Skip to main content

Ayurvedic Skin Brushing (Gharshana)

Ayurvedic Skin Brushing (Gharshan)

  • Dry brushing is a traditional ayurvedic practice called gharshan.
  • Dry brushing is a massage technique where you apply a dry brush to your skin and create friction by rubbing.
  • As per classical texts of Ayurveda, Udvartana (dry powder massage) is a similar and more practiced therapy than Gharshana.
  • It's another one of the Dinacharya (daily routine) practices recommended within Ayurveda.
  • Dry brushing is a simpler version of Udvartana,
  • For those who find Udvartana too elaborate, Gharshana, or dry brushing, is a simpler and less time-consuming alternative to incorporate a similar technique  to detoxify into your daily routine.

Benefits of dry brushing (The friction caused by dry brushing)

  • Stimulates lymphatic system.
  • Help to remove ama (toxin) from the body.
  • Removes dead cells from skin.
  • Stimulate Kapha in the body and encourage movement and drainage of excess mucus.
  • It promotes weight loss.
  • Beautifying and reducing scars and lines if practiced after Abhyanga.

Here's a general guide on how to perform dry brushing in an Ayurvedic context:
  • Begin brushing before a shower or bath, preferably in the morning.
  • Start from feet and go towards your heart. Swift and fast movements.
  • Go for natural brush made of natural materials with organic mark
  • Be gentle, especially in sensitive areas and areas with thinner skin.
  • After brushing, follow with a warm shower to wash away the loosened skin cells and toxins.

Dosha consideration (who should do dry brushing)

  • Kapha people: Because Gharshana is stimulating, people who are predominantly Kapha in their constitution will benefit from practicing Gharshana daily.
  • Pitta People: Those who are predominantly pitta can do this practice 4–5 times per week.
  • Vata People: Those with more Vata would best benefit from doing this practice 2–4 times per week.

When to Avoid dry brushing

  • A skin condition, such as psoriasis or eczema
  • An open wound (skip the area)
  • Irritated skin, including sunburn
  • Acute illness
  • Fever
  • It's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or an Ayurvedic practitioner before incorporating new practices into your routine

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Ayurvedic and Nutritional facts about dates

Ayurvedic and Nutritional facts about dates Ayurvedic Properties of dates Kharjuram madhuram vrishya snigdham shonitapittajam Kshatkshayapaham hridayam sheetalam tarpanam guru Dates are called kharjura in sanskrit and hindi  Dates are sweet in taste. Dates qualities are heavy( hard to digest ) and unctuous (oily). Its post metabolic taste (Vipak) is sweet. Its potency is cold. The best season to eat is fall and winter season In Fall Season, Pitta Dosha is aggravated in our body so dates are very good for pacifying Pitta Dosha. In winter, the cold wind starts to blow and the digestive fire is too strong so our body needs sweet, unctuous, nourishing food. It helps to improve strength and immunity. According to Ayurveda, The role of dates in our diet Vata and Pitta Shamak (Vata and Pitta Dosha pacifier) Dates are very good for all Vata imbalance disorders like arthritis, constipation, flatulence, insomnia, and nerve disorder. It is very good for balancing Pitta Dosha. It helps to trea...

All about pitta constitution

All about pitta constitution (Pitta body type or pitta dosha predominate ) The following guidelines are to help For pitta body type people For those who have pitta dosha imbalance In pitta season means in summer months when the weather is hot. Environment heat aggravates pitta dosha so it's important to cool your system. If people don't follow the summer seasonal regime, pitta dosha starts to accumulate and it becomes aggravated in the fall season. Sign of pitta imbalance –  Extreme sensitivity to heat Inflammation  Eye problem such as conjunctivitis, bloodshot eyes Burning sensation, acidity, heartburn, peptic ulcer, GERD Dehydration and excessive hunger, dizziness Loose bowel movement is also common such as diarrhoea Frequent bacterial infection Premature graying or balding Frequent skin rashes and inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, boils Bleeding tendency such as nosebleed, heavy periods Yellow discoloration of the eyes, skin, nails Headaches and migraine Anger, ...

Breathing Exercise For Kids

Kids Yoga Breathing Exercise Sequences Yoga has a tremendous power to build confidence and building a connection to your breath is the foundation practice of yoga. Deep breath tells your body and brain to relax, reduce anxiety and promote happiness Breathing exercise helps them bring awareness to their five sense by deliberating focusing attention on scent, sound, visual images, and other sensory details. This enhance memory, creativity, problem-solving skills. It's very challenging to teach kids how to do breathing exercises. In this blog, I am describing some of very easy breathing exercise sequence which you can do with your kids. Flower breath Imagine a beautiful flower in front of you See all the colors in your mind Now bring the flower close to you and imagine you are smelling the scent Now breath out through your mouth Take at least 5 round Candle breath Imagine you holding a candle in front of you When you breathe out like you want to make candle flam wiggle, don’t want to...