A Guide To Garshana: Dry Brushing

What is Garshana or Dry brushing?

Dry brushing a very popular practice finds its roots in Garshana, an ancient Ayurvedic technique that uses a brush with coarse natural fiber bristles over the skin. Ayurvedic dry brushing is done by massaging natural dry powders on the skin in upward strokes. Dry brushing helps to exfoliate dead skin and increases blood circulation. It opens clogged pores, drains lymphatic fluids and aids detoxification. Garshana is stimulating, it helps loosen the state of stagnant energy in a system or an organ by balancing excess Kapha.

How long has it been around and how has it evolved into the practice it is today? 

Garshana is an ancient practice, and it has always been an important part of therapeutic ayurvedic procedures. Over time, with people living very busy lives, the practice of Garshana evolved to using brushes over powders. Udwarthana, a dry massage using herbal powders to break down excess subcutaneous fat was also performed by using brick powder and wood powder in earlier times. 

Can you explain what the three doshas are and how they correlate to your skin type/how often you should be dry brushing? 

In Ayurvedic philosophy the five elements combine in pairs to form the three dynamic forces called doshas. Vata (air and space) governs the mobility and impulses in our body and mind. Pitta (water and fire) takes care of the overall energy and emotions attached to thought process, while Kapha (earth and water) provides stability and nourishment. Doshas are primary life forces or biological humors found in all life forms and Ayurveda categorises personalities under one of these bio energies. There are a preferable set of elaborate rules listed as guidance for each personality types.

People with different doshas have different skin traits. Garshana is a stimulating therapy, people who are predominantly kapha in their constitution will benefit the most and can practice it daily. Those who are predominantly pitta can practice dry brushing twice a week. The Vata personality type would best benefit from doing this practice once per week if required, for the vata type, dry powders are often mixed with ghee or sesame oil. People with sensitive skin, prone to rashes, eruptions or any other similar condition must always consult an Ayurveda physician to avoid aggravating their condition.

What are the benefits of dry brushing? 

• Garshana pacifies the aggravated Kapha dosha
• Reduces the excess fat accumulated in the subcutaneous tissues
• Softens and exfoliates dead skin cells, thereby giving a lustrous glow to skin
• Detoxification, purification, toning the skin promotes tighter skin, cell renewal and blood flow
• Eliminates bad body odour
• Improves mobility of joints
• Strengthens and tones up the muscles
• Refreshes and rejuvenates the body
• Takes care of conditions due to improper blood supply

Dry brushing improves cellulite, is this the primary purpose for Garshana? 

The origin of this practice was only for health benefits, the aesthetics is an added advantage. The purpose of Garshana was originally not to address cellulite formation, but for deeper internal benefits such as detoxification. Once the accumulated fat deposit loosens and moves out of the system, it overall increases the circulation resulting in the cure of diverse health issues and aches & pains. The cellulite dissolving through Garshana is a by-product and an added advantage.

How do you choose the right brush for face and body? 

Garshana is traditionally done using raw silk or linen gloves, though many prefer to use a natural bristle body brush.

What's the best way to practice dry brushing? 

Dry brushing is best done in the morning before bathing, with dry skin that is free from lotion or oil. Make sure the room used for the therapeutic practice is warm and has a comfortable temperature.

For a Vata Prakruti (a person dominated by the elements of air and space), it is strongly recommended to practice an abhyanga followed by dry brushing to calm their sensitive nervous system. It is best to start at the feet and work your way up using firm, upward strokes towards the heart, usually going over each area two to three times. Over the belly, brush in a clockwise motion.