Ayurvedic Dry Brushing
The Ancient Detox Ritual Your Body Will Love
If you’re looking for a simple, energizing ritual to start your day with intention—Ayurvedic dry brushing may be the perfect fit. Known as garshana (pronounced gar-shun-uh), this traditional technique is a time-honored way to awaken the lymphatic system, support natural detoxification, and bring vitality back to your skin and body.
In a world where our bodies are constantly overstimulated—screens, travel, stress, deadlines, toxins—dry brushing offers a rare kind of simple, ancient medicine. It’s a daily ritual that reconnects you to your body, boosts your energy, and helps you begin the day feeling grounded rather than rushed.
Also, it’s one of the few things in life that takes under five minutes and actually works.
What Is Garshana?
Garshana is a form of Ayurvedic dry massage traditionally performed using raw silk or linen gloves. Today, many people use a natural bristle body brush instead.
The goal is simple:
stimulate lymph flow, slough off dead skin cells, and jumpstart circulation.
According to Ayurveda, garshana is especially beneficial for signs of ama—a buildup of toxins that can show up as sluggishness, brain fog, low immunity, or that feeling of “Why am I tired at 2 p.m. again?”
Even modern research agrees: gentle skin stimulation increases lymphatic flow and activates the body’s detox pathways—exactly what Ayurveda has taught for thousands of years.
Why I Started Dry Brushing (and Why I Swear By It)
I’ve always loved to travel. Exploring new places feeds my soul.
But in my thirties, something changed.
After every flight—whether a short hop or a long international journey—my feet and lower legs would swell. Badly. I tried everything: aisle seats, compression socks, walking the cabin, more water, less wine (tragic), elevation, stretching… nothing worked.
And honestly? I was scared. Travel is one of my greatest joys, and I didn’t want to give it up.
Then I had a moment of clarity:
“Mira, you study the body. What else can you do?”
I remembered dry brushing—a technique I’d once used during a spa treatment.
I thought:
You brush your teeth every day. You brush your hair every day. Why not brush your skin every day?
(My logic was impeccable.)
So I began. After my morning shower, I took a few minutes to care for my skin and lymph system.
Within weeks, my skin looked brighter. I felt lighter.
And then came the real test: a flight to California.
No swelling.
Then a long flight to Africa:
Still no swelling.
I was astonished—and relieved.
Dry brushing was a game-changer.
To this day, it remains one of my most cherished morning rituals—simple, quick, and wildly effective.
Why Try Dry Brushing?
Garshana is especially recommended during Kapha season (late winter–early spring), when the body naturally carries more heaviness. It helps:
– clear congestion and stagnation
– lighten the dense qualities of Kapha
– reinvigorate the body and mind
But all doshas benefit year-round:
Kapha types: Daily dry brushing
Pitta types: 4–5x/week
Vata types: 2–4x/week plus warm oil afterward. Vatas everywhere just sighed with relief at the mention of warm oil.
Not sure your dosha? Ask during your next session or check my website quiz.
When to Lean Into Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is most supportive during:
Late Winter + Spring: Perfect for clearing heaviness
Summer: Helps cool heat fatigue and support lymph flow
Fall: Grounds and supports immunity
Winter: Warms the body and supports circulation
It’s a beautiful, seasonally aligned way to care for your body.
What Dry Brushing Feels Like
Dry brushing feels energizing yet soothing—like waking up every cell of your body.
Your skin warms, your mind clears, and your system feels lightly charged.
It’s one of the quickest ways to shift from “I need a nap” to “Okay, I can do this.”
The Benefits of Ayurvedic Dry Brushing
This simple ritual supports you far beyond the surface:
✔ smoother skin texture
✔ enhanced lymphatic drainage
✔ increased circulation
✔ boosted metabolism
✔ gentle detoxification
✔ reduced physical tension
✔ support in areas prone to cellulite
✔ clearer mind + renewed energy
Basically, your skin and lymphatic system will be texting you thank-you notes.
How to Practice Garshana at Home
Dry brushing takes 3–5 minutes after your morning shower.
Shower first and pat dry.
Start at your feet and brush upward toward your heart.
Use long strokes on limbs, circular motions on joints.
Brush clockwise circles on belly + glutes.
Use light pressure on sensitive areas.
Optional: quick warm rinse after.
Finish with abhyanga (warm oil massage).
If it feels like you’re coaching energy upward and inward—that’s exactly what’s happening.
My Personal Dry Brushing Routine
Here’s how I keep it simple and consistent:
– My brush lives right on my bathroom counter (if it goes in a drawer, it disappears into the void forever).
– Dry brush → warm shower → sesame or coconut oil.
– Total time: under five minutes.
– Total effect: feels like I just did an entire wellness retreat in my bathroom.
Common Dry Brushing Mistakes
Avoid these for best results:
– Brushing too hard (you’re exfoliating, not sanding furniture)
– Brushing on wet skin
– Using an old or unwashed brush
– Skipping moisturizer afterward (especially if you’re Vata-prone)
When to Skip Dry Brushing
Avoid garshana if:
– You have very sensitive or reactive skin
– You’re dealing with eczema or psoriasis flare-ups
– You have open wounds or sunburn
– You have acute illness or infection
Always let your skin lead the way.
Revitalize. Restore. Repeat.
Ayurvedic dry brushing is anything but boring. It’s invigorating, detoxifying, and deeply rooted in the wisdom of natural healing. Whether you're supporting a seasonal shift, energizing your mornings, boosting circulation, or simply reconnecting with your body, garshana offers a beautiful path forward.
Add It to Your Next Massage
Curious to try dry brushing during your next session?
Ask about adding it as an upgrade—or book an Ayurvedic massage for a personalized treatment aligned with your unique constitution.
Your lymph, skin, and energy will thank you.
Probably immediately. They’ve been waiting for this.