THE PRACTICE OF DRY BRUSHING

Your skin, the largest organ in the human body, is an organ of elimination. One-third of your body’s toxins are excreted through the skin, and dry brushing helps to unclog pores and eliminate toxins that become trapped in the skin.

THE BENEFITS

• Exfoliation of skin
• Stimulates the lymphatic system for optimal function
• Helps diminish cellulite appearance
• Invigorates and wakes up the body
• Unclogs pores for optimal nutrient uptake and elimination

THE HOW

1. Purchase a natural (not synthetic) bristle brush with a long handle so can reach all areas of your body.

2. Get naked and begin brushing by starting at your feet and moving in long sweeping motions toward your heart. The rule here is to always brush toward your heart.

4. Brush several times in each area, overlapping as you go. Again, in long sweeping motions towards the heart. When brushing the belly, follow the digestive tract direction to aid in elimination.

5. Take care and brush gently over more sensitive areas, like chest and face. The more you dry brush, the more your skin will become less sensitive. The more you will love this practice.

6. Once you’ve brushed your entire body, do your Abhyanga massage and let the benefits of the oil restore and renew. Sit as long as you can before showering. When you do shower, do so with warm water and only use a natural soap on personal hygiene areas. Towel dry and enjoy your cleansed and cared for body. Learn more about what type of oil is best for your Dosha here.

7. Although you can dry brush in the morning or night, this is an invigorating practice, so the morning is usually a better choice as it awakens the body and mind. Dry brushing is an excellent practice for stimulating Kapha types and imbalances.

• 1-2 Tbl                    Organic Ghee or coconut
• 3 Tbl                        Fresh Ginger, chopped fine
• 1 Tsp                       Cumin Powder
• 1 Tsp                       Coriander Powder
• 1 Tsp                       Black Mustard Seeds
• 1 Tsp                       Turmeric Powder
• 1 Tsp                       Yellow Curry Powder
• 1 Tsp                       Fennel Powder
• 1 Tsp                       Fenugreek
• 1 Tsp                       Sea Salt
• 1 Tsp                       Asafetida Powder
• 1 Stick                     Cinnamon
• 2 Stars                    Anise
• 3 Whole                  Cloves
• 1 Cup                      Banyan Botanicals Basmati Rice
• 1 Cup                      Banyan Botanicals Split Yellow Mung Beans
• 4-6 Cups                 Filtered Water – add more water to make soupy if desired.
• 1 Bunch                  Fresh Cilantro, chopped as topping
• 1-2                           Limes, quartered and squeezed over top
• 1 Can                       Organic Coconut milk (*optional and will increase Kapha)

Seasonal vegetables of choices cut into bite size pieces. Vegetable options include butternut squash, asparagus, carrots, broccoli, chard, kale, spinach, collard greens, or green beans. 1-2 cups of seasonal vegetables as you feel called to add.

*If you are overwhelmed by the spice list here I also like to use the Banyan Botanicals, Kitchari Spice Mix. Just add fresh ginger!! 

Directions

Heat ghee or oil in soup pot. Add spices and warm (be careful not to burn). Add in mung and rice and coat with ghee and spices. Add water. Bring to boil. Chop vegetables and add harder root vegetables (if using) first, and then add softer green leafy vegetables. Bring to a simmer when grains and legumes soften. Add water as needed to bring to consistency desired. *When I am not cleansing, and it is winter, I like to add a can of coconut milk for added creaminess. Add coconut milk when you turn it down to simmer.

Serve warm with salt, pepper, fresh cilantro, and lime. An additional teaspoon of ghee can also be added to each serving if desired. Enjoy and be nourished!

THE BENEFITS

• Increase calmness, clarity, focus, and energy 
• Decreases anxiety 
• Stabilizes emotions and lessens mood swings 
• Increases creativity 
• Increases energy 
• Develops intuition 
• Expands consciousness 
• Lowers blood pressure 
• Decreases tension-related pain, insomnia, tension headaches, muscle, and joint problems 
• Improved immune function 
• Increases serotonin production 

THE HOW

So-Hum Meditation 

1. Sit quietly with a neutral spine: 

a. Sit cross-legged on the ground with a cushion or blanket to allow the hip points to be higher than the knees. 

b. Sit in a chair with both feet flat on the ground. 

c. Sit in a chair with ankles crossed and back supported. 

d. Hands can be in jnana mudra: palms up, thumb, and index finger together. 

It is important to make sure you are comfortable, as this will support ease in meditation. Use props as necessary to allow the greatest ease. 

2. For the moment, release thoughts, stories, or dramas that may be present and bring your awareness within. 

3. Bring the attention to your breath. Just witness the natural breath without trying to change anything. Inhaling and exhaling – watch the breath. 

4. Begin to listen for sounds of sooooooo on the inhale and huuuuummmm on the exhale. 

5. Let the mantra and breath be the point of your focus. If the mind wanders, bring the focus back to the breath and the mantra. 

TIPS 

Create a set practice time 

Do daily cleansing and oil rituals first 

Wear clean, comfortable clothing 

Create an altar and/or dedicated practice space 

Do asanas and pranayamas first 

Be flexible – some days, things just have to be different!