Body Gua Sha: what it is for and how to use it

The Gua Sha is a massage technique from traditional Chinese medicine: a natural stone that glides over the skin. Gua means to rub and sha means heat, and it is precisely the heat from the friction that does the work.

Ours is carved from Lizardite, a stone from the serpentine family. Its heart shape features a long side for large areas, a curve to follow the body's contours, and a tip for tension points.

What it is used for

• Releases muscle tension: the heat produced by the friction is what relaxes.
• Promotes lymphatic drainage, which is why you always work towards the heart.
• Get more out of your body oil or cream: the massage spreads it evenly and helps it penetrate.
• It’s a moment for yourself: ten minutes that turn your routine into a ritual.

How to use it, step by step

1. Start with clean skin, ideally after a shower, when the body is warm.
2. Apply body oil or cream. The Gua Sha should never be used on dry skin: it must glide, not drag the skin.
3. Hold it almost flat against the skin, angled at about 30°, with medium, firm pressure.
4. Always glide towards the heart, with 5 to 10 long strokes per area.

• Legs: from ankle to knee, and from knee to groin.
• Thighs and glutes: from bottom to top, with more pressure.
• Arms: from wrist to shoulder.
• Abdomen: in gentle circles, clockwise.
• Lower back: from the center outwards to the sides.
• Neck and shoulders: from the nape of the neck towards the shoulder, gently.

Finish with long strokes over each area and drink water: it helps the body release what you have mobilized.

When and how often

For 5 to 10 minutes, after showering or before sleeping, from 3 times a week to every day. If you notice your skin is a little pink afterwards, that is normal; intense redness is not.

Care

• Firm pressure but never painful: if it hurts, you are pressing too hard.
• Do not use it over varicose veins, wounds, bruises, or irritated or sunburned skin.
• Avoid using it on the abdomen during pregnancy and consult your doctor if you have any circulatory conditions.
• Wash it with water and mild soap after each use and dry it well. It is a natural stone: if it drops, it may break.

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