What is Garshana or Dry brushing?

Dry brushing a very popular practice finds its roots in Garshana, an ancient Ayurvedic technique that uses a brush with coarse natural fiber bristles over the skin. Ayurvedic dry brushing is done by massaging natural dry powders on the skin in upward strokes. Dry brushing helps to exfoliate dead skin and increases blood circulation. It opens clogged pores, drains lymphatic fluids and aids detoxification. Garshana is stimulating, it helps loosen the state of stagnant energy in a system or an organ by balancing excess Kapha.

How long has it been around and how has it evolved into the practice it is today?

Garshana is an ancient practice, and it has always been an important part of therapeutic ayurvedic procedures. Over time, with people living very busy lives, the practice of Garshana evolved to using brushes over powders. Udwarthana, a dry massage using herbal powders to break down excess subcutaneous fat was also performed by using brick powder and wood powder in earlier times.

Can you explain what the three doshas are and how they correlate to your skin type/how often you should be dry brushing?

In Ayurvedic philosophy the five elements combine in pairs to form the three dynamic forces called doshas. Vata (air and space) governs the mobility and impulses in our body and mind. Pitta (water and fire) takes care of the overall energy and emotions attached to thought process, while Kapha (earth and water) provides stability and nourishment. Doshas are primary life forces or biological humors found in all life forms and Ayurveda categorizes personalities under one of these bio energies. There are a preferable set of elaborate rules listed as guidance for each personality types.

People with different doshas have different skin traits. Garshana is a stimulating therapy, people who are predominantly kapha in their constitution will benefit the most and can practice it daily. Those who are predominantly pitta can practice dry brushing twice a week. The Vata personality type would best benefit from doing this practice once per week if required, for the vata type, dry powders are often mixed with ghee or sesame oil. People with sensitive skin, prone to rashes, eruptions or any other similar condition must always consult an Ayurveda physician to avoid aggravating their condition.

What are the benefits of dry brushing?

• Garshana pacifies the aggravated Kapha dosha
• Reduces the excess fat accumulated in the subcutaneous tissues
• Softens and exfoliates dead skin cells, thereby giving a lustrous glow to skin
• Detoxification, purification, toning the skin promotes tighter skin, cell renewal and blood flow
• Eliminates bad body odor
• Improves mobility of joints
• Strengthens and tones up the muscles
• Refreshes and rejuvenates the body
• Takes care of conditions due to improper blood supply

Dry brushing improves cellulite, is this the primary purpose for Garshana?

The origin of this practice was only for health benefits, the aesthetics is an added advantage. The purpose of Garshana was originally not to address cellulite formation, but for deeper internal benefits such as detoxification. Once the accumulated fat deposit loosens and moves out of the system, it overall increases the circulation resulting in the cure of diverse health issues and aches & pains. The cellulite dissolving through Garshana is a by-product and an added advantage.

How do you choose the right brush for face and body?

Garshana is traditionally done using raw silk or linen gloves, though many prefer to use a natural bristle body brush.

What's the best way to practice dry brushing?

Dry brushing is best done in the morning before bathing, with dry skin that is free from lotion or oil. Make sure the room used for the therapeutic practice is warm and has a comfortable temperature.

Recall a time when you were heard with great attention by a loved one, or when you were entirely present while listening to a dear friend. When the warmth of a hug fills a part in you that you cannot put a finger on. The feeling that is the aftermath of an intimate encounter is indescribable and has a profound impact on our overall well-being. True intimacy means you trust someone enough to express your deepest fears and fantasies. You are your unfiltered self without any fear of being judged and are accepted for just who you are.

Love and acceptance are powerful emotions that drive us to seek intimacy. "Just as salt remains dissolved in sea water, love remains dissolved in human nature," states Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati of Bihar School of Yoga.

All life forms on Earth explore intimacy by following an order of partnership and moving in groups based on emotional and territorial preferences. Ayurveda, the ancient science of life which is at the core of Ananda's healing tradition, believes that a human's need to satiate all its emotions requires an experience of intimacy balanced out in the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual body. Our individual personality in relation to the environment we breed in makes intimacy a very personal expression and desire.

The Doshas & Intimacy

Parallel to the western understanding of body and personality types, Ayurveda categorises all beings into three bio-circulatory forces, or doshas. A dosha is a unique combination of the elemental forces that decide to dominate a body type from the time of birth, giving each person a unique mental identity to perceive and respond to intimacy. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are the three doshas, which, when out of balance, can affect various aspects of health, including intimacy. Understanding one's dosha and that of your partner's can create a harmonious relationship.

Let's briefly look at how each dosha responds to their emotional environment.

The Sensitive Vata

Vata dosha is characterized by lightness, movement, and creativity and exhibits spontaneity. A vata is often social and enjoys making new connections. They may feel drawn to friends who share their interests in creativity, exploration, and intellectual discussions. The adaptable vata approaches intimacy with enthusiasm. However, their tendency towards variability and instability may also manifest in fluctuating levels of desire or interest and require reassurance from their partners. They may seek partners who can provide stability and understanding.

Sensitive to touch, vata enjoys a light, gentle touch that provides comfort and reassurance. Massage and other forms of nurturing touch greatly help the vata type. They benefit from intimacy that provides warmth, comfort, and a sense of grounding to balance their inherent tendencies toward restlessness.

The Passionate Pitta

Pitta is characterized by passion and ambition, and they admire loyalty and honesty in their relationships. They are assertive and direct in expressing their needs. The pitta holds a small circle of close friends whom they trust and admire, appreciating those who are intellectually stimulating and share their passions. Pitta's fiery nature may lead to a strong physical and emotional connection, but prone to perfectionism and competitiveness, the pitta creates pressure or high expectations in intimate relationships.

Pitta individuals enjoy touch that is firm and invigorating, providing a sense of energy and vitality. They may enjoy activities like sports or physical exercise that allow them to release tension and recharge. Pitta individuals may benefit from intimacy that fosters emotional connection, relaxation, and playfulness to balance their intense nature.

The Nurturing Kapha

Kapha is characterized by stability, nourishment, and loyalty; the kapha personality types look for comfort and security in their relationships and are drawn to people who are compassionate and empathetic. A long-term commitment to a kapha is very important, and their stable presence leads to deep connections with their partner. However, Kapha types may also be prone to complacency or inertia, which can sometimes manifest as a lack of spontaneity or excitement in intimate relationships.

The tender and patient kapha loves to hug and cuddle; these forms of expression promote a sense of emotional bonding in kapha personality types. A partner or friend that brings variety, spontaneity, and stimulation to the environment helps to balance the kapha's tendency towards stability and routine.

It is important to remember that people might have a combination of doshas in varying quantities, and their lifestyle, environment, and personal experiences can influence their reactions to intimacy. Hence, consulting with an Ayurvedic practitioner can provide individualized advice on how to improve well-being and fulfillment in intimate relationships.

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