Benefits of Garshana-Dry Brushing

Garshana or dry brushing is an Ayurvedic practice done to promote lymphatic cleansing, and support the removal of  ama (waste-toxins) from the body.  

Springtime is an ideal time to incorporate garshana in ones daily routine so that you can support your body’s natural detoxification process.  

Benefits of garshana: 

  • supports Kapha dosha to release excess mucous from the body
  • release winter stagnation
  • slough away dry skin 
  • promote cell renewal and blood flow
  • support lymphatic system to release toxins 
  • feel invigorated, less sluggish
  • improve mental clarity

Doshic considerations: 

Choose the material that is best for your dosha.  Traditionally garshana is done using raw silk or linen gloves,but you can use a natural bristle body brush. 

  • Vata dosha: If you are predominaantly Vata dosha and have sensitive skin, try using raw silk or linen glove,  2-4 times per week. Use light pressure when massaging.
  • Pitta dosha: If you are predominantly Pitta dosha, try using raw silk and natural bristle body brush, 4-5 times per week. Use medium pressure when massaging.
  • Kapha dosha: If you are predominantly Kapha dosha, try using a dry bristle body brush. Use medium to stronger pressure when massaging. 

How to: 

  • Practice in the morning before bathing, with dry skin -free from lotion or oil
  • Stand in the tub/shower or on a towel 
  • Using gloves or a brush, massage vigorously keeping the strokes moving towards the heart
  • Use circular strokes on the stomach moving clock wise, and circular strokes on the joints; use long sweeping strokes on the arms and legs 
  • Start massage from the feet moving upward, then to the torso and on to the neck
  • Next massage from the hands to the shoulders
  • Then massage the stomach and buttocks in circular clockwise motions
  • Use light pressuer on sensitve skin and thin areas, and apply stronger pressure on areas with thicker skin such as feet
  • Afterwards, apply doshic supportive oils: Vata (heavy and warming) -sesame, Pitta (cooling) -sunflower, Kapha (light and warming) -safflower (Kapha may not need oil)

When NOT to practice garshana: 

  • If you have very fragile and very sensitive skin that bruises or tears easily 
  • inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema
  • skin has an open wound, sunburnt, reddened due to allergic reaction or an injury
  • when you are ill

 

 

 

 

 

All information presented here is for educational purposes. Consult your medical practitioner before starting new health care activities.