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Seeds for Change Wellness
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Dry Skin Brushing for Healthy Skin
Dry Skin Brushing for Healthy Skin
Author: Ingri Cassel Source
Few people realize that the skin is our body’s largest organ and an important avenue for oxygen and
nourishment to enter the body as well as a means for the body to eliminate accumulated toxins.
As a part of any colon cleansing program or other modified fast, we always recommend that the person
purchase a skin brush with a handle on it that is available from most health food stores. Once you experience
the exhilaration that comes with skin brushing the entire body, you will want to incorporate this ritual into your
daily routine prior to bathing. From experience, I would have to say that dry skin brushing is the most
underrated of health regimens today and is in definite need of a "revival."
Our Largest Organ
Since our skin is the largest organ we possess, it is important to understand the multiple functions of our skin
and how it works to maintain health. Following is a summary of this miraculous "organ."
Armor—The skin’s surface is very much like "armor" made of overlapping scales. When the skin is unbroken, it
protects us against pathogens that would otherwise have access to the body. For optimal functioning, the skin
should be slightly acid. This is one reason that alkali-based soaps should not be used on the body.
Thermostat/radiator—The most vital role of the skin is to maintain even body temperature. Nerves in our skin
can dilate or contract its blood vessels to control about two million sweat glands. When the weather is hot
during the summer months, the blood vessels expand to allow heat to escape with our sweat glands pouring
out as much as two quarts of fluid a day in order to cool the body. When the weather is cold, sweating
diminishes and the blood vessels contract. So precise is this mechanism that a person in good health
maintains a steady body temperature of 98.6 degrees, regardless of outside temperature.
Complex sensory functions—The skin also serves as a sense organ by and through which stimuli are
received. In the deepest portion of the epidermis are a network of nerves and special nerve endings, hair
follicles, blood vessels and the lymphatic and sweat glands. Nails on our toes and fingers, hair and hair
follicles, sweat and oil glands, though closely associated with the epidermis, are more accurately referred to as
"appendages" of the skin. Each hair in our skin has a small blood vessel, several sacs of oil to lubricate it, a
nerve to send an impulse if it is pulled or damaged, and a small muscle to tighten the pores when a person is
cold or scared.
Self-lubricating—The skin contains about two million tiny oil glands to keep its surface from drying out. It is
due to these oil glands that we can remain submerged in water for long periods of time without becoming
"water-logged." The insulating layer of fat underneath the skin’s surface decreases in illness and old age,
causing the surface of the skin to fall into folds or wrinkles.
Eliminative superhighway—Besides providing protective "armor" and heat regulation, the skin is a major
eliminative organ. According to Dr. Bernard Jensen, an adult body can actually eliminate between two to four
pounds of toxic waste daily through the skin. Perspiration is 99 percent water, the remainder being mineral
salts and complex fatty substances. It also contains waste acids being eliminated by the body. Under normal
conditions, our bodies release about one-and-a-half pints of moisture through the skin every 24 hours.
However, emotional stimulation, exercise, certain drugs and higher external temperatures will increase the
amount of perspiration and waste being eliminated.
Antiperspirants, deodorants—Blocking underarm perspiration with antiperspirants or even deodorants also
blocks elimination from these large pores. But what is most dangerous about antiperspirants is that the active
ingredient used is always an aluminum-based compound. The most common ones used are aluminum chloride,
aluminum zirconium tricholorohydrex glycine, aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum hydroxybromide and are
always listed as the first ingredient.
If unpleasant body odors are an issue, normalizing body chemistry through modified fasting followed by a whole
foods diet will eliminate the problem.
Eliminative synergy—There is an important relationship between the skin and other eliminative organs,
especially the kidneys. In Dr. Bernard Jensen’s book, "You Can Master Disease," he relates several people’s
experiences that illustrate the vital importance of the skin:
I once witnessed an experiment in which a man took a soapy tub bath, dried himself, and then entered a steam
cabinet. When he began to perspire after about 15 minutes, he was covered with soap bubbles. Where did all
the soap come from? He had wiped his body dry with a towel. We concluded that the heat of the bath had
opened the pores of his skin and the soap had been absorbed by it. The skin has the ability to absorb
materials placed upon it, especially oily substances.
