Are you looking for an easy way to increase your circulation, stimulate your lymphatic system and exfoliate your skin?
Garshana, also known as ‘dry-brushing’, is a type of Ayurvedic lymphatic massage that has been used for centuries. Keep on reading to learn more about this simple and amazing technique!
What is Garshana?
Garshana, in Sanskrit, literally means “friction by rubbing”. The massage usually involves a large brush with coarse, natural-fibre bristles, which is swept over the body in a particular pattern to reinvigorate the skin and lymphatic system. It can also be performed with silk or linen gloves.
What are the benefits of dry brushing? (Are there any risks?)
Regular dry brushing can improve your inner and outer health! It’s especially beneficial for those of you who experience…
- Fatigue
- Sluggishness
- Brain fog
- Dry, dull and rough skin
- Constipation
- Weak immune system (regular colds and flus, etc)
- ‘Puffy’ arms and legs
- Blemishes on the body
- Loose skin and cellulite
Detox Your Skin
By stimulating the skin and opening up the pores, your skin has a chance to eliminate toxins from the body via sweat. After all, the skin is the largest organ of the body — so it makes sense to utilise it as part of the detoxification process. By incorporating Garshana into your weekly routine, you can supercharge your skin’s detoxification process to reveal soft, youthful skin.
Reduce The Appearance of Cellulite
By dry brushing regularly, you can effectively remove dead skin cells and improve the body’s ability to eliminate toxins through the pores. It’s a great technique to enhance blood circulation, and it can even reduce the lumpy appearance of cellulite by breaking up fat deposits. Sounds pretty good so far, right?
You Should Avoid Dry Brushing If You Have…
- Extremely sensitive skin
- Eczema or psoriasis
- An open or unhealed wound
- Sunburn (ouch!)
Dry Brushing Steps
- Gently brush in upward strokes towards your heart. Start at your feet!
- Massage your entire body, excluding the delicate facial area and skin that is broken or inflamed.
- Use circular strokes on the stomach, shoulders, elbows, knees and hips.
- Apply light pressure on areas with thin skin (underarms) and firm pressure on thicker skin (soles of the feet).
- Continue for 3-5 minutes.
- Finish off with a warm shower, and then apply a generous amount of body oil.
Complete this ritual 2-4 times a week for optimal results!
Here at Flora & Fauna, we highly recommend the Black Chicken Remedies Garshana Dry Body Brush. This high-quality brush, made of bamboo and sisal, helps to stimulate, reinvigorate and detoxify the skin. Plus, you can even receive a free Black Chicken Mini Body Oil if you use the code ‘BRUSH’ in the checkout. Limited time offer, while stocks last.
"Great size for body, also works well to detox and smooth the skins surface. Also love that the oil came free with purchase, great quality” — Review by Belinda (26/11/2020).
The Eco Max Sisel Body Brush Medium
This is your standard, go-to brush.
What are people saying about it?
I've been dry brushing for years so was happy to replace my old one with a firmer brush, that's also eco friendly. ( Not for first-timers - buy the softer one if you're new to dry brushing ) - Review by Melissa
This brush can be used wet or dry.
What are people saying about it?
Good for exfoliation. Bristle can be harsh when dry, but I found it works as a good exfoliating tool even so. Feels normal bath brush when wet. The best application for me is using it when I rinse my body. Body feels thoroughly cleaned after using the brush. - Review by Ahreum
The Eco Max Long Handled Back Brush
This brush is perfect for those hard-to-reach places.
What are people saying about it?
Loved the feel. I bought this (and the natural loofah on this website) to replace our plastic body scrubber. Me and hubby have been using it for a solid 2 weeks now, to exfoliate our back. It seems sturdy and of good quality but I still hang it out of the shower for quicker drying so that it last longer. (It makes a good back scratcher too : D ) - Review by Begum
The Eco Max Jute Princess Body Brush Soft
This brush is recommended for sensitive skin.
What are people saying about it?
Soft body brush. I bought this brush for the idea of dry brushing before I shower. It felt a little weird at first however the bristles are soft so it didn’t hurt just a weird feeling. I would recommend this if you are trying dry brushing for the first time. Also, I made the mistake of getting it wet and it gets super heavy when wet and takes forever to dry! - Review by Joanna
This is perfect for on-the-go dry brushing!
Great! I am really enjoying this brush. The bristles are really firm so you only need a light amount of pressure when brushing against the skin but the results give you nice soft skin. The handle is really short so look for something with a longer handle if you need this to reach your back a bit better unless you're into shower gymnastics. -Review by Kristina
What are the steps involved in dry brushing, and how can I incorporate it into my weekly routine?
Okay, let’s get into the practical stuff! The best time to dry brush is before you shower, so then you can wash off the dead skin cells properly.
What Products Can I Use For Dry Brushing?
To start your dry brushing ritual, you’ll need a brush with coarse, natural-fibre bristles.
Check out this amazing video from Black Chicken Remedies which shows you exactly how to use the Dry Body Brush!
We also have a great range of body brushes from Eco Max. Which one is right for you?
Garshana is a simple, effective massage technique that you can incorporate into your weekly self-care routine. Will you try it?