“Gua sha body massage is the perfect technique for cellulite, tension, and fluid retention. As you begin to release stress and break down adhesions in the fascia and connective tissue with the gua sha tool, it increases blood flow to the skin so that more nutrients enter the skin and waste products are removed. It also helps promote lymphatic drainage, helping to eliminate toxins and fluids and helping to reduce swelling.”
Gua sha is as essential to our morning routine as a matcha latte . The method involves "scraping" the skin with a massage instrument to help improve circulation and promote lymphatic drainage . It helps reduce puffiness, define cheekbones (yes, it can also be used on the face), and generally leaves us looking brighter.
But the practice, which is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, actually began as a body treatment – and offers some spectacular benefits beyond the face.
Keep reading to discover 3 of our favorite ways to use body gua sha.
Neck: for posture relief after working on the computer.
Apply the firming oil and massage the skin with your fingertips. Start at the base of the neck, behind the ear, and use light pressure to move the gua sha tool up to the shoulder. Repeat 5 to 7 times and then move to the other side.
Thighs: to help reduce cellulite
Apply oil and massage the skin with your fingers. Hold the tool at a slight angle. Starting at the lower part of the outer thigh, use long strokes and light pressure to move the tool towards the hips. Make 3 to 5 strokes in one area and move to another, repeating until the entire thigh is covered. Then, repeat on the other side.
Arms: to aid in lymphatic drainage of the upper body.
Apply oil and massage the skin with your fingers. Starting at the wrist, make long, sweeping strokes, moving up the arm to the elbow. Do 3 to 5 strokes in one area and move to another, repeating until you cover the forearm. Then, move to the upper arm and use the same movements to go from the elbow to the shoulder. Repeat on the other arm.