Dry brushing is a lymphatic massage and detox therapy for the skin, the body’s largest organ, which can eliminate a pound of waste daily (yikes). This explains why it’s sometimes called the “3rd kidney.”
In Ayurveda, this therapy is called garshana. It’s a dry brush self-massage that exfoliates and energizes the skin, stimulates and improves blood flow throughout the body, and helps to promote healthy lymphatic circulation and cleansing. It also calming to the nervous system and feels great.
Here’s how to get started:
- Use a soft, natural bristle brush, with a long handle for getting hard-to-reach places (some have a detachable handle). You can also use a small loofah for feet, elbows, and other places that can take a harsher hand. As an alternative to the brush, you can use a silk glove or dry sponge.
- Brush preferably in the morning before a shower or bath to wash off the impurities that result from brushing. Consider a cool shower for a real wake up.
- Brush in the direction of the heart to support enhanced function of the lymphatic system, which filters and maintains the body fluid balance and returns fluids to the heart.
- Start at the soles of the feet, move up the legs, then hands and arms brushing in a circular motion. Back and abdomen last. Brush the entire body using long sweeping strokes. As different areas of the body can be sensitive, adjust the amount of pressure accordingly.
- Avoid garshana if you have very sensitive skin, a skin condition such as psoriasis or eczema, an open wound (skip the area), inflamed skin due to sunburn or an allergy or illness.
Conni Kunzler has been practicing yoga for over 20 years. As a registered yoga instructor since 2005(E-RYT 200, RYT 500), her teaching focus is on asana alignment, therapeutics, and mind-body awareness. She also holds an Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist certification, using nutrition, yoga asana, breath practices, meditation, and other life-style changes as tools for holistic health and well-being.
