He told of “hot wooden saunas in which naked bathers beat themselves with branches and finally pour cold water over themselves.”
Bathing culture has been around similarly in the European countries for thousand years. You will find magnificent bathing houses in Turkey, Hungary, GRB and many-many countries around the world. Sophisticated beauty routines using natural ingredients has been documented for centuries.
Flagellation (Latin flagellum, "whip"), flogging, whipping or lashing is the act of beating the human body with special implements such as whips, lashes, rods, switches, etc. Typically, flogging is imposed on an unwilling subject as a punishment; however, it can also be submitted to willingly, or performed on oneself, in religious or sadomasochistic contexts as Wikipedia explains.
The strokes are usually aimed at the unclothed back of a person, in certain settings it can be extended to other corporeal areas. For a moderated subform of flagellation, described as bastinado, the soles of a person's bare feet are used as a target for beating (see foot whipping).
The purpose of these ceremonies might be different but they all share something in common. Purifying the body and the soul. For health reasons or for punishment, the need to initiate changes in the body and soul is the need for such actions. To purify, detox, eliminate, remove, to get rid of things in the body and the soul that don't serve us well.
How deep we want to go and how big change we want to induce it all depend on what result we want.
Dry body brushing is a simple health practice that anyone can practice at home before taking a shower. No flagellation needed to get great results! Dry body brushing offers amazing benefits, especially when combined with essential oils!
Benefits include:
- exfoliating, removing old, dead skin from the back and the rest of the body
- increases circulation
- reduces cellulite
- smoother younger looking skin
- improves fascia and reduces inflammation in the system that can be the cause of chronic pain, MS, fibromyalgia and different mysterious aches and pains (personal experience)
- detoxifies the lymphatic system
- energizes you and makes you feel alive
- reduces depression
- improves sleep
Using natural plants bristle brush is a must. You don't want to scratch your skin with synthetic brush. A brush with a long handle so you can reach your back is crucial. Our spine is the most important as it carries the nervous system. The Central Nervous System (CNS) controls most functions of the body and mind. It consists of two parts: the brain and the spinal cord. To keep your spine healthy and flexible so your CNS can operate to its best capacity is vital for good health. Stimulating it daily will assist your whole nervous system. Especially, when we spend so much time inactive and sitting.
Starting the day with a good refreshing dry body brushing then jumping in the shower to have a warm shower to wash off all the dead cells you brushed away gets the circulation and your Central Nervous System going. Make sure that you finish your shower with cold water! This is absolutely crucial for a great health routine! Just gradually turn the hot water lower, then wait, get used to it, then turn it off more, then wait, get used to it etc. Then you will see, standing under the cold shower is really not that big deal.
Training your body to get used to this routine of dry brushing with a few drops of essential oil on the brush followed by warm shower followed by cold shower will become your best friend. Especially in summer, it is sensational! If you live with Multiple Sclerosis or chronic pain this will bring your back to life and will tremendously help you reduce your heat sensitivity.
What oils to use on the brush?
I have tried and love many. I used doTerra oils for quality like Lemon, Wild Orange, Tangerine, Grapefruit, Litsea, Siberian Fir, Thyme, Cypress, Coriander, Cilantro, Ginger, Peppermint, Lavender, etc, you name it I tried and all work!
My most favourites and the ones I would highly recommend, other than the one I will detail here next are these:
On Guard blend to build your immune system in seasons of cold and flue when everyone is sick around you.
Slim & Sassy blend (Smart & Sassy in Aus) to shape up, loose weight and get more energy for the day.
Breathe (Easy Air in Aus) for allergies, sinus issues and respiratory problems or when you go to work out! It will increase your breathing capacity and help performance.
However, when someone suggested to try Zendocrine that is a doTerra blend for detoxification and it is The Oil of Vitality and Detoxification according to the book called Emotions & Essential Oils, everything has changed. Zendocrine has Tangerine Peel, Rosemary Leaf, Geranium Flower/Leaf, Juniper Berry, Cilantro Herb essential oils in it.
Common Primary Uses according to Modern Essentials is for endocrine support and hormonal balance. This blend also assists healthy tissue function. You can diffuse this oil blend, inhale the aroma directly from the bottle or by putting a drop or two on your palm, rub your palms then cup your palms around your nose and inhale the aroma, rub, inhale, rub, inhale. You also can massage on the bottoms of your feet neat or with a little carrier oil.
Emotionally, this blend assists during times of transition and change. It can assist an individual in "detoxing" old habits and limiting beliefs. When you feel trapped by self-sabotaging behaviours, Zendocrine paves the way for new life experiences. It aids in letting go of behaviours, thought patterns and feelings that don't serve you well any more. Zendocrine is especially helpful during major life changes which require adjustments in habit and lifestyle, such as alternating diet, quitting smoking, moving house, changing city or country or leaving a job or a bad relationship.
Zendocrine reawakens vital life energy and helps finding new enthusiasm for life. Makes you see life from a fresh perspective and embrace new experiences.
Try dry body brushing with Zendocrine and watch your life change!
