Fascia + Lymphatic Care Benefits + Instructions
For centuries, cultures around the world have embraced fascia and lymphatic care as an essential wellness practice. From the ancient Chinese art of gua sha, used to stimulate circulation and release tension, to dry brushing, a technique rooted in Ayurvedic traditions for detoxification and glowing skin, these time-honored methods have stood the test of time. Also known as Myofascial Release, the techniques focus on relieving tension and restrictions in the fascia. MFR can be performed by a practitioner or self-administered. Fascia care integrates ancestral techniques using innovative tools like wood therapy, meridian combing, and scalp massagers to enhance lymphatic flow, ease muscle tightness, and support overall vitality.
Your body’s fascia and lymphatic system play a crucial role in circulation, detoxification, and overall well-being. By incorporating simple, effective tools into your routine, you can reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and restore balance from the inside out. Whether you're looking to release tension, promote lymphatic drainage, or enhance your skin’s natural glow, fascia care is a powerful way to reconnect with yourself—physically and energetically. Explore this collection of tools and discover the transformative power of fascia care—past and present.
>> Always listen to your body and consult with a healthcare professional before trying any alternative therapy, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. <<
Dry Brushing
Benefits:
Stimulates lymphatic flow
Improves circulation
Unclogs pores
Exfoliates
Reduces inflammation
Removes toxins
Improves cell regeneration
Stimulates nervous system
Softens fat deposits
Helps produce collagen
Prevents ingrown hairs
Prevents spider and varicose veins
May reduce the appearance of cellulite
Reduces appearance of stretch marks
How to Use:
Choose a natural bristle brush with a comfortable handle.
Before showering, start at your feet and brush upward toward your heart using long, sweeping motions.
Brush each area 5–10 times, overlapping as you move.
After brushing, shower to wash away exfoliated skin cells.
Apply body oil or a moisturizing lotion to nourish your skin post-shower.
Gua Sha
FOR FACE:
Benefits:
Relieves muscle tension
Promotes lymphatic drainage
Reduces puffiness
Enhances blood circulation
How to Use:
Apply a facial oil or serum to provide slip.
Hold the Gua Sha tool at a 15-degree angle to your skin.
Gently scrape the tool across your skin in upward and outward strokes, starting from the neck and moving to the jawline, cheeks, and forehead.
Repeat each stroke 3–5 times, ensuring you’re not applying too much pressure.
FOR BODY:
Benefits:
Improved Circulation: The scraping action stimulates blood flow, which can aid in muscle recovery and overall vitality.
Muscle and Joint Pain Relief: Gua sha has been reported to alleviate musculoskeletal issues, including tightness in the shoulders, legs, and back.
Reduced Inflammation: The technique may help decrease inflammation, benefiting conditions like arthritis.
Lymphatic Drainage: Gua sha promotes lymphatic drainage, which can reduce swelling and support the immune system.
Stress Relief: Regular practice can alleviate tension and promote relaxation.
How to Use:
Preparation:
Cleanse the Skin: Ensure the area is clean to prevent irritation.
Apply Lubricant: Use body oil or cream to reduce friction.
Technique:
Hold the Tool Correctly: Keep it at a 15-degree angle to the skin.
Apply Firm Pressure: The sensation should resemble a deep tissue massage.
Stroke Direction: Move the tool in one direction along muscle groups, avoiding back-and-forth motions.
Areas to Target:
Back and Shoulders: Scrape from the spine outward to relieve tension.
Legs: Move upward from calves to thighs to promote circulation.
Arms: Stroke from wrists toward shoulders.
Post-Treatment:
Hydrate: Drink water to aid in toxin removal.
Rest: Allow your body to relax and recover.
FOR DIGESTIVE HEALTH:
Benefits:
Stimulates Lymphatic Flow – Encourages detoxification and reduces bloating.
Enhances Circulation – Improves blood flow to the digestive organs for better function.
Supports the Parasympathetic Nervous System – Activates the “rest and digest” response to ease stress-related digestive issues.
Reduces Abdominal Tension – Helps release tight fascia and muscle tension that may contribute to sluggish digestion.
Encourages Peristalsis (Bowel Movement) – Gentle stimulation can promote regularity and ease constipation.
Eases Bloating & Water Retention – Assists in fluid movement and lymphatic drainage.
How + When to Use:
Morning sessions: On an empty stomach to stimulate digestion
Evening sessions: At least 2 hours after your last meal
Frequency: 2–3 times per week for optimal benefits
Step 1: Prepare the Area
Apply a small amount of oil to your abdomen to prevent pulling on the skin.
Choose a gua sha tool with a smooth, curved edge.
Step 2: Start with Deep Breaths
Take a few deep belly breaths to relax your nervous system and engage the diaphragm.
Step 3: Gentle Strokes Around the Abdomen
Begin at the right lower abdomen (near the cecum) and move upwards toward the ribs.
Stroke horizontally from the right side to the left, following the path of the large intestine.
Move down the left side toward the lower abdomen, mimicking natural digestive flow.
Use light to medium pressure—this should feel soothing, not painful.
Step 4: Focus on the Solar Plexus & Diaphragm
Glide the gua sha tool in an upward motion between the belly button and sternum to release tension in the diaphragm.
Step 5: Work in Circular Motions
Using the flat side of your gua sha tool, gently massage in clockwise circles around the belly.
This follows the natural movement of digestion and can help ease bloating and constipation.
Step 6: Stimulate the Lymphatic System
Lightly glide the tool downward from the ribs to the lower abdomen and towards the groin area, where lymph nodes help drain waste.
This encourages lymphatic flow and reduces water retention.
