Dry brushing is an ancient medicine that has been around for centuries. Traditionally known called garshana (pronounced gar-shun-uh), dry brushing helps promote lymphatic cleansing and is a powerful way to support the natural process of detoxification in the body. Traditionally this was practised with raw silk or linen gloves, but today many use a natural bristle body brush. Dry brushing is always performed in a specific pattern working towards the heart.
In Ayurveda, it is believed that dry brushing can be helpful for people who have signs of ama, which may include lethargy, sluggishness, feeling physical or mental dullness, constipation, and a taxed immune system and is also thought to aid with drainage of excess mucus.
Benefits of dry brushing
Dry brushing is believed to be one of the most effective ways to support the proper health and flow of the lymphatic system, which in turn offers immense benefit throughout the body. It can help with
- Improves lymphatic circulation
- Gets rid of dry dead skin cells
- Improves the texture, luminosity, and suppleness of the skin
- Helps to reduce the effects of stress on the body
- Helps weight management by supporting healthy metabolism
- Supports natural detoxification
- Enhances circulation and healthy blood flow
- Stimulates areas that accumulate cellulite
- Increasing muscle tone
Benefits of dry brushing
Dry brushing is believed to be one of the most effective ways to support the proper health and flow of the lymphatic system, which in turn offers immense benefit throughout the body. It can help with
- Improves lymphatic circulation
- Gets rid of dry dead skin cells
- Improves the texture, luminosity, and suppleness of the skin
- Helps to reduce the effects of stress on the body
- Helps weight management by supporting healthy metabolism
- Supports natural detoxification
- Enhances circulation and healthy blood flow
- Stimulates areas that accumulate cellulite
- Increasing muscle tone
How to dry brush correctly following the Ayurvedic system
Here are a few simple guidelines on how to practice dry brushing.
Dry brushing the skin is best done in the morning before your bath or shower on dry skin as it helps to stimulate the system. This should be done on skin that is free from lotion or oils. Ideally, you want to dry brush in a room where it is warm, and at a comfortable temperature so that you can fully relax. When you first start dry brushing, it’s best, to begin with a light brush stroke. As you get used to it, you can increase the pressure.
Next stand in the bathtub/shower or on a towel to avoid getting flaky skin on the floor. Using your raw silk/linen gloves or bristle brush dry brush starting from the legs and working upwards. Your strokes should always be working towards the heart. Circular strokes should always be used on the joints (shoulders, elbows, knees, wrists, hips, and ankles), and long sweeping strokes on the arms and legs (toward the heart).
Massage from the feet upward, continuing to the torso and onto the neck, then from the hands to the shoulders. Massage the stomach and buttocks in circular clockwise motions. Always apply light pressure where the skin is thin or sensitive and firm pressure on thicker areas like the bottoms of the feet. Dry brushing should never be performed on the face and neck area.
Once you have completed your dry brushing take a cool or room temperature shower, avoiding very hot water. Pat your skin dry and while still damp complete your body care with a hydrating moisturiser or body oil.
Contraindications and when to avoid dry brushing
- very sensitive skin
- a skin condition, such as psoriasis or eczema
- an open wound (skip the area)
- irritated skin, including sunburn
- an acute illness
What supplies do you need for dry brushing?
All you need to begin your practice is a dry brush with natural fibre bristles or if preferred raw silk/linen gloves. If using a brush, you should consider one with a long handle to help you reach every part of your body. To keep the brush clean, many health stores and spas sell special solutions made with tea tree oil which can be spritzed over the bristles and left to dry. Never share your brush with anyone to avoid infection.
If you don’t want to dry brush yourself, look for a local holistic spa or salon that offers a dry brushing treatment. At Enlighten Through Nature, we offer a Cleanse & Relax Back treatment that includes dry brushing as part of the treatment ritual to aid with a deeper cleanse detoxification and relaxation.
