sireikisvGARSHANA OR DRY BRUSHING
Springtime is an ideal time to incorporate garshana in ones daily routine so that you can support your body’s natural detoxification process.
Benefits of garshana:
supports Kapha dosha to release excess mucous from the body
release winter stagnation
slough away dry skin
promote cell renewal and blood flow
support lymphatic system to release toxins
feel invigorated, less sluggish
improve mental clarity
Doshic considerations:
Choose the material that is best for your dosha. Traditionally garshana is done using raw silk or linen gloves,but you can use a natural bristle body brush.
Vata dosha: If you are predominaantly Vata dosha and have sensitive skin, try using raw silk or linen glove, 2-4 times per week. Use light pressure when massaging.
Pitta dosha: If you are predominantly Pitta dosha, try using raw silk and natural bristle body brush, 4-5 times per week. Use medium pressure when massaging.
Kapha dosha: If you are predominantly Kapha dosha, try using a dry bristle body brush. Use medium to stronger pressure when massaging.
How to:
Practice in the morning before bathing, with dry skin -free from lotion or oil
Stand in the tub/shower or on a towel
Using gloves or a brush, massage vigorously keeping the strokes moving towards the heart
Use circular strokes on the stomach moving clock wise, and circular strokes on the joints; use long sweeping strokes on the arms and legs
Start massage from the feet moving upward, then to the torso and on to the neck
Next massage from the hands to the shoulders
Then massage the stomach and buttocks in circular clockwise motions
Use light pressuer on sensitve skin and thin areas, and apply stronger pressure on areas with thicker skin such as feet
Afterwards, apply doshic supportive oils: Vata (heavy and warming) -sesame, Pitta (cooling) -sunflower, Kapha (light and warming) -safflower (Kapha may not need oil)
When NOT to practice garshana:
If you have very fragile and very sensitive skin that bruises or tears easily
inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema
skin has an open wound, sunburnt, redde
