Start by making sure the area is cleaned and sanitized. You don't want any dirt or impurities to get under the skin and cause pimples. Additionally, ensure that you choose the best gua sha stone for you and the area you're working with. It's also key to have some oil on hand. Some of the most popular massage oils include almond, coconut, and shea butter if you're looking for ideas. Rather than adding the oil to your tools, place a few drops in the palm of your hand and work it into the area first as a little pre-massage for your self-care session.
Now, it's time to grab your tool and get to work. Gianna de la Torre, Jill Munson, and Britta Plug, the co-founders of Wildling, advised The Zoe Report: "When you begin to use the gua sha tool, keep it fairly flat ... It works best around 15 degrees so that a lot of the stone's surface area is flush with the skin." They also recommend using "firm pressure" and working from your extremities toward your heart while avoiding protrusions or lesions like cuts and moles.
For example, start on your hand and work toward your shoulder or move slowly from your neck to your chest. Be aware that gua sha massage can cause bruising or redness on the skin. WebMD confirms that this is a normal part of the process, though, so don't let them scare you if they arise.
