Dry brushing is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that helps promote circulation, stimulates and cleanses your lymphatic system, and helps your body get rid of toxins. In Sanskrit, this practice is called garshana (gar-shun-aa). 

This is a fantastic practice to do during the Kapha season (late winter through spring) to help increase circulation and stimulate Kapha in the body (in the body, Kapha is mucous which can get accumulated in the lymph or the sinuses and create stagnation). 

DRY BRUSHING AND THE DOSHAS

Schedule a consultation with me to see what your Ayurvedic constitution is and how you can incorporate dry brushing into your self-care practice.  

BENEFITS OF DRY BRUSHING

• Exfoliates the skin 
• Increases circulation 
• Detoxifies the skin 
• Stimulates lymphatic drainage
• Improves muscle tone
• Reduces cellulite 
• Promotes weight management by supporting a healthy metabolism 

HOW TO PRACTICE

Where: Stand in the bathtub, shower, or over a towel (as dead skin cells will accumulate)

How:

• Massage in a clockwise, circular motion
• Use medium pressure (you want to feel the practice without irritating the skin)
• Use light pressure over sensitive areas (chest, neck, decolletage)

1. Start with your feet and move up:

• I like to start with my left foot, working my way up to the upper left thigh 
• Then move to my right foot, working my way up to the upper right thigh
• Then move towards the buttocks continuing upward to the lower back 
• Then move towards the belly/stomach

2. Move to the hands and arms

• Starting with my left hand, working my way up to the upper arm, armpit, and shoulder
• Then move to my right hand, working my way up to the upper arm, armpit, and shoulder
• Be mindful of your upper arms as many lymph nodes are located there

3. Finish from the Neck down to the chest:

• After I’ve completed my shoulders I start at my jawline and move down towards my chest (right and left side) finishing in a clockwise, circular motion over my heart which ends the practice. 

Afterward: Dry brushing removes the dead skin cells leaving your skin exfoliated. Shower as usual and be sure to use a natural, high-quality cream or oil after you shower. 

WHEN TO AVOID DRY BRUSHING

While this practice is considered very safe and extremely beneficial, you may want to avoid it if you have any of the following conditions:

• A skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis
• Very sensitive skin 
• An open wound
• Sunburn 
• Rash
• Any acute illness (rest is more important during this time)

Like any self-care practice, this is something you should stick with and do consistently to see and feel smoother, radiant skin.

Lisa xo