Why Dry Brush? (best for early spring)
Ready to try dry brushing?
This traditional Ayurvedic practice, also called garshana (pronounced gar-shun-uh), promotes lymphatic cleansing and is a powerful way to support the body's natural detoxification process.
Garshana is traditionally done using raw silk or linen gloves, though many prefer a natural bristle body brush. This technique is recommended especially for people who have signs of ama, which may include lethargy, sluggishness, feeling of physical or mental dullness, constipation, and a taxed immune system.
Dry brushing is also an excellent practice for the kapha time of year, from late winter into spring. Snow is melting, water has saturated the earth, and flower pollen is carried on the breeze—this is the time of year when kapha can accumulate in the lymph or the sinuses and create stagnation throughout the body.
Dry brushing helps to stimulate kapha in the body and encourage movement and drainage of excess mucus.
How to dry brush:
✨Purchase a good quality dry brush that is not too soft or hard, just right.
✨Brush your skin vigorously (but gently) from the limbs towards your center. Then, brush from your top torso towards your root.
✨Use a gentle touch to start. Long strokes on the long bones and circles on the joints. Tune into your skin. What feels good? You can do this in one minute, or you can take five.
Certain places may feel incredibly enlivening — while others require a lighter touch. The only rules to follow are what your body dictates. Again, use this practice to begin your journey of self-healing, and then when you feel comfortable, gradually incorporate using your hands on your skin.
All these rituals must start with you, your intuition, and deep listening. There is no "right" or "wrong."
When to Avoid Garshana (Dry Brushing)
Dry brushing is generally considered very safe and beneficial. However, you may want to avoid garshana if you have any of the following conditions:
• Very sensitive skin
• A skin condition, such as psoriasis or eczema
• An open wound (skip the area)
• Irritated skin, including sunburn, an acute illness
This natural detoxification practice gently flushes out toxins without disturbing the body’s balance. It will help you feel energetic and revitalized. It’s an exhilarating breath of fresh air—anything but dull and dry!
Have fun, and enjoy experimenting with this ritual of connecting with your skin and always noticing the effects.