In another experiment performed at an Eastern sanitarium, a man’s feet were placed in water containing baking
soda. In thirty seconds baking soda was found in this man’s urine. Thirty seconds after turpentine packs were
applied over his kidneys, turpentine was present in his urine. It is difficult to believe that the skin could be so
absorbent.
Another example occurred in a small California town following a parade of floats, on which was a child model
whose body was covered with silver "paint." A short time later she died from uremic poisoning because, with the
channel of elimination through the skin blocked, too great a load of uric acid was forced upon the kidneys, and
the excess was released into the blood. Death has occurred to various dancers and performers whose bodies
were covered with "gold" or "silver" paint, and such cases demonstrate the importance of skin function not only
to well-being but to life itself.
The proper functioning of the skin can also be blocked by excessive use of toxic cosmetics. Health Crusador
Greg Ciola covered this issue extensively in his Dec. 2005 special cosmetic report, Chemical Warfare Hits
Home. In this highly recommended expose, Ciola reveals how the chemicals in our tap water, shampoos,
household cleaners and cosmetics are absorbed via the skin, contributing to the epidemic of cancer and
chronic diseases we are witnessing today.
Dr. Bernard Jensen believes that death will result if a person loses more than a third of his skin. This is based
on his experience of a friend whose body was severely burned from the hips down. Although his friend
appeared to be responding well to treatment, he ended up dying of uremic poisoning.
Third kidney
Due to his extensive clinical experience, Dr. Bernard Jensen believes the skin should be considered a third
kidney. He believes all four eliminative organs—intestines, lungs, kidneys and skin—must be functioning
normally in order to experience optimal health. If they are not, the liver will become congested and the
bloodstream unclean; a clean bloodstream being a sound indicator of health and well-being. But if the skin is
treated properly by allowing it to carry out normal eliminative functions, the result is improved functioning of the
intestines and every other organ in the body.
In fact another aspect of the multiple functions of the skin is its ability to regulate and control to a great extent
the acid-alkaline balance of the body. By wearing clothes made of synthetic fibers, we hinder the body’s ability
to eliminate and utilize oxygen contributing to acidosis. This is the reason master herbalist Dr. John R.
Christopher emphasized the importance of only wearing clothes and undergarments made from natural fibers
that allow the skin to "breathe."
Skin Brushing
As our environment and food supply become more toxic, our lives become more artificial and "out of touch" with
nature. One of the simplest ways to counteract the toxic effects of "civilization" is through the ritual care of our
skin through daily skin brushing. Instead of the standard cup of coffee or tea, try starting out the day as soon
as you jump out of bed with an invigorating three to four minutes of dry skin brushing. Once you do it, you will
be amazed at how addicting this beneficial habit can actually be. Every single person who we have coached
through a seven-day colon cleansing program comments that the favorite part of the routine is the discovery of
skin brushing. It is so vital that our readers understand that we are talking about dry skin brushing with a
natural fiber brush. You will receive none of the therapeutic benefits of skin brushing by doing it with a nylon
brush or "loofa" in the bath or shower.
In "You Can Master Disease," Dr. Jensen relates the secret of a world champion:
Sandow, the Saxon Giant, who performed almost incredible feats of strength, had a skin of velvety softness.
Part of his training to keep himself fit was the regular use of a hard coarse flesh brush. In his diary he stated
that one time when he lost the world championship in weight-lifting by a couple ounces it was because he had
been neglecting the care of his skin.
Daily brushing from head to toe will do more to make the skin active and will remove more dirt and waste
material than a bath or shower with soap and water. Brushing removes the loose surface layer of skin and
cleanses the pores. The warmth experienced after skin brushing enables you to enjoy an "air bath" – spending
a few minutes after brushing simply being naked. Aside from the exceptional good health you will experience,
you will also find that you will need less clothing in the day to be warm and fewer blankets at night.
