Gua Sha for Weight Loss
Gua Sha not only helps with weight loss, but also has many other health benefits that other weight loss methods may not achieve, such as targeted body slimming, promoting blood circulation, relieving pain, clearing heat and toxins, improving digestion, and balancing yin and yang.
1. Tools
First, let's understand the tools used for Gua Sha. Many people may have heard that coins are commonly used for Gua Sha, but it is not recommended to use coins because some people may be allergic to metal. Here, it is recommended to use a professional Gua Sha board.
In terms of material, according to traditional Chinese medicine, rhino horn or buffalo horn is the best, followed by jade or stone, and porcelain is also good. Smooth wooden Gua Sha boards can also be used.
In terms of shape, it is best to be square, but the corners must be smooth, not sharp. This shape of Gua Sha board is easy to hold and allows for different techniques. For health purposes, the thickness of the Gua Sha board should be moderate, not too thin.
2. Strength and Intensity
Apply relatively strong pressure and scrape quickly. Adjust the direction of scraping according to different acupoints. Generally, scrape each acupoint 50-100 times until the skin turns slightly red and the surface temperature of the skin increases.
3. Gua Sha Oil
Avoid dry scraping, as it will increase the pain and make the skin rough due to excessive friction. Therefore, it is necessary to apply Gua Sha oil before scraping. You can choose olive oil as Gua Sha oil, or choose plant-based massage essential oils according to your preference.
4. Post-Gua Sha Precautions
(1) After Gua Sha, wipe off any excess Gua Sha oil that has not been absorbed by the skin with a tissue.
(2) Avoid cold water or exposure to cold after Gua Sha.
