7 different ways you can use gua sha

Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to stimulate blood flow and promote healing. It can be used for various purposes, such as relieving pain, reducing inflammation, enhancing immunity, and improving skin health.

Here are seven different ways you can use gua sha at home or with a professional practitioner.

1. Facial gua sha. This is a popular beauty treatment that can help smooth wrinkles, firm sagging skin, brighten complexion, and reduce puffiness. You can use a small jade or rose quartz tool to gently glide over your face, following the contours of your bone structure. Start from the center of your face and move outward and upward. Use light to medium pressure and avoid any areas with active acne or broken skin.
2. Neck and shoulder gua sha. This can help ease tension and stiffness in the neck and shoulder area, which are common areas of stress and strain. You can use a larger tool, such as a spoon or a coin, to scrape along the muscles and tendons of your neck and shoulder. Start from the base of your skull and move down to your collarbone. Use medium to firm pressure and repeat on both sides.
3. Back gua sha. This can help relieve back pain and improve posture by releasing tight muscles and fascia in the back. You can use a long and flat tool, such as a wooden board or a metal scraper, to scrape along the spine and the ribs. Start from the lower back and move up to the upper back. Use firm pressure and avoid any areas with moles or wounds.
4. Chest gua sha. This can help improve respiratory health and circulation by stimulating the lungs and the heart. You can use a round or oval tool, such as a ceramic bowl or a glass cup, to scrape along the chest area. Start from the center of your chest and move outward and upward. Use light to medium pressure and avoid any areas with breast implants or pacemakers.
5. Abdominal gua sha. This can help improve digestive health and metabolism by stimulating the stomach and the intestines. You can use a curved or concave tool, such as a horn or a shell, to scrape along the abdominal area. Start from the lower right quadrant of your abdomen and move clockwise around your navel. Use light to medium pressure and avoid any areas with hernias or ulcers.
6. Leg gua sha. This can help reduce leg pain and swelling by stimulating the lymphatic system and the blood vessels. You can use a wide or narrow tool, such as a comb or a knife, to scrape along the legs. Start from the ankle and move up to the knee, then from the knee to the thigh. Use medium to firm pressure and avoid any areas with varicose veins or blood clots.
7. Foot gua sha. This can help relax and rejuvenate the whole body by stimulating the reflexology points on the feet. You can use a small or pointed tool, such as a toothpick or a needle, to scrape along the sole of your foot. Start from the heel and move up to the toes, then from the inner edge to the outer edge of your foot. Use light to medium pressure and avoid any areas with corns or warts.