Winter Wellness: Ayurvedic Dry Brushing to Balance Kapha
Mid-January is here and, according to Ayurveda, the season is beginning to shift into deep winter or Kapha season. Kapha dosha is ruled by earth and water and when it’s reigning high, the qualities of cold, damp, and heavy amplify all around. This change means that our self care practices likely need to adjust, too. Internally you may be feeling more sluggish, lethargic, or weighed down energetically. And while a long winter’s nap is something you’re possibly craving (and I may have just succumbed to!) it has the potential to pull us out of balance. So, this is our queue that it’s time to shake things up, somewhat literally. Enter, dry brushing! Also known as garshana in Ayurveda, this practice has been around for centuries across various cultures. It’s an invigorating and beautiful way to balance Kapha dosha and offer more care to our bodies.
Kaphic attributes can also manifest physically in our bodies as increased mucus, water retention, weight gain, or lackluster skin. Mentally and emotionally they present as a sense of inertia, unhealthy attachments, or an inability to let things go. The brisk, stimulating nature of dry brushing counteracts these tendencies by introducing warmth, circulation, and much needed movement.
Benefits of Dry Brushing During Winter
Improves Circulation & Warmth: Winter’s cold can slow down circulation, leaving you feeling stiff and chilly. Dry brushing invigorates blood flow, bringing warmth and vitality to your entire body.
Enhances Lymphatic Drainage: The lymphatic system, essential for immune health, often becomes languid during Kapha season. Dry brushing helps move lymph fluid, supporting your body’s natural detox pathways.
Exfoliates & Renews Skin: Winter can leave skin dry and flaky. Dry brushing gently removes dead skin cells, revealing softer, healthier skin and allowing your body oils or moisturizers to absorb more effectively.
Supports Mental Clarity: The rhythmic, stimulating nature of dry brushing can energize the mind, reducing feelings of dullness or lethargy commonly associated with an aggravated Kapha dosha.
Balances Kapha’s Heavy Nature: By introducing light, stimulating, and invigorating qualities, dry brushing directly counterbalances the heaviness and dampness of Kapha.
How to Dry Brush
1: Choose the Right Brush: Opt for a natural-bristle brush with firm but gentle bristles to ensure effective exfoliation without irritation. You can start with a softer one and work your way up to your desired coarseness or stick with a soft one. This is intended to be a pleasurable process, so let that be your guide!
This set has 2 brushes with a softer bristle and a stiffer bristle. You can try out both and see what feels best for you. Or you can have one that is more stiff to work up to should you desire.
If your flexibility prevents you from reaching your back easily, try this set, which includes 2 brushes, one with a long handle.
And if you’re looking to splurge, check these unique and beautiful brushes out.
Remember to keep your brushes dry!
2: Plan Your Ritual: This practice is best done in the morning before showering, as it awakens and prepares you for the day. It also allows you to wash away those exfoliated skin cells to experience silky smooth skin after rinsing.
3: Hone Your Technique: Start at your feet and work upward in long, sweeping strokes toward your heart.
Use circular motions on your joints.
Apply lighter pressure on your sensitive areas.
Ensure this is relatively gentle, yet invigorating experience.
4: Be Consistent: Utilize this technique from 3-5 times per week to experience its full benefits. You can wane from this practice as the seasons shift again into the warmer months.
(Optional) Pair It with Abhyanga: After dry brushing, follow up with a warming, nourishing self-massage using oils like sesame or almond oil to further balance Kapha and protect your skin from winter dryness. More on this in future posts!
Be Mindful
The conditions below may require modification to this practice or indicate to avoid it completely. Always consult with your physician should you have questions about potential interactions around certain conditions.
Sensitive skin: eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis may find dry brushing too abrasive, leading to irritation or flare-ups.
Open wounds or skin infections: avoid brushing until healed.
Severe dryness, cracked or sunburned skin: avoid brushing until healed.
Varicose veins: avoid these areas during your practice and simply work around them.
Fragile skin: caused by aging or certain medications should avoid this practice.
Active inflammation: due to injury or chronic conditions like arthritis should not be brushed.
Pregnancy: it is generally safe during pregnancy, but avoid your abdominal area.