Skin Care
You may know gua sha as a tool to shape the face, but it works on the body, too. This smooth stone can help lessen the look of cellulite on the thighs, legs, and buttocks, and it can ease muscle pain and tension. Read on for the benefits of body gua sha and a step-by-step demo from an esthetician.
Key Takeaways
– Gua sha benefits: It can boost circulation, release muscle tension, and improve skin elasticity, which may reduce the appearance of cellulite.
– Technique matters: Use the right massage product (body oil or cream) and gentle, upward strokes to avoid bruising.
– Not for everyone: People with certain health issues or on blood thinners should avoid gua sha.
Table Of Contents
Jump to…
– What Are The Benefits Of Gua Sha?
– Can Gua Sha Improve The Look Of Cellulite?
– Step-By-Step Tutorial: Gua Sha For Cellulite
– Video Demonstration
What Are the Benefits of Gua Sha?
Gua sha has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine to improve circulation and ease pain. The tools are smooth, flat stones made from materials like rose quartz, jade, and crystal. Practitioners long believed that correcting stagnant blood flow could relieve pain and illness, and today gua sha is still used to help with joint and muscle pain, fluid retention, tension, and the appearance of cellulite.
Our Lead Skin Care Trainer, Natalie Pergar, says gua sha helps break up fascia adhesions (a kind of scar tissue), which releases tension and increases blood flow to the skin. Better circulation can support collagen and skin elasticity, helping skin look firmer and tighter.
Regular gua sha body massage can encourage benefits such as:
– Reduced appearance of cellulite
– Breakdown of fascia adhesions that limit blood flow
– Softer skin
– Less pain and tension
– Increased flow and energy in the body
– Relaxation
Who should avoid gua sha
Gua sha isn’t safe for everyone. Don’t use it if you:
– Have skin or vein conditions
– Have deep vein thrombosis
– Have implants like a pacemaker
– Have an infection or open wound
– Are taking blood-thinning medication
If none of these apply and you want to try reducing cellulite, read on for how to use gua sha on the body. As always, check with your healthcare provider before adding a new therapy to your routine.
Can Gua Sha Improve the Look of Cellulite?
Gua sha won’t completely remove cellulite, but it can make dimples and bumps less noticeable. Cellulite happens when fat pushes into the skin layer, commonly on the buttocks, thighs, hips, and belly.
Gua sha helps by gently scraping the skin to break up connective tissue bands under the surface. You can use it anywhere you see cellulite. Paired with regular exercise and a healthy diet, gua sha can give you an extra boost toward better-looking skin.
Product Picks
– Stone Crop Contouring Body Cream — Smoothing body cream — $68.00
– Monoi Age Corrective Night Body Cream — Rich body moisturizer — $43.00
– (Both include “Add to Basket” in original)
Step-By-Step Tutorial: Gua Sha For Cellulite
Step 1: Shower and exfoliate
Natalie recommends starting with a shower and using a body scrub like the Stone Crop Revitalizing Body Scrub. Exfoliating gives your skin a smoother base and helps products absorb better.
Step 2: Pick a massage product
Choose a body oil or rich lotion that’s good for massage. Natalie suggests the Stone Crop Contouring Body Cream, Monoi Age Corrective Night Body Cream, or Stone Crop Body Oil. The Contouring Cream contains microalgae extract, shea butter, and stone crop to help reduce the look of cellulite. The Night Body Cream also has shea butter to restore moisture. The Body Oil (with avocado oil, rosehip oil, and stone crop) is best for massage and daily moisturizing. Use about ½ to ¼ teaspoon of oil for a targeted area.
Step 3: Massage the right leg and thigh
Apply your chosen product to the right leg and thigh. Rest your leg on a stool or chair for easy access. Use long, upward strokes with firm but gentle pressure, pulling the tool rather than pushing to avoid bruising. Repeat about five times for each area. You can rinse the product off or leave it on to moisturize.
Step 4: Massage the left leg and thigh
Reapply product to the left side and repeat the same motions as on the right leg and thigh.
Video Demonstration
For a visual guide, watch Natalie’s gua sha demonstration in the In The Mix video.
If you’re also interested in facial or neck contouring, gua sha can boost blood flow and lymphatic drainage for a brighter, more lifted look. Check out our gua sha guide for the face and neck to learn techniques for sculpting and lifting.
Have you tried gua sha on your body? Share your experience in the comments or consult a licensed esthetician at an Eminence Organics Spa Partner to discuss your skin concerns.