Garshana (Self Dry Massage)
Garshana is a dry massage done with raw silk gloves, mittens, or a loofa sponge. All of these items are slightly rough in texture. The massage requires only 3-5 minutes and is best done just before doing your daily oil massage and morning shower or bath. Always remember to use vigorous strokes as much as possible except where not indicated.
Procedure:
- Put on the silk gloves or pick up the loofa.
- Sit on a chair or on the floor.
- Massage the neck and throat areas (up and down), face (gently with circular motion), ears, and head (freestyle).
- Massage the shoulders, arms, elbows, forearms, and wrists in one continuous, flowing motion alternating up and down and circular strokes over the long bones and joints respectively.
- The abdomen should be massaged vigorously first in a clockwise direction, then diagonally from the flanks towards the groin.
- Next, massage the lower and middle back areas as far as you can reach using up and down strokes.
- Now stand up and massage the hips, waist, and buttocks using a combination of circular and up and down strokes. Massage longer in the areas of cellulite, fat accumulation, or where you sense a stagnation of energy.
- Massage feet and legs. Use moderately vigorous, moderately quick up and down strokes over the long bones of the body (i.e. tibia, fibula, femur, etc.,). Start with approximately 15-20 strokes over each area and gradually increase over a week to 40-50. Use circular strokes over the joints – half in the clockwise direction and half in the anti-clockwise direction.
Benefits:
- Reduces excessive imbalanced Kapha or waste product of the body.
- Promotes the removal of adipose tissue (fat) from the tissues.
- Promotes circulation in the lymph and skin capillaries.
- Helps to reduce cellulite.
- Loosens toxins and impurities from the tissues.
- Makes the body lightweight.
- Improves circulation.
Precautions:
- Avoid when you are suffering from cardiovascular problems, such as hypertension, angina, etc.,
- Avoid vigorous abdominal massage during menstruation and if pregnant.
The copyright of this article belongs to Dr. Shekhar Annambhotla