Seeing the Difference
Another result of skin brushing is a clear complexion. In one office a woman improved her complexion so much
that her co-workers noticed. They soon followed her example and noticed that evening brushing removed the
effects of fatigue at the end of a workday. This is because fatigue at the end of the day is not due to
exhaustion of the muscles or nervous energy as much as it is due to the accumulation of waste acids that are
attempting to be eliminated through the skin. This is why skin brushing is so beneficial and the effects palpable.
We once met a middle-aged tile setter from Florida named Rickey who had soft, beautiful skin and very few
wrinkles on his face. He credits his youthful skin to the advice he received from a naturopath while still a young
man: "Brush your skin every day and it will last you a life time."
The blood continually brings catarrhal wastes to the skin to be eliminated. Daily skin brushing prevents the
accumulation of catarrh and mucous in the body. This is why skin brushing is essential as an aid in the
eliminative function of this organ and also acts as a blood cleanser. As a result of proper skin care, bronchial,
kidney and stomach conditions are often prevented or "cured."
The problem in Western culture of improper skin care can be validated through iridology, the study of the iris of
the eyes. If you look into a friend or family member’s eyes, you will notice what iridologists refer to as a "scurf
rim"—a dark black outline surrounding the perimeter of the iris. The thicker and darker the scurf rim is, the
more congested your skin is. Dr. Jensen has witnessed the scurf rim virtually disappear in patients who
incorporated daily skin brushing along with organic foods and a healthy lifestyle.
Inexpensive, long handled, natural fiber skin brushes are available in most health food stores. We have a
complexion skin brush that we use on our face and a long handled larger brush for our entire body. The brush
may seem rough for the first couple days. If you feel the brush is too rough, dip it in hot water prior to use and
allow it to dry thoroughly before skin brushing with it. Once you become accustomed to it, you will actually look
forward to brushing your skin for three to four minutes in the morning and in the evening.
Author: Ingri Cassel Source
Few people realize that the skin is our body’s largest organ and an important avenue for oxygen and
nourishment to enter the body as well as a means for the body to eliminate accumulated toxins.
As a part of any colon cleansing program or other modified fast, we always recommend that the person
purchase a skin brush with a handle on it that is available from most health food stores. Once you experience
the exhilaration that comes with skin brushing the entire body, you will want to incorporate this ritual into your
daily routine prior to bathing. From experience, I would have to say that dry skin brushing is the most
underrated of health regimens today and is in definite need of a "revival."
Our Largest Organ
Since our skin is the largest organ we possess, it is important to understand the multiple functions of our skin
and how it works to maintain health. Following is a summary of this miraculous "organ."
Armor—The skin’s surface is very much like "armor" made of overlapping scales. When the skin is unbroken, it
protects us against pathogens that would otherwise have access to the body. For optimal functioning, the skin
should be slightly acid. This is one reason that alkali-based soaps should not be used on the body.
Thermostat/radiator—The most vital role of the skin is to maintain even body temperature. Nerves in our skin
can dilate or contract its blood vessels to control about two million sweat glands. When the weather is hot
during the summer months, the blood vessels expand to allow heat to escape with our sweat glands pouring
out as much as two quarts of fluid a day in order to cool the body. When the weather is cold, sweating
diminishes and the blood vessels contract. So precise is this mechanism that a person in good health
maintains a steady body temperature of 98.6 degrees, regardless of outside temperature.
Complex sensory functions—The skin also serves as a sense organ by and through which stimuli are
received. In the deepest portion of the epidermis are a network of nerves and special nerve endings, hair
follicles, blood vessels and the lymphatic and sweat glands. Nails on our toes and fingers, hair and hair
follicles, sweat and oil glands, though closely associated with the epidermis, are more accurately referred to as
"appendages" of the skin. Each hair in our skin has a small blood vessel, several sacs of oil to lubricate it, a
nerve to send an impulse if it is pulled or damaged, and a small muscle to tighten the pores when a person is
cold or scared.
