Dry Brushing | Spring Clean your Body
It’s spring, Nature is awakening and with that season comes the ritual of getting our houses in order. Now is the perfect time to rid your body of all the toxins that have been accumulating. Now is the time to give dry brushing a go. Dry brushing is an ayurvedic practice called garshana (pronounced gar-shun-uh). It promotes lymphatic cleansing, and is a powerful way to support the removal of ama (cellular waste products) from the body.
When we realise skin is the largest organ of the human body, it makes sense that we look after it.
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In Ayurveda, ‘garshana’ is an active massage to help detoxify your lymphatic system. It will leave your skin refreshed and your mind invigorated. Spring is a great time to start as pollen in the air can create a buildup of fluids in your lymphatic system.
There are many benefits to dry brushing:
your muscles will get toner
you’ll improve your skin texture
you’ll reduce stress in your body
you’ll support a healthy metabolism and natural detoxification
your lymphatic circulation will improve
Dry brushing should be avoided if you suffer from sensitive skin or a particular skin condition.
Our tips for dry brushing
There are two things you need to start dry brushing: skin and a brush. Your skin needs to be dry and ideally your brush should be made of natural materials. You’re looking for stiff soft bristles, to gently massage your skin and stimulate your skin and lymph, not scrape it off.
Brush in the morning – before your shower. Your skin needs to be free of water, cream or oil
Brush in a warm room – we suggest to do it straight in your shower so the dead skin can be cleaned easily
Brush towards your heart – that’s the way your lymphatic system works. For joints your joints and your stomach, use circular strokes and for your arms and legs opt for long sweeping strokes.
Brush in three main parts – from your feet to your torso and neck then from your hands to your shoulders and finally brush your stomach and buttocks in circular motions
Brush with various pressure – be extra gentle where the skin is light or sensitive and apply more pressure on thicker areas
When you’re done, jump in the shower. You’ll feel ready to seize the day!