P. Sze 
Gua sha is a versatile tool that can help relieve tension and improve circulation, especially when used on the collarbone area. If you’re dealing with tightness, discomfort, or restricted movement in your chest or shoulders, applying gua sha to the collarbone can help release muscle tightness, promote relaxation, and restore mobility. In this guide, we’ll explore five essential gua sha techniques for your collarbone. For those unfamiliar with the fundamentals of gua sha, you can check out our gua sha basics guide for more information.
1. Gentle Strokes Along the Collarbone
One of the easiest ways to relieve tightness around your collarbone is to use gentle strokes along the bone. This helps to relax the fascia (the connective tissue around the muscles) and improve circulation, which reduces discomfort and stiffness in the area.
- How to do it:
- Apply a small amount of oil to the collarbone area to reduce friction.
- Hold your gua sha tool at a 45-degree angle, using the smooth edge.
- Begin at the center of the collarbone (near your sternum) and gently stroke outward toward the shoulder.
- Use light to moderate pressure and repeat this motion for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
This technique is particularly useful for relieving everyday tension, especially if you spend long hours sitting or working in positions that strain your neck and shoulders.
“Generally, you should glide the tool along the muscles or bones. For bones, focus on the edge of the bone, and for muscles, it’s effective to massage the areas where you feel tension. Additionally, since waste products are expelled through the lymphatic system, it’s beneficial to direct the flow towards the lymph nodes.” — Ms. Mai Sogawa, Senior TCM Therapist
2. Under-Collarbone Sweep for Muscle Release
Many muscles connect underneath the collarbone, and using gua sha in this area can release tightness and improve mobility in your chest and shoulders. This under-collarbone sweep focuses on the pectoral muscles and other soft tissues that may become stiff due to poor posture or repetitive movements.
- How to do it:
- Start by placing your gua sha tool just under the collarbone, close to the sternum.
- Sweep the tool outward, following the line just beneath the collarbone, moving toward the shoulder.
- Apply gentle to moderate pressure, depending on how tight the area feels.
- Repeat the motion for 1-2 minutes on each side.
This technique opens up the chest and helps improve the mobility of your arms and shoulders, making it great for people who experience tightness in the chest from sitting or hunching.
3. Scapular-to-Collarbone Sweep for Shoulder Relief
The scapular-to-collarbone sweep is designed to relieve shoulder and upper back tension while improving the alignment of the collarbone. Since tension in the shoulders can radiate to the collarbone, this sweep targets both areas at once, providing broad relief.
- How to do it:
- Begin by placing the gua sha tool on the upper edge of the shoulder blade (scapula) in the back.
- Sweep the tool upward and forward, moving from the shoulder blade toward the top of the shoulder and then down toward the collarbone (in the front).
- Follow the natural curve of your body as you make this motion, using firm but comfortable pressure.
- Repeat the motion for 1-2 minutes on each side.
By combining these movements, this sweep promotes muscle relaxation and reduces tension along the shoulder-to-collarbone connection, which can help improve posture and relieve shoulder stiffness.
4. Targeted Pressure for Trigger Points Under the Collarbone
Sometimes, pain and tightness around the collarbone stem from trigger points—small knots in the muscle that are tender to the touch. You can use the gua sha tool to apply targeted pressure to these points, helping to release them and reduce discomfort.
- How to do it:
- Use your fingers to feel for any tender spots just under the collarbone.
- Once you locate a trigger point, use the pointed edge of your gua sha tool to apply light pressure directly to the spot.
- Hold the pressure for 10-20 seconds, then release.
- Repeat on any other tight areas you find, but avoid applying too much pressure to prevent bruising.
This technique is excellent for localized relief, helping to ease tension in specific areas around the collarbone that feel particularly tight or sore.
5. Circular Movements for Lymphatic Drainage
Your collarbone area plays a significant role in lymphatic drainage, with many lymph nodes located in this region. Using gua sha with gentle circular movements around the collarbone can stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to reduce puffiness, promote detoxification, and alleviate inflammation.
- How to do it:
- Start by applying light pressure with the gua sha tool and make small circular movements around the collarbone.
- Move from the center of the chest outward toward the shoulders, keeping your movements smooth and controlled.
- Perform these circular strokes for about 1-2 minutes on each side, maintaining light pressure to encourage lymphatic flow.
“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.” — Ms. Mai Sogawa, Senior TCM Therapist
This technique supports the natural drainage of the lymphatic system, reducing fluid retention and swelling around the collarbone and neck, while promoting overall relaxation.
Benefits of Gua Sha on the Collarbone
Incorporating gua sha into your routine can provide several benefits for the collarbone and surrounding areas:
- Improved Mobility: By releasing tight fascia and muscles, gua sha helps enhance the range of motion in the neck, shoulders, and chest.
- Posture Correction: Gua sha reduces tension in the upper body, encouraging better posture by relaxing tight muscles that cause slouching.
- Pain Relief: By targeting trigger points and muscle knots, gua sha helps reduce pain and stiffness around the collarbone and shoulders.
- Better Circulation: Gua sha stimulates blood flow, speeding up recovery and helping to reduce inflammation in the collarbone area.
- Lymphatic Support: Gentle gua sha movements promote lymphatic drainage, which can help detoxify the body and reduce swelling in the collarbone region.
By practicing these gua sha techniques regularly, you can effectively manage tension, reduce pain, and improve flexibility around the collarbone. Remember to always listen to your body and apply pressure according to your comfort level to avoid irritation or bruising.
Incorporating these techniques into your self-care routine can bring long-term relief and help keep your upper body relaxed and mobile.
Try our Anti-Aging Gua Sha Tool designed to bring out your skin’s natural glow.
Best Gua Sha Product- Anti-Aging: The tool is designed to target 11 specific aging signs such as wrinkles and sagging skin. By following the 7-step routine, users can improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines naturally.
- Enhances Skincare Routine: It works effectively with serums and lotions, boosting absorption and efficacy of skincare products.
- Visible Skin Improvement: Users can expect a smoother complexion, reduced puffiness, and a more youthful appearance.