Self-lubricating—The skin contains about two million tiny oil glands to keep its surface from drying out. It is
due to these oil glands that we can remain submerged in water for long periods of time without becoming
"water-logged." The insulating layer of fat underneath the skin’s surface decreases in illness and old age,
causing the surface of the skin to fall into folds or wrinkles.
Eliminative superhighway—Besides providing protective "armor" and heat regulation, the skin is a major
eliminative organ. According to Dr. Bernard Jensen, an adult body can actually eliminate between two to four
pounds of toxic waste daily through the skin. Perspiration is 99 percent water, the remainder being mineral
salts and complex fatty substances. It also contains waste acids being eliminated by the body. Under normal
conditions, our bodies release about one-and-a-half pints of moisture through the skin every 24 hours.
However, emotional stimulation, exercise, certain drugs and higher external temperatures will increase the
amount of perspiration and waste being eliminated.
Antiperspirants, deodorants—Blocking underarm perspiration with antiperspirants or even deodorants also
blocks elimination from these large pores. But what is most dangerous about antiperspirants is that the active
ingredient used is always an aluminum-based compound. The most common ones used are aluminum chloride,
aluminum zirconium tricholorohydrex glycine, aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum hydroxybromide and are
always listed as the first ingredient.
If unpleasant body odors are an issue, normalizing body chemistry through modified fasting followed by a whole
foods diet will eliminate the problem.
Eliminative synergy—There is an important relationship between the skin and other eliminative organs,
especially the kidneys. In Dr. Bernard Jensen’s book, "You Can Master Disease," he relates several people’s
experiences that illustrate the vital importance of the skin:
I once witnessed an experiment in which a man took a soapy tub bath, dried himself, and then entered a steam
cabinet. When he began to perspire after about 15 minutes, he was covered with soap bubbles. Where did all
the soap come from? He had wiped his body dry with a towel. We concluded that the heat of the bath had
opened the pores of his skin and the soap had been absorbed by it. The skin has the ability to absorb
materials placed upon it, especially oily substances.
In another experiment performed at an Eastern sanitarium, a man’s feet were placed in water containing baking
soda. In thirty seconds baking soda was found in this man’s urine. Thirty seconds after turpentine packs were
applied over his kidneys, turpentine was present in his urine. It is difficult to believe that the skin could be so
absorbent.
Another example occurred in a small California town following a parade of floats, on which was a child model
whose body was covered with silver "paint." A short time later she died from uremic poisoning because, with the
channel of elimination through the skin blocked, too great a load of uric acid was forced upon the kidneys, and
the excess was released into the blood. Death has occurred to various dancers and performers whose bodies
were covered with "gold" or "silver" paint, and such cases demonstrate the importance of skin function not only
to well-being but to life itself.
The proper functioning of the skin can also be blocked by excessive use of toxic cosmetics. Health Crusador
Greg Ciola covered this issue extensively in his Dec. 2005 special cosmetic report, Chemical Warfare Hits
Home. In this highly recommended expose, Ciola reveals how the chemicals in our tap water, shampoos,
household cleaners and cosmetics are absorbed via the skin, contributing to the epidemic of cancer and
chronic diseases we are witnessing today.
Dr. Bernard Jensen believes that death will result if a person loses more than a third of his skin. This is based
on his experience of a friend whose body was severely burned from the hips down. Although his friend
appeared to be responding well to treatment, he ended up dying of uremic poisoning.
Third kidney
Due to his extensive clinical experience, Dr. Bernard Jensen believes the skin should be considered a third
kidney. He believes all four eliminative organs—intestines, lungs, kidneys and skin—must be functioning
normally in order to experience optimal health. If they are not, the liver will become congested and the
bloodstream unclean; a clean bloodstream being a sound indicator of health and well-being. But if the skin is
treated properly by allowing it to carry out normal eliminative functions, the result is improved functioning of the
intestines and every other organ in the body.
