Brushing your way to good health
DRY-BRUSHING HAS MANY BENEFITS, INCLUDING A FEEL-GOOD FACTOR, SAY EXPERTS
Gwyneth Paltrow recently said that she dry-brushes every night before showering. Victoria’s Secret model Josephine Skriver is another big fan of the technique. The wellness routine is popular due to benefits ranging from lymphatic drainage and increased circulation to cellulite removal and exfoliation.
But what is dry-brushing, exactly? Is there any science behind it?
“Dry-brushing is an ancient body cleansing technique. In Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems, developed more than 3,000 years ago in India, it is known as ‘ Garshana’. This lymphatic massage regimen helps remove ama (digestive toxins) and not only cleanses the skin, but also benefits the whole body,” says Megha Dinesh, wellness expert and co-founder, Meghavi Wellness and Spa.
HOW IT’S DONE
As the name implies, the practice commonly involves a drybrush — it is run in circular motions over the body. “The recommended time to do it is early morning. The ideal way of doing dry-brushing/Garshana is to massage the dry body using circular movements while wearing gloves made of raw silk. Body brushes made from natural fibres can also be considered,” says Megha.
“As Ayurvedic treatments traditionally start from the head downwards, away from the heart, Garshana/dry-brushing can be done starting from the scalp, then face, followed by other parts, using small yet firm circular movements,” she adds.
The western massage system focuses on pushing the blood towards the heart, leading to improved blood flow, so one can also do dry-brushing starting from the feet and moving up. “Both techniques lead to better health though there hasn’t been enough scientific research on the technique,” says
Megha.
SHE LISTS A FEW BENEFITS:
1 Improved blood flow leading to effective distribution of nutrition and efficient waste removal.
As the name implies, the practice commonly involves a dry-brush — it is run in circular motions over the body. After dry-brushing, you could take a cold shower to
cool the body and remove remaining dry skin, or, better still, follow up with an oiling or hydrating
regimen.
2
The firm circular strokes create compression in the muscles that help push the lymph, consisting of white blood cells and antibodies, into lymphatic nodes and thus improve lymphatic circulation which is often very sluggish due to a sedentary lifestyle. Improved lymphatic circulation translates as improved immunity.
3
The technique also helps in sloughing off dead skin, leaving the skin more radiant and soft.
4
A touch is always therapeutic and dry scrubbing can be considered self-massage, improving selfesteem and contributing to selflove and feeling good.
5
Due to improved blood flow, there will be a surge in energy levels, and if done in the morning, it will give your day an invigorating start.
6
The friction due to the strokes also increases body temperature and promotes perspiration, which in turn helps remove toxins and excess salt.
USE WITH CARE
While doing dry-brushing, one needs to be mindful of existing skin conditions.
“Dry-brushing is not recommended for excessively dry skin, or when you have open cuts/wounds, eczema, sun burn or sensitive skin. Also, one should b e
moderate in applying pressure. Firm pressure could be used on areas with thicker skin, like the soles and elbows, while gentle pressure should be maintained on the face, neck etc,” says Megha.
After dry-brushing, you could take a cold shower to cool the body and remove remaining dry skin, or, better still, follow up with an oiling or hydrating regimen.
“Dry scrubbing removes excess sebum and may leave the skin dryer. Based on skin type and weather (do more in warmer climates than in cold ones) dry-brushing can be done almost daily for oily skin and twice/thrice a week for dry skin. It is recommended only once a week or once in ten days for those with excessively dry skin.
And a liberal amount of oil, preferably coconut oil, should be applied after the process,” Megha says.
Younger people need to pursue the routine less frequently than those with mature skin.
The ideal way of doing drybrushing/Garshana is to massage the dry body using circular movements while wearing gloves made
of raw silk. Body brushes made from natural fibres can also be considered,” says Megha Dinesh, wellness expert and cofounder, Meghavi Wellness and Spa