the benefits of dry body brushing
The ritual of gharsana, meaning ‘friction’ is an ancient Ayurvedic wellness practice which consists of the brushing of the skin in a rhythmic, methodical way, to support the detoxification of the lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system is a part of your immune system. It is responsible for protecting your body from illness by producing and releasing lymphocytes (white blood cells) & other cells that are responsible for seeking out & destroying parasites, fungi & bacteria that may enter the body, as well as removing any cellular waste from our system. The lymphatic system also absorbs digestive tract fats, maintains lubrication & regulates fluid levels in our organs, tissues & cells.
The lymphatic system can become slow & stagnant due to environmental stressors & lifestyle factors. Our food choices, microbiome health, stress levels, hydration levels & degree of physical activity may all play a part in the efficiency of our lymphatic system.
Dry body brushing supports the natural functions of the lymphatic system by increasing circulatory blood flow, boosting immune function, & aiding in the removal of toxins & dead skin cells. The manual friction also aids overall skin wellness.
The skin is our largest organ, it’s very clever at mirroring to us how healthy we are on the inside. When we’re affected by lifestyle choices & stressors we may notice an increase in congestion, a lacklustre complexion, blotchiness or uneven skin tone, or the skin may become overly dry, oily or inflamed.
The invigorating practice that is dry body brushing was traditionally done with a silk glove, and warm oils are also incorporated to help nourish & replenish the skin. I find using oil makes the experience more enjoyable & I get to detoxify and moisturise simultaneously. Given the tradtional silk gloves are not vegan friendly, our clever friends Stass & Co have created the ultimate plant based dry body brush, made with walnut wood + plant based sisal bristles. This brush is a must have addition to your wellness tool kit & a great way to enhance skin health & vitality. I find it helps move my energy & increase pranic & qi flow - great for when I feel sluggish or have digestive irregularities or stagnation.
Incorporate this practice into your routine as an energising morning ritual, working the brush from the feet upwards, in long strokes, towards the heart...