In fact another aspect of the multiple functions of the skin is its ability to regulate and control to a great extent
the acid-alkaline balance of the body. By wearing clothes made of synthetic fibers, we hinder the body’s ability
to eliminate and utilize oxygen contributing to acidosis. This is the reason master herbalist Dr. John R.
Christopher emphasized the importance of only wearing clothes and undergarments made from natural fibers
that allow the skin to "breathe."
Skin Brushing
As our environment and food supply become more toxic, our lives become more artificial and "out of touch" with
nature. One of the simplest ways to counteract the toxic effects of "civilization" is through the ritual care of our
skin through daily skin brushing. Instead of the standard cup of coffee or tea, try starting out the day as soon
as you jump out of bed with an invigorating three to four minutes of dry skin brushing. Once you do it, you will
be amazed at how addicting this beneficial habit can actually be. Every single person who we have coached
through a seven-day colon cleansing program comments that the favorite part of the routine is the discovery of
skin brushing. It is so vital that our readers understand that we are talking about dry skin brushing with a
natural fiber brush. You will receive none of the therapeutic benefits of skin brushing by doing it with a nylon
brush or "loofa" in the bath or shower.
In "You Can Master Disease," Dr. Jensen relates the secret of a world champion:
Sandow, the Saxon Giant, who performed almost incredible feats of strength, had a skin of velvety softness.
Part of his training to keep himself fit was the regular use of a hard coarse flesh brush. In his diary he stated
that one time when he lost the world championship in weight-lifting by a couple ounces it was because he had
been neglecting the care of his skin.
Daily brushing from head to toe will do more to make the skin active and will remove more dirt and waste
material than a bath or shower with soap and water. Brushing removes the loose surface layer of skin and
cleanses the pores. The warmth experienced after skin brushing enables you to enjoy an "air bath" – spending
a few minutes after brushing simply being naked. Aside from the exceptional good health you will experience,
you will also find that you will need less clothing in the day to be warm and fewer blankets at night.
Seeing the Difference
Another result of skin brushing is a clear complexion. In one office a woman improved her complexion so much
that her co-workers noticed. They soon followed her example and noticed that evening brushing removed the
effects of fatigue at the end of a workday. This is because fatigue at the end of the day is not due to
exhaustion of the muscles or nervous energy as much as it is due to the accumulation of waste acids that are
attempting to be eliminated through the skin. This is why skin brushing is so beneficial and the effects palpable.
We once met a middle-aged tile setter from Florida named Rickey who had soft, beautiful skin and very few
wrinkles on his face. He credits his youthful skin to the advice he received from a naturopath while still a young
man: "Brush your skin every day and it will last you a life time."
The blood continually brings catarrhal wastes to the skin to be eliminated. Daily skin brushing prevents the
accumulation of catarrh and mucous in the body. This is why skin brushing is essential as an aid in the
eliminative function of this organ and also acts as a blood cleanser. As a result of proper skin care, bronchial,
kidney and stomach conditions are often prevented or "cured."
The problem in Western culture of improper skin care can be validated through iridology, the study of the iris of
the eyes. If you look into a friend or family member’s eyes, you will notice what iridologists refer to as a "scurf
rim"—a dark black outline surrounding the perimeter of the iris. The thicker and darker the scurf rim is, the
more congested your skin is. Dr. Jensen has witnessed the scurf rim virtually disappear in patients who
incorporated daily skin brushing along with organic foods and a healthy lifestyle.
Inexpensive, long handled, natural fiber skin brushes are available in most health food stores. We have a
complexion skin brush that we use on our face and a long handled larger brush for our entire body. The brush
may seem rough for the first couple days. If you feel the brush is too rough, dip it in hot water prior to use and
allow it to dry thoroughly before skin brushing with it. Once you become accustomed to it, you will actually look
forward to brushing your skin for three to four minutes in the morning and in the evening.