Dry brushing - also known as gharshana, or skin brushing, is a technique that is recommended by Ayurveda practitioners around the world.
The practice is quite simple, but can provide you with profound health benefits by helping to speed up the removal of toxins from the body.
Dry brushing in Ayurveda is generally done with silk or linen gloves. These materials help to prevent friction, making sure that the brushing will feel nice. Wearing these gloves, you will perform a number of quick, vigorous strokes on your skin to help eliminate toxins, dust, or dead skin.
The benefits of dry brushing can include:
Improved muscle tone
- Enhanced skin health, ‘glowing’ skin
- Decreased physical effects of stress
- Helps to enhance metabolism and thus helps to regulate weight
- Encourages the removal of ama (toxins)
- Improves circulation
- Helps to fight and remove cellulite
If you have extremely sensitive skin or suffer from a skin condition, it may be a good idea to avoid garshana until you are able to solve these problems.
Otherwise, don’t hesitate to start a daily practice of dry brushing right away. You’ll be surprised how much you can improve your health!