Why Dry Brushing May Be Your Next Favourite Ritual

The Art of Dry Brushing for Inner & Outer Glow

Dry brushing, or garshana in Ayurveda (pronounced gar-shun-uh), is a powerful daily self-care ritual that detoxifies the body, stimulates circulation, and enhances lymphatic drainage. If you’re looking for a natural way to boost energy, reveal glowing skin, and support your overall wellbeing, dry brushing might become your new favourite ritual.

What Is Dry Brushing (Garshana)?

In Ayurveda, dry brushing is called garshana, a practice that uses a natural bristle brush to exfoliate dead skin cells and promote lymphatic cleansing. It helps eliminate ama—the cellular toxins we discussed in our tongue scraping ritual—and supports detoxification on multiple levels.

This ritual is particularly beneficial for those showing signs of ama accumulation, such as fatigue, sluggishness, mental fog, constipation, or a weakened immune system.

Dosha Guidance for Dry Brushing Frequency

• Kapha dosha (stable, heavy, prone to stagnation): daily dry brushing is highly recommended to invigorate the body.

• Pitta dosha (fiery, intense): 4–5 times per week is ideal to avoid overstimulation.

• Vata dosha (light, dry, mobile): 2–4 times per week is best to prevent dryness or imbalance.

Not sure about your dosha? Take our free quiz here.

Why Pair Dry Brushing with Abhyanga?

If you have dry skin or tend to feel anxious (typical Vata traits), it’s highly recommended to follow dry brushing with Abhyanga—the Ayurvedic self-massage ritual with warm oil—to soothe and lubricate your skin. Using our WILD GRACE Vata Body Oil after dry brushing helps restore calm to the nervous system and balance your dosha.

How to Practice Dry Brushing

When and How?

Dry brushing should be done in the morning on dry skin, before showering. Use a wooden brush with firm bristles, never damp, to gently stimulate your skin.

Technique:

• Stand in your shower or over a towel to catch exfoliated skin.

• Always brush towards the heart to support circulation and lymph flow.

• Use long sweeping strokes on arms and legs, moving upward.

• Use circular motions on joints, abdomen, and stomach.

• Brush from feet up to torso and neck, and from hands to shoulders.

• Apply lighter pressure on thin or sensitive skin, firmer on thicker areas like feet soles.

• The sensation should be invigorating but never painful—think of it as a ritual of self-love, not discomfort.

What Are the Benefits of Dry Brushing?

• Boosts circulation: The redness you may notice is increased blood flow—an excellent sign your body is waking up.

• Enhances lymphatic drainage: By stimulating blood and lymph flow, dry brushing helps flush toxins faster.

• Exfoliates dead skin: Reveals smoother, radiant skin by promoting cell renewal.

• Energizes and revitalizes: Prepares your body for a fresh start to the day, leaving you glowing inside and out.

Who Should Avoid Dry Brushing?

If you have very sensitive skin, psoriasis, eczema, open wounds, inflamed or sunburned skin, allergies, or serious illnesses, it’s best to avoid dry brushing or consult a health professional first.

Complete Your Ritual

After dry brushing, enjoy a refreshing shower followed by an application of your WILD GRACE Body Oil tailored to your dosha. This nourishes and seals in moisture for soft, glowing skin all day.

Find out which oil suits your dosha best here.

Final Thoughts

Dry brushing is a beautiful, simple ritual to awaken your body and promote wellness from the skin outwards. Try incorporating it into your morning routine and feel the difference in your energy and radiance.

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