I’m going to make a wager that you’ve already heard about gua sha.
(Watch her full explanation and tutorial video here.)
Studies, too, show that regular facial massages do help improve skin quality.
Well, now the technique is gaining popularity below the neck.
We say “gaining popularity” because just like facial gua shaor any form of TCMthis is not new.
“I think it makes sense that facial gua sha caught on first.
But first, I did some digging.
However, I was assured, this was more common when you have a proper practitioner do it you.
“Press-stroking your skin shouldn’t be painful,” says Brindle.
“When in doubt?
So I got started.
I tried both, both in rose quartz.
There’s alsoHayou’s Body Restorer, which is made with medical-grade stainless steel.
I do it a total of 16 times, alternating eight on each side.
With each stroke, the stone leaves behind a trail of red skin.
Brindle assures me this is completely normal: “Press-stroke the skin until redness appears.
After, I move to my neck.Let’s get rid of this tech neck,I think to myself.
As a kid I had impeccable posture.
Not only was I enrolled in ballet, but my parents always stressed the importance of sitting up straight.
Starting at my hairline behind my ear, I drag the tool downward until I reach my shoulder.
I repeat this eight times, moving the starting position toward my nape with each stroke.
I do the same for the other side.
This is where I really dig in pressure: I can tell the area needs it.
After, I apply some oil to my lower back and legs, now shifting toward my lower half.
Much like the chest, I do this eight times on each side, alternating between.
And finally, I target my legs.
Here, you pull up, rather than pushing down like the other areas of the body.
you could just feel the stress melt away.
While at work, my shoulders relax more, so I’m not as regularly hunched over my computer.
When I’m on the subway, I stand just a little taller, too.
And after a week’s worth of practice, my skin was more plump and less dehydrated.
