Tools
Gua Sha tools traditionally include smooth-edged items made from jade, rose quartz, buffalo horn, or other materials. These tools can vary in shape but are typically flat with rounded edges to glide over the skin comfortably

Technique
During a Gua Sha session, the practitioner applies massage oil to the skin and then scrapes the tool over the affected area. This scraping action creates petechiae (tiny red dots) known as "sha," which is believed to release unhealthy elements from injured areas and stimulate blood flow and healing.

Purpose
Gua Sha is used for various purposes, including pain relief, reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and promoting immune response. It's often used for musculoskeletal problems but can also be applied to the face for facial rejuvenation and improving skin texture.

Benefits
Advocates of Gua Sha believe it can help alleviate conditions such as chronic pain, muscle stiffness, fever, and respiratory issues. It's also touted for its ability to improve skin health and promote a healthy glow when used on the face.

Precautions
Gua Sha should be performed by trained practitioners to ensure safety and effectiveness. Improper technique or excessive pressure can cause bruising or skin damage. It's also not recommended for people with certain health conditions, such as those with bleeding disorders or who are taking blood-thinning medications.

To effectively stimulate the lymph nodes, it's recommended to firmly press the nodes in your neck, armpit, and the top of the thigh and abdomen 5 to 10 times before your lymphatic massage. This will ensure that the key lymph nodes in these areas are activated and further improve circulation.

Start by preparing your skin with a body oil. Take your Body Gua Sha and use short strokes, gently massaging the fluid in one direction towards the lymph nodes. Lymphatic massage strokes are gentle, light, slow, rhythmic, and nurturing.

Legs

1. Start by pumping or pressing your lymph nodes at the back of your knees 5-10 times.
2. Then, use short gentle stokes and work up each leg and thigh toward the inside of your knee.
3. Focus on working into the pelvic ligament area for the maximum benefit of lymphatic flow and drainage.

Arms

1. Place your hand like a cap over your shoulder.
2. Massage half circles up and over your shoulder ten times.
3. Next, massage from your forearm up toward the armpit.
4. Now move to the elbow crease: Using your palm, pump directly into your elbow crease.
5. Once you’ve cleared the upper arm, you can massage from your lower arm and your fingers up toward your armpit in slow, continuous strokes encouraging the fluid into the armpit.
6. To finish, massage the lymph nodes in your armpits again.

Abdominal Area

1. Start at your obliques and start in a downward motion towards the belly button.
2. When working on the abdomen itself, you want to work in a clockwise circular motion, encouraging the flow of digestion.
   

Tips for Effective Gua Sha

Pressure
Apply medium pressure throughout the massage. Too light pressure may not provide adequate stimulation, while too much pressure can cause discomfort or bruising.

Direction
Always move the Gua Sha stone in upward motions to encourage lymphatic drainage and circulation.

Maintenance
Clean the Gua Sha tool with a gentle soap and water after each use to keep it free from bacteria and dirt. Store it in a cool, dry place.