ayurvedic body scrubs
ayurveda and body scrubs
Body scrubs in their oily and exfoliating version, aren’t classically Āyurvedic, but they do sit comfortably between two classical approaches.
Āyurvedic dry brushing, called Garshana in Sanskrit, is a massage technique that utilizes friction to stimulate and clear toxins from the body. Garshana translates to “rubbing or polishing”, and it is this friction that stimulates the lymphatic system.
While traditionally performed on dry skin using powder and raw silk gloves, there are many other acceptable and effective ways of creating friction. Those with sensitive skin may get enough stimulation using a dry wash cloth. Another effective option for those with dry skin is a dry brush or shower gloves; something with more bristle and firmness is a nice option.
Practices of exfoliation and oiling of the body have long been a part of Āyurveda’s rich history. If you’re familiar at all with Āyurveda, perhaps you already know that if there’s a place to apply oil, oil is often applied! While abhyanga is a lovely doshic pacifying ritual, body scrubbing has its own unique benefits.
the what and why of body scrubs
Āyurvedic body scrubbing is the practice of applying ayurvedic herbs mixed in a base of oil, along with an exfoliant, to the body. The vigirous scrubbing of all limbs and joints may provide us with many benefits.
On a physical level, this may stimulate circulation, moisturize the skin, help clear toxins (ama) from the body, more lymph, and clear stagnation. On a mental level, this increase in circulation and decrease in stagnation often creates less fogginess and more clarity. Depending on the herbs and the base oil used in each blend, different effects may result.
The lymphatic system is part of the body’s immune system which carries a clear, watery fluid called lymph. It also contains white blood cells, which help fight infections. The lymphatic system carries debris to the lymph nodes where it can be filtered. Since the lymphatic system does not have a pump, the movement of ama is dependent on the movement of your body. Lymph flows easily with activity, and will stagnate with less activity. If you want to get rid of ama, you must move lymph!
Proper movements and directions of dry brushing will direct lymph to the lymph nodes, located in various areas of the body, particularly in the groin, armpits, and neck. The motions of dry brushing help lymph move from the extremities of the arms to the nodes in the armpits, and from the extremities of the legs to the nodes of the groin.
It’s important to remember that this is really about moving lymph and increasing circulation.
Our Jasmine Body Scrub combines Ashvagandha and Shatavari, and is the perfect ally for premenstrual Pitta flares, when you need some cooling off and soothing. The calming, cooling jasmine flower makes it a great match for elevated Pitta and the critical, irritable qualities that arise with Pitta imbalance.
For those times when slow/sluggish digestion is present, energy feels low, and the mind cloudy, our Kapha Body Scrub provides energizing, heating qualities to kick stagnant energy out!
Body Scrubbing may also:
stimulate blood flow by increasing circulation
promote healthy lymphatic circulation
removes blockages
exfoliate the skin
helps to remove stagnation
detoxify the liver
boost skin glow
how to perform a body scrub
We love to do our scrubs this in the tub before a hot shower. You body scrub the same way you would perform Abhyangha; long strokes on the long bones and circles on the joints, working from the extremities towards the heart. Scrub until the skin flushes with increased circulation. Then, bathe. The hot water will open the pores and let the herbs and oil soak into the skin.
This practice makes a lovely weekend self-care treat. And if you’ve yet to experience a body scrub, prepare to leave your skin feeling like it’s never felt before; so soft and smooth!
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