Piper nigrum) essential oil.

Studies suggest inhaling black pepper essential oil may help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The vapor released when black pepper essential oil is diffused is thought to help dispel anxious feelings associated with quitting smoking.*

If you or a loved one want to quit smoking, make this your day! The Cancer Society's website lists several health benefits accrued over time, including decreased heart rate, blood pressure, and risk of coronary heart disease. Read the full list of benefits here.

For more information about natural stop-smoking supports, you may be interested in Conquer Tobacco Naturally. In his book, Dr. Edward Blomgren, an ACHS graduate, details alternative strategies to help smokers quit in 12 weeks or less.

To access the American Cancer Society Guide to Quitting Smoking (and their Cigarette Cost Calculator, which is an eyeopener!), click here.

From natural health supporters to another, congratulations on all the small, everyday choices you make to live healthy! Take care!

* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.