Material: wood, colloidal silver | Who it’s for: people who want to exfoliate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do body gua shas work?
Long story short, body gua shas work the same way facial ones do—they just look a little different. Body gua shas tend to be bigger and have more angular or ridged builds that feel great on your arms, legs, and torso but might be too harsh on your face. But the science between the little guys and the big guys is the same.
“Gua sha means to ‘scrape away illnesses’ and involves using tools such as jade, ox horn, or rose quartz with a lubricated ointment or facial oil to scrape the skin in one direction repeatedly,” explains Cecilia Wong, an aesthetician and founder of Cecilia Wong Skincare. “It’s often used in Chinese medicine to scrape the skin, commonly on the upper back, to invigorate blood flow, release heat toxins, stimulate lymphatic drainage, activate various acupressure points of the body, and stimulate an immune response bringing beneficial cells to the area,” adds Angela Chau Gray, licensed acupuncturist and co-founder of YINA. So whether you use a face gua sha or a body gua sha, the benefits are plentiful, and the relaxation is real.
How should I choose a body gua sha?
Your choice of a body gua sha comes down to preference—as it so often does. Body gua shas are available in a range of materials, sizes, and intensities (a.k.a depth and number of ridges, and severity of angles). Look for tools that are easy to grip, pair well with body oils or moisturizers to make gliding across your body easy, and consider what’s in your price range. Ultimately, the technique is more important than the gua sha itself, so follow the individual product’s directions to get the most out of your new massager.
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