What is garshana (dry brushing)?

Garshana is dry-brushing the skin with a natural brush or raw-silk gloves before bathing, to invigorate the body and support circulation. It's especially enlivening for heavier, Kapha types.

Yoga Life

Ayurvedic Self-Care Rituals: Nasya, Garshana & More

Beyond oil massage, Ayurveda offers a set of gentle daily rituals — for the nose, the skin and the senses — that take minutes and soothe deeply.

By Yoga & You Teaching FacultyUpdated 12 July 2026

5 min read

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Ayurveda's daily self-care (part of dinacharya) includes gentle rituals beyond oil massage: nasya (nasal oil drops to nourish the sinuses and mind), garshana (dry skin brushing to invigorate and support circulation), and care of the senses. These simple, soothing practices support clarity, circulation and calm, and slot easily into a morning routine.

Ayurvedic self-care goes beyond abhyanga (oil massage) into a set of small, gentle rituals for the body's openings and senses — each taking only minutes, each with a long tradition.

Nasya and garshana

Nasya is the practice of placing a drop or two of suitable oil in each nostril, traditionally said to nourish and clear the sinuses, support the head and senses, and calm the mind — a lovely morning ritual (avoid when congested with a cold, and get guidance for the right oil). Garshana is dry brushing the skin with a natural brush or raw-silk gloves before bathing, to invigorate the body, support circulation and lymph, and — for Kapha types especially — lighten and enliven.

Caring for the senses

Ayurveda also tends the senses gently: resting and palming the eyes, oil in or around the ears (karna purana) on occasion, and simply reducing sensory overload. The theme is care and moderation for the doorways through which we take in the world.

Woven into a morning routine, these small rituals — a few drops, a few brush strokes, a moment of sensory rest — add up to a deeply nourishing daily self-care practice.

Frequently asked questions

What is nasya in Ayurveda?: Nasya is placing a drop or two of suitable oil in each nostril, traditionally said to nourish and clear the sinuses, support the head and senses, and calm the mind. Avoid it when congested with a cold, and get guidance on the right oil.
What is garshana (dry brushing)?: Garshana is dry-brushing the skin with a natural brush or raw-silk gloves before bathing, to invigorate the body and support circulation. It's especially enlivening for heavier, Kapha types.

References

Ashtanga Hridayam (Vagbhata) — classical Ayurvedic compendium · Classical text — Classical source on Ayurvedic routine and therapy.

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