Part 3 – The Benefits of Hydrotherapy and Dry Skin Brushing
In Part 1 of my series, Using Food as Medicine, I explored a variety of foods that naturally cleanse your body. Part 2 investigated common harmful chemicals that are found in many products used on a daily basis. Continuing on to Part 3, this blog examines the detoxifying benefits of hydrotherapy and dry skin brushing.
What is hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is defined as the medicinal use of water. This process dramatically increases the elimination of waste, which in turn helps you detoxify.
What are the benefits of hydrotherapy?
Hot water hydrotherapy stimulates blood flow, which increases circulation of white blood cells and boosts the body’s immune system. It is a popular therapy as people generally find it relaxing.
Cold water hydrotherapy is used to enliven and invigorate and diverts blood flow from the extremities to the internal organs. Although it is not as popular as its hot water counterpart, its health benefits are just as effective.
Types of hydrotherapy:
- Compresses
- Poultices
- Inhalations
- Soaks
What is dry skin brushing?
Dry brushing is a health modality that is popular in Europe. A Finnish doctor by the name of Paavo Airola first prescribed this technique for his patients to detoxify, exfoliate and stimulate the skin.
What are the benefits of dry skin brushing?
- Stimulation of Lymphatic system: The Lymphatic system is responsible for eliminating cellular waste products, a process called lymphatic drainage. When this system is not working properly, waste and toxins can build up in the body. Dry skin brushing activates the lymphatic system and detoxification.
- Exfoliation: Dry skin brushing removes dead dry skin, improving appearance, clearing your clogged pores, and allowing your skin to “breathe.”
- Increase Circulation: When you dry brush your skin, it increases circulation to your skin, which encourages the elimination of metabolic waste.
How to dry skin brush:
- Use a brush with natural bristles
- Start with a dry body
- Start at your feet and work your way up
- Brush toward the heart
- Use long motions on your arms and legs, with circular motions on your abdomen and back
- Brush daily especially before taking a shower or bath
Dry Skin Brushing + Hydrotherapy = Cleaning out the toxins
Combine these 3 methods included in my Spring Cleaning Series for a full-scale detoxification.
- Eat more foods that aid detoxification pathways.
- The Beet, Citrus and Avocado Salad is a delicious recipe made with foods that aid detoxification pathways in the body.
2. Raise your awareness and reduce your environmental toxin exposure.
- The Homemade hand sanitizer helps you reduce your toxin load (and does not burn your nostrils when you apply it).
3. Use hydrotherapy and dry skin brushing to flush out the toxins.
- Look for a recipe in my next blog to heighten your hydrotherapy experience.
These “Spring Cleaning” practices can energize your body, helping you to feel healthier and lighter as the days grow longer.
Please reach out if I can aid you in any way to make your spring cleaning a smoother and easier transition!
Suanne Sikkema
(907) 830-9877