Dry Brushing (Garshana) Before a Bath
A soft natural-bristle brush used in light strokes toward the heart before a bath. Skip over rashes, cuts or very sensitive skin.
Light strokes, not scrubbing
Garshana is an Ayurvedic practice of brushing dry skin with a soft brush or raw silk glove before a bath. Many people enjoy the warm, tingling feel and the smoother skin after, but claims about detox, cellulite or lymph drainage are not proven. It is a skin habit and not a treatment for any condition.
Use a soft natural-bristle brush on dry skin, with light, gentle strokes toward the heart, for two to three minutes, then bathe and moisturise. Do not brush the face, and skip any skin with rash, eczema, psoriasis, cuts, sunburn, moles or infection. Stop if the skin turns red and sore, and do it only once or twice a week.
Ingredients
- A soft natural-bristle brush or silk glove
- A towel
- A light oil or moisturiser for after the bath
How to prepare
- Choose a brush with soft bristles.
- Start on dry skin before stepping into the bath.
How to use
- Brush with light strokes toward the heart for two to three minutes.
- Bathe, pat dry and moisturise.
Helpful habits
- Do it once or twice a week.
- Wash the brush often and let it dry.
Precautions
- Skip it on rash, eczema, psoriasis, cuts, sunburn, moles or infected skin.
- Do not brush the face, and stop if the skin gets sore.
- A skin habit, not a treatment; detox and cellulite claims are not proven.
Frequently asked questions
Does dry brushing detox the body?
- No proof. The kidneys and liver do that.
How hard should I press?
- Lightly; skin should not turn sore.
How often?
- Once or twice a week.
