Body gua sha
A smooth-edged tool is drawn firmly along the skin over an area of muscular tension, usually the upper back, shoulders or along the spine. The pressure is real and the sensation is closer to a deep massage stroke than to anything sharp.
It commonly leaves temporary redness or light bruising across the treated area, which fades over a few days. Say so if you have an event coming up and Dana will work more lightly or leave it for another visit.
Facial gua sha
The same idea at a fraction of the pressure, worked along the jaw, cheekbones and brow. It does not mark. Dana often adds it to a facial acupuncture or microneedling visit rather than using it on its own.
Who should skip it
Tell Dana if you bruise easily, take anticoagulants, have a bleeding disorder, or have a rash, sunburn or broken skin in the area. Any of those means she does something else instead.
The studio was very relaxing, clean and definitely Zen-like. Dana is very knowledgeable, professional, and she clearly explains each treatment and how to get the most out of it.