HARMONISE GUA SHA TOOL TUTORIAL

Never tried gua sha scalp massage before? Follow this simple how-to guide.

Follow the guidelines below, developed in collaboration with an experienced Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner. Go softly – the aim is to stimulate the scalp without scratching or tugging on your strands. For best results, perform gua sha two to three times a week.

1. Using the curved edge of the tool, stroke in an upward direction from the base of the neck towards the nape, using mild to moderate pressure. You can also add a little wiggle to the pressing action if that feels good to you. Repeat the movement from the centre of the back of your neck towards your ear 5 to 10 times.

2. Using the long, smooth edge of the tool, work your way backwards from the hairline towards the crown of the head, pressing gently at that point, then moving slowly down the nape of the neck. You can use a combination of gua sha techniques here: stroking, circling, tapping, or pressing – whatever feels good.

3. Now, repeat step 2, but instead, circle your gua sha tool five to ten times in one direction, then 5 to 10 times in the reverse direction. Start at the hairline and move backwards until you’ve reached the nape of the neck. To further stimulate the scalp, gently tap or press along the midline with the comb side of the tool.

4. Starting at the hairline on one side, move your Harmonise tool around the ear in an arc, tapping, pressing or gliding. This is an area traditionally used to encourage healthy sleep, so targeting it can calm and soothe. If you like, you can incorporate rhythmic breathing into this part of the routine for a moment of calm.

5. There are many acupuncture points just inside the hairline used in acupuncture for facial rejuvenation. You can use the same techniques we’ve used for the scalp to revitalise the face, too - try circling, tapping, pressing or gliding to help promote blood circulation, stimulate collagen production and improve muscle tone.

Post-use, gently clean your gua sha with warm soapy water or rubbing alcohol and pat dry with a hand towel.