We are often asked: how do I do Gua Sha for my TMJ and jaw issues? Gua Sha for jaw, or as we like to abbreviate “Jaw Sha,” is actually easy to do at home with a Gua Sha tool and some basic guidance. 

There are so many different techniques, and this week we covered an easy, basic Jaw Sha technique as well as a new one that takes you inside your oral cavity to work those knots from the other side.

Here are some additional Jaw Sha pro-tips:

• The internal part of your mouth can be quite sensitive behind those tight jaw knots. It’s ok to lean into the tenderness, but don’t use excess force. Think of melting the tension, rather than forcing it into submission. Your body will respond better this way.
• Make sure to use a clean tool. This one’s obvious, right?

• If you have the Lanshin Pro tool you can use the Pro Sculpting V where I use the Intro V edge in this video. After you finish, you can add bonus strokes using the Lanshin Pro’s special Sculpting Lip and Comb edge to provide an extra boost to your results. Simply add 5-10 additional strokes with the Sculpting Lip, then repeat with the Comb edge.
• Whichever tool you have, make sure to use the flat side of the tool’s body, rather than the thin edge on your jaw as this can create more redness and pull out the “sha” (therapeutic related red spots that are temporary). If you accidentally pull out this red sha, don’t worry it will go away in 1-2 days. Use make-up or concealer to cover if you’re headed to a special event. Or don’t, and show everyone that TCM is now part of your life:)
• If you start to get those red sha spots, simply slow down your stroking speed and lighten up your pressure.