Dry brushing, also known as garshana, is an Ayurvedic technique that promotes lymphatic health. It is essential to maintain lymphatic health as it filters toxins, viruses, and bacteria. The skin is our largest organ and is one of the drainage pathways via sweat. It drains fluid from the tissues of the body. Unlike the cardiovascular system, which has a heart that pumps blood throughout the body, the lymph moves primarily with exercise, breathwork, and massage.
Using garshana gloves to brush the skin in an upward direction toward the heart helps to break up stagnation and remove toxins from the body, improves circulation and skin texture, and reduces the accumulation of fat and cellulite.
Garshana practice is also super supportive, flushing out toxins gently when you take medicine to remove parasites, heavy metals, mold, or infectious diseases such as Lyme and facilitate a gentler Jarisch Herxheimer Reaction, also known as a herx.
The garshana gloves are traditionally made of raw silk. They are around ten dollars and are great for someone with sensitive skin or who prefers a gentle brushing experience instead of a dry brush with rough bristles. Purchase garshana gloves here *https://amzn.to/45ZJV3B.
On skin without lotion or oil, begin with the soles of the feet, then long strokes upwards on the legs and arms, in a circular motion toward the body on all joints, such as the elbows and knees, and a circular clockwise motion on the belly and buttocks. Don’t forget the neck. And avoid any area with broken skin or skin issues. The pressure should be softer in more sensitive areas, such as behind the knees, and more robust in less sensitive areas, such as the feet.
There are specific Ayurvedic guidelines on how often this practice needs to be done, and they depend on the dosha- your Ayurvedic blueprint. But as a general recommendation, include this practice before showering. Consistency is more important than stressing out about frequency.
If you are experiencing an acute illness, it’s okay to rest and skip dry brushing. Otherwise, this will also improve the function of your immune system, enhance the quality of the mind, and a sense of well-being.
After dry brushing, follow up with an oil massage known as abhyanga.
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