Saturday, April 20, 2013

Weekend Pampering......

By Pamela Schmidlin, Certified Health Coach, Certified Dog Trainer, Professional Photographer and Videographer

The weekend is here.....and although this is something to be done throughout the week, this is something that you can really spend more time on and really pamper yourself with. Ya ready?!?!? Here it is.....

DRY SKIN BRUSHING
 


 
Most of you are probably saying, alright Pam, what the heck is skin brushing? Well it's simple...it's literally taking a brush and brushing your skin....just like to brush your hair you would brush your skin!
 
I'm thinking the next question your asking is WHY?...Why on earth would I need to brush my skin?
 
Let me tell you....Skin Brushing helps the skin, by the way our body's largest organ do it's job of detoxifying the body so much easier, that's right it helps us SWEAT! Our skin can become so clogged with dead skin cells and everything around us that comes in contact with our skin that we need to help it out.
 
Dry Skin brushing removes any dead skin cells, so that we can grow new skin cells. It can improve circulation in the areas that we brush as well. Not to mention the smoother skin we get afterwards, and the healthy glow that follows. As well as the reduction of cellulite due to the increased blood flow to the skin.  Skin becomes firmer once the dead skin cells are brushed away. 

Not to mention that when you skin brush, the act of skin brushing leaves you feeling awake and revived. Which is a great morning started (and cheaper than a cup of coffee, as well as better for you!).

And finally take some stress off the liver and kidneys.

Now here's how to skin brush:

Use a soft, natural bristle brush preferably with a long handle to reach areas like your back. Allow at least 5 minutes for yourself to skin brush.

Start with your hands or feet, and brush towards your heart. (Yes, at first you may tickle your feet- but go with it, the laughter at first will do you go as well.)

Work towards your heart, if you started with your hands once you reach your heart center- do your feet....again brushing towards the heart. Brush every part of your body.

* If you have any wounds or rashes avoid them, and continue on.


Alright, Skyler, Sandy, and Candycane wanted to mention the version of Dog Skin Brushing. Which is simply....Brushing the dog!

Brushing the dog is NOT just a good idea to make your dog look good before heading to the dogpark, it is so good for your dog's health (not to mention yours). So I'm going to suggest setting aside time each week to really brush your dog.

Brushing your dog, let's you know what your dog's body is really like, and at this time you can look for lumps, bumps, or abrasions. You will be able to find bacterial infections, insect bites, or skin cancers.

Keeping your dog mat free is important as well. Mats are tangled hair, that are hard to separate, that are close to the skin and can become painful overtime. They can also cause skin problems. Remove matting carefully with special mat combs that can be purchased at your local pet store.

Depending on your dog's coat, you will need a brush, comb, or rake. Take a look at your dog's coat, if unsure you can ask at your local pet store, or groomers about what to use for regular maintenance of your dog's specific coat.

Here's how to go about brushing your dog:

Always approach your dog in a positive manner when your going to brush him/her.

If your dog is not used to being brushed and wants to run from you, you may have to introduce this new activity slowly. One step at a time. Start by calling your dog, introducing the brush to them, and brushing one slow stroke at a time, followed by stroking them with your hand. Always talking calmly with your dog. Start with a minute of two, and work up to longer brushing time.

Be carefully around sensitive areas (groin, stomach, and pit areas).

Brushing is a great bonding experience between you and your dog.

Have a great weekend...more blogs and vlogs to come....so check back during the weekend, bookmark my blog....and we'll see you soon....So go pamper yourself today (and everyday) and then pamper your dog!

Email me and tell me what your up to and what you want to me to blog about, at pamelaschm@optonline.net

I can be found on the web at:
 

 

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