P. Sze 
Gua sha, an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has gained popularity for its ability to promote circulation, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall health. While many are familiar with using gua sha for the face or back, the stomach is another area where this technique can provide significant benefits. In this article, we’ll explore five gua sha methods specifically designed to enhance stomach function, helping you support digestion, alleviate bloating, and improve overall gut health. If you’re new to gua sha, consider checking out our gua sha basic guide to familiarize yourself with the fundamentals.
1. Circular Motions for Digestion Support
One of the most effective ways to use gua sha on your stomach is through gentle circular motions. This technique helps stimulate blood flow and encourages better digestion by massaging the abdominal muscles and underlying organs.
- How to do it:
- Start by applying a light oil to your stomach area to ensure smooth gliding.
- Hold the gua sha tool at a 30-degree angle and gently press it against your skin.
- Begin making small, clockwise circular motions around your navel, gradually expanding the circles outward.
- Spend about 5-10 minutes on this technique, focusing on areas that feel tense or uncomfortable.
“Avoid using Gua Sha on acne, wounds, or sunburned skin, as it can be sensitive. Always use oil to prevent friction from damaging the skin. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure or to overdo it on the same area, as this can cause redness or bruising. Avoid performing Gua Sha when feeling unwell or immediately after a meal.” — Ms. Mai Sogawa, Senior TCM Therapist
This method can help relieve common digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and constipation by encouraging movement in the intestines and promoting better nutrient absorption.
2. Upward Strokes to Relieve Bloating
Upward strokes are another effective gua sha technique for enhancing stomach function, particularly if you’re dealing with bloating or indigestion. These strokes help move stagnant energy and fluids in a straight upward direction.
- How to do it:
- Begin by applying oil to your stomach.
- Hold the gua sha tool at a 30-degree angle and start just above your pubic bone.
- Using gentle pressure, stroke upwards in a straight line towards your ribs.
- Repeat this process on different areas of your stomach, spending a few minutes on each section.
This method not only helps relieve bloating but also aids in the detoxification process, encouraging the lymphatic system to remove waste more efficiently.
3. Side-to-Side Motions for Intestinal Health
Side-to-side motions with your gua sha tool can help improve intestinal health by stimulating the muscles of the abdomen and promoting the smooth movement of food through the digestive tract. This technique is especially useful for those who experience irregular bowel movements or mild abdominal cramping.
- How to do it:
- Apply a light layer of oil to your stomach.
- Starting at one side of your abdomen, gently move the gua sha tool from left to right in horizontal strokes.
- Gradually work your way up and down the abdomen, covering the entire stomach area.
- Maintain a consistent rhythm and spend about 5 minutes on this technique.
“The body has more fat and larger muscles compared to the face, so it’s okay to apply a bit more pressure. It’s best to glide the tool from the extremities towards the center of the body, or in the direction of the lymph nodes (e.g., under the arms or around the groin).” — Ms. Mai Sogawa, Senior TCM Therapist
This gua sha method encourages the proper functioning of the intestines, helping to relieve discomfort and improve regularity.
4. Gentle Tapping to Soothe the Stomach
Gentle tapping with a gua sha tool can be an effective way to soothe an upset stomach or reduce stress-related digestive issues. This method is particularly useful for those who experience stomach discomfort due to anxiety or tension.
- How to do it:
- Use the edge of your gua sha tool and lightly tap across your abdomen.
- Start at the center of your stomach, around the navel area, and gradually move outwards, tapping in a rhythmic pattern.
- Continue tapping to cover the entire stomach area, focusing on areas that feel tense or uncomfortable, but be sure to keep the pressure light.
- Tap for 3-5 minutes, allowing the vibrations to penetrate the abdominal muscles.
Tapping helps release tension in the stomach muscles and can calm the digestive system, making it a great technique to use after a stressful day or a heavy meal.
5. Diagonal Strokes for Detoxification
Detoxifying the body through gua sha is a key aspect of enhancing stomach function. Diagonal strokes across the abdomen can help stimulate the liver and gallbladder, organs that play a crucial role in digestion and detoxification.
- How to do it:
- Apply a generous amount of oil to your stomach area.
- Hold your gua sha tool at a 30-degree angle and start at the lower left side of your abdomen.
- Stroke diagonally upwards across your abdomen, ending just below your right ribcage. The stroke should follow a diagonal path, but it stays within the abdominal area, not extending to the chest or shoulder.
- Repeat on the opposite side, starting at the lower right side of your abdomen and moving diagonally towards the left ribcage.
- Spend about 5-7 minutes on this technique, focusing on deep, even strokes.
Note: The end point for the diagonal strokes is just below your ribcage on the opposite side of your abdomen. When performing this technique, you start at the lower left side of your abdomen and stroke diagonally upwards towards the upper right side, stopping just below the ribcage. Similarly, on the other side, you start from the lower right side of your abdomen and move towards the upper left side, again stopping just below the ribcage. The strokes stay within the abdominal area and do not extend into the chest or shoulder region.
Diagonal strokes can help enhance liver function, promoting the breakdown of fats and the removal of toxins from the body. This method is particularly beneficial after overindulging or during a detox routine.
These five gua sha methods offer a natural, non-invasive way to enhance stomach function and support digestive health. By incorporating these techniques into your routine, you can help alleviate common stomach issues and promote a healthier gut.
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