Glide into
release.Sports massage.
A traditional technique using a smooth-edged tool in short, gliding strokes over oiled skin, paired with a kinesiology assessment so every stroke goes where your body needs it.
- 15-20MIN ASSESSMENT
- 4STEP SESSION
- 1:1PERSONAL PLAN
Short, gliding strokes over oiled skin. Light to moderate pressure that you control.
An old technique,
honestly explained.
Gua sha is a traditional practice. We offer it as a wellness service, and we tell you exactly what to expect before we begin.
A traditional technique
Gua sha comes from East Asian traditional practice. A smooth-edged tool is gently drawn across oiled skin in short, gliding strokes.
Works at the surface
Strokes work on the skin and the soft tissue just beneath it, such as the muscles along the neck, shoulders and back.
Marks are common
Pink or red marks, known as sha, often appear and typically fade within days. We explain this before we begin, and you can choose a lighter approach.
Assess. Prepare.
Glide. Settle.
Healing starts by identifying the true source, not just treating symptoms. Here is how your session unfolds.
Assess
A 15-20 minute Applied Functional Kinesiology assessment looks at posture, gait, joint mechanics and muscle tension, so we choose areas and pressure that suit you.
Prepare
We apply a light oil or balm so the tool glides, check your skin, and agree the areas and pressure before starting. We avoid bony areas, varicose veins and any broken skin.
Glide
Short, smooth strokes follow the line of the muscle, building from light to the pressure you prefer. If marks appear, they show up as streaks along the strokes.
Settle
We finish with gentle work or a calm pause, then talk through after-care and what the marks may do over the next days.
Pick an area.
See what we typically do on each area, and what it pairs well with.
Neck and upper shoulders
Desk work, phones and stress tend to gather here. Strokes run along the muscles from the base of the skull out toward the shoulders.
Between the shoulder blades
The area around the shoulder blades often holds tension from sitting, driving and lifting. Strokes follow the muscle lines outward from the spine.
Either side of the spine
Dense, stiff-feeling muscle beside the spine can respond to unhurried, gliding strokes. We work beside the spine, never over it.
Calves, thighs and hamstrings
These muscles carry a lot of load from walking, running and standing. Strokes run along the length of the muscle, avoiding the back of the knee.
Forearms and upper arms
Typing, gripping and lifting load the forearms and upper arms. Strokes follow the muscle from the wrist toward the elbow and shoulder.
The marks,
day by day.
Marks are the most common question, so here is a typical picture. Slide to see how they usually change.
Typical marks over a week
An illustration only. Your skin may react differently.
Right after
Pink to red marks where we worked, often in streaks. The area may feel warm or slightly tender.
Most visible
Marks can look their most vivid and may feel tender to the touch, a bit like a mild bruise.
Fading
Colours soften and may shift, much as a bruise does. Tenderness settles.
Mostly gone
For most people the marks are mostly or fully gone. Everyone heals at their own pace.
Marks can look different on different skin tones and can be harder to see on darker skin. If marks last longer than a week, or you have pain, blistering or anything unusual, contact us or your doctor.
Gua sha or
deep tissue?
Gua sha
- ToolSmooth-edged tool with oil or balm
- PressureLight to moderate, gliding
- MarksCommon and temporary
- Choose it ifYou want a different, surface-level technique for tight-feeling muscle
Deep tissue massage
- ToolHands, forearms and elbows
- PressureMedium to firm, slow
- MarksUncommon, though soreness is possible
- Choose it ifYou have deep, persistent knots
See Deep Tissue
Choose your session.
New to gua sha or not sure which one fits? Start with the Root-Cause session and we will take it from there.
Gua Sha Focus
Gua sha on one or two key areas, such as neck and shoulders or the upper back.
- Quick skin and movement check
- Targeted gua sha strokes
- After-care guidance
Root-Cause Gua Sha Reset
Kinesiology assessment followed by a customised gua sha treatment, with massage where it helps.
- 15-20 min movement assessment
- Gua sha on the areas that need it
- Soft-tissue work between strokes
- What to expect from marks, and after-care
Extended Gua Sha Ritual
More time for several areas, combining gua sha with hands-on massage.
- Full assessment and plan
- Gua sha and massage on several areas
- Best paired with a recovery add-on
Add a little more care.
Add advanced recovery technology to any gua sha session. Ask us when you book.
Red Light Therapy
Light-based sessions to support relaxation and recovery.
BEMER PEMF
Pulsed electromagnetic field sessions to support circulation.
Bio-Meridian Activation
FOHOW meridian-based activation to support balance.
After your session.
A few simple habits help your skin and muscles settle. Your therapist will tailor them to you.
Keep the area warm and covered
Cover the area, avoid direct sun, and skip very hot showers, saunas or cold plunges for a day or two.
Drink water and take it easy
Drink water as usual and keep the rest of the day gentle. Mild tenderness is normal.
Be gentle with the skin
Skip scrubs, harsh exfoliants and tight straps on the area while marks fade, and moisturise if the skin feels dry.
Let marks fade before repeating
We usually leave time for marks to fade before working the same area again.
Know when to get in touch
Tell us if marks last longer than a week, if you notice blistering or broken skin, or if pain increases rather than eases. See your doctor if you are worried.
Good to tell us
before you come.
Please tell us if you have:
Gua sha may not be suitable, or we may need your doctor to approve it first.
- Blood-thinning medication, or a bleeding or clotting disorder
- Skin that bruises easily, or fragile or thin skin
- Sunburn, rash, eczema, open wounds, infection or lesions in the area
- Varicose veins, swelling, or a recent injury in the area
- Pregnancy, a fever or feeling unwell
- Recent surgery, or a medical condition you are managing
About the marks
An expected, temporary part of the technique for many people.
- Marks usually fade within a few days to a week
- We use the lightest pressure that works
- You can ask for a lighter approach at any time
- Planning an event, photo shoot or beach day? Tell us when you book
- Marks can look different on different skin tones
General information, not medical advice. Gua sha is a traditional technique offered as a wellness service, and individual results vary. Our services are not a substitute for medical care.
Good to know.
What is gua sha?
Gua sha is a traditional technique in which a smooth-edged tool is drawn across oiled skin in short, gliding strokes over the muscles of the neck, shoulders, back or limbs. We offer it as a wellness service, guided by a movement assessment.
Does it hurt?
It should feel like firm, gliding pressure, sometimes a little warm or tender, but never sharp. You set the pressure, and we adjust or stop whenever you ask.
Will it leave marks?
It often does. Pink or red marks, called sha, are common and usually fade within a few days to a week. They look different on different skin tones. If you have an event coming up, tell us and we will use a lighter approach.
How is it different from cupping?
Both can leave temporary marks. Cupping uses suction, while gua sha glides a tool across oiled skin.
Is this facial gua sha?
This page is about body gua sha. Facial gua sha uses different tools and lighter strokes, so please ask us if that is what you are looking for.
How often can I have it?
We usually leave time for marks to fade before working the same area again. After your first session we will recommend a schedule that fits you.
Who should avoid gua sha?
If you take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, fragile skin, a skin condition or an injury in the area, are pregnant, or have had recent surgery, please tell us first. We may adapt the session or suggest another technique.
Is this medical treatment?
No. Our services are wellness services and are not a substitute for medical care. If you have an injury or a medical condition, please consult your doctor first.
Ready to feel
lighter?
Book your session and let us find the technique that suits your body.
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