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Blog Posts Tagged skin | HAPPY AND HEALTHY WITH JEN | Jen Knutson

skin

How and Why to Dry Brush

How and Why to Dry Brush
If you follow my stories on Instagram, you know I am a big fan of dry brushing. I do it at least 5-6 days a week.

Why?

Well, it is really quick and easy and has some incredible benefits, including:

  • Encouraging Detoxification
  • Enhances Blood & Lymph Flow
  • Decreases Water Retention
  • Decreases the Appearance of Cellulite
  • Removes Dead Skin & Unclogs Pores
  • Makes Skin Softer
  • Energizing
  • Stress Relief
One of the main reasons I do it is it supports the lymphatic system! I Not only is the lymphatic system a key component in detoxification, it is actually part of your immune system as well - which means it helps to defend you from bacteria and other harmful invaders.

It carries waste away from the tissues and into the bloodstream so that it can then be cycled through the liver or wherever needed for elimination. Pretty impressive, right?

The other cool thing about it is it focuses on removing toxins that have been introduced by both internal and external means -- meaning it will detox internal toxins, like metabolic waste as well as toxins that have come from our environment.

The lymphatic system loves movement...and it needs it because it doesn’t have a pump, like the circulatory system has the heart to pump it around. 

One way to create that movement is through massage and dry brushing is like a mini massage!

When choosing a dry brush, you don't need to get anything fancy. You can literally grab a brush at Target or Kmart. Just ensure you get a brush with natural fibres. They may feel hard at first, but the skin will adapt. 

Make sure you don't press too hard. We aren't trying to break or irritate the skin.

To dry brush, use long, sweeping or circular motions. Do not use back and forth motions.

Do not brush over broken, irritated or infected skin.

In the graphic below, the arrows show where & in which direction to brush the skin to support lymphatic flow & drainage.

Enjoy!





MEET JEN

 
Hello! Thank you popping by! I’m Jen. I'm a wife, a furmama to two gorgeous dogs, a Naturopath, Nutritionist, and an advocate for natural ways to support physical and emotional wellbeing. Oh, and I’m a CEO! 

My journey originally started in Psychology. You see, when I was 16 my father took his own life after suffering years of a debilitating gambling addiction. I did a Bachelor’s in Psych as I wanted to understand why he made the choices that he did. I also wanted to ensure that I never went down that path and also help those suffering as he did. I loved it so much I went on to do a Masters.

It was during that time I got sick. I’m talking woke up one morning and couldn’t get out of bed, sick. For many years I felt helpless and frustrated!

Let me back up for a second. Prior to this life consisted of pain and fatigue. I had digestive issues and IBS from childhood. Through my teens and early 20's I was getting 2-3 migraines a month around my cycle and headaches more than half the month. My periods we very painful – I had to miss work or school the first 1-2 days. I would literally lie on the floor or the bed curled in the foetal position and cry from the pain. I could easily talk a full packet of Ibuprofen and still not get much relief.

Then, at 26, my period stopped altogether and things went downhill fast! For the first time in my life I was feeling apathetic and overwhelmed. Over the course of the next two years I was diagnosed with a host of conditions – are you ready for the laundry list? The first diagnosis was PCOS. I was told that I was infertile, that I would never have children, and that IVF wasn’t an option for me. I was also told that I was pre-diabetic, that my liver was worse than an alcoholic’s (and I don’t drink), that I had migraine disorder, vertigo, and adrenal fatigue. The cherry on the cake was a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s at 28.

I was in complete and utter shock. I couldn’t fathom that a 28-year-old Personal Trainer, who looked fit and healthy on the outside, could be in such disarray on the inside.  

Over the two years I saw five doctors and a Naturopath and nothing improved.

And then one day a friend and I got in touch. She told me to change my diet and take specific supplements. I figured I had nothing to lose, and so I did! I went onto a low-carb diet and was taking upward of 30-40 pills a day…and guess what?! Three months later my period started!! How incredible is that?!

Over the next two years all of my health ailments rectified! Well, all except my Hashi’s – more on that in a minute. My cycles became clockwork, they were manageable, the migraines and vertigo disappeared and my liver and blood sugar levels returned to the normal range! How exciting is that?! The best part, I can now have children should I choose! Having that option is incredible!

Of course I was so excited and inspired that I had to go to school and study Nutritional Medicine and Naturopathy.

Now, let’s talk about my Hashi’s. That only went into remission when my toxic load was decreased. That was a lightbulb moment for me and the moment I got fired up to share with others the importance of leading a low-tox life. I love educating people where toxins are found, what impact they have on physical and emotional wellbeing, and what products to replace them with to support your wellbeing. 

I sincerely believe that many of my health issues would not have presented if I were living a low-tox life. My Hashi’s has been in remission since I was 31 and I am so proud to say that! Praise God!

Life is so different to what it was 10 years ago. I have the energy and the mental capacity to engage in life! I am present and am thriving. Oh, and I laugh! I actually laugh out loud, something that eluded me for many years.

I am happy and healthy and it is my mission to help YOU be the happy, healthy person you are meant to be!
I would love for you to join our exclusive community and learn how you too can find freedom from physical and emotional barriers. I look forward to seeing you there!
 

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