Step 7: Close with Relaxation
Finish with a few deep belly breaths, lying down if possible, to allow your body to integrate the release.
Drink a glass of warm water or herbal tea to support digestion.
There are many types of gua sha tools, each varying in shape and material to suit different needs. Our heart-shaped white jade gua sha is perfect for gentle, soothing massage and lymphatic stimulation—available now. Bian stone gua shas (COMING SOON) are crafted from a mineral-rich igneous rock, traditionally valued for its healing properties and ability to promote healthy skin.
Maderoterapia
(Wood Therapy)
Benefits:
Stimulates lymphatic drainage
Reduces cellulite
Tones and tightens skin
Breaks down localized fat
How to Use:
Select wooden tools designed for specific areas (e.g., rollers, cups).
Apply a massage oil to the targeted area.
Use the wooden tool to massage the area with consistent pressure, moving in circular or sweeping motions toward lymph nodes.
Perform the massage for 10–20 minutes per area, 2–3 times a week.
Exfoliating Mitt
Benefits:
Removes dead skin cells
Improves skin texture
Promotes circulation
Enhances product absorption
How to Use:
Soak in a warm bath or shower for at least 15 minutes to soften the skin.
Wet the mitt and wring out excess water.
Vigorously rub the mitt over your skin in upward and downward motions.
Rinse off the exfoliated skin and apply a moisturizer.
Meridian Comb
Benefits:
Stimulates acupressure points
Promotes blood circulation
Relieves tension
Encourages hair health
How to Use:
Begin by gently massaging your scalp with small, circular motions to promote relaxation and circulation.
Starting at your hairline, use the comb to gently stroke over the sides and top of your head, moving from front to back.
Repeat 10–20 times in each area, using light strokes.
For additional tension relief, run the comb up and down the back of your neck and across your shoulders.
Adjust pressure according to your comfort level.
Shampoo Brush
(Scalp Massager)
Benefits:
Cleanses the scalp effectively
Promotes blood circulation
Reduces dandruff
Encourages hair growth
How to Use:
Wet your hair and apply your chosen shampoo.
Work your scalp brush around your head in small, circular movements.
Apply as little or as much pressure as you like.
Rinse thoroughly and follow with your regular hair care routine.
Foam Roller
Benefits:
Muscle Recovery: Foam rolling helps release muscle tightness and improve blood flow, aiding in faster recovery post-exercise.
Enhanced Flexibility: Regular use can increase range of motion and reduce muscle stiffness.
Reduced Muscle Soreness: It may decrease delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after intense workouts.
Increased Circulation: applying pressure to muscles and fascia stimulates blood vessels to widen, delivering oxygen + nutrients while removing waste buildup.
How to Use:
Select the Right Density: Beginners may prefer a softer roller, while experienced users might opt for a firmer one.
Target Specific Muscle Groups: Place the roller under the muscle group you wish to work on.
Apply Pressure: Use your body weight to control the pressure, rolling slowly over the muscle.
Duration: Spend about 1-2 minutes on each muscle group, focusing on tender spots.
The LoRox Foam Roller offers the ideal density for both general body maintenance and targeted muscle relief. However, any quality foam roller can provide significant benefits for fascia and lymphatic health, helping to improve circulation and release tension.
Massage Ball
Benefits:
Targeted Relief: Ideal for pinpointing and releasing specific muscle knots and trigger points.
Improved Circulation: Enhances blood flow to localized areas, promoting healing.
Versatility: Can be used on various body parts, including feet, back, and shoulders.
How to Use:
Choose the Appropriate Ball: Options range from soft to firm; beginners might start with a tennis ball.
Position the Ball: Place it between your body and a hard surface (floor or wall) at the targeted area.
Apply Pressure: Gently lean into the ball, adjusting your body weight to control intensity.
Roll Slowly: Move the ball around the area to massage the muscle, holding on tender spots for 15-30 seconds.
Cupping
Benefits:
Improved Blood Flow: Cupping increases circulation to the targeted area, facilitating healing.
Muscle Relaxation: Helps reduce muscle tension and can alleviate pain.
Detoxification: May assist in removing toxins from the body through enhanced lymphatic drainage.
How to Self-Administer: (make sure you consult with a professional before trying this on your own)
Select Cup Size: Choose an appropriate-sized cup for the area being treated.
Apply Lubricant: Use oil or lotion on the skin to allow smooth movement.
Place the Cup: Squeeze the cup to create suction and place it on the skin.
Static or Dynamic Cupping: For static cupping, leave the cup in place for 5-10 minutes. For dynamic cupping, gently glide the cup over the muscle area.
Post-Session Care: After removing the cups, hydrate well and rest. Be aware that temporary skin discoloration is normal.
Schedule an appointment with a recommended acupuncturist for a Cupping session. If you’re local, I highly recommend Danielle Melanson Acupuncture. She works in both Portland and Hood River and she is skilled, intuitive and caring.
Massage Gun
Benefits:
Deep Tissue Massage: Provides intense, targeted relief to deep muscle layers.
Accelerated Warm-Up and Recovery: Prepares muscles for activity and reduces recovery time post-exercise.
Reduced Muscle Soreness: Helps alleviate DOMS and muscle fatigue.
Increased Circulation: it pumps more blood into the tissue, delivering oxygrn and nutrients while removing waste products.
How to Use:
Choose the Attachment: Select an appropriate head based on the muscle group (e.g., large ball for large muscles, bullet for trigger points).
Power On the Device: Start with the lowest setting to assess tolerance.
Apply to Muscle: Gently place the device on the targeted muscle, allowing it to float over the area without excessive pressure.
Duration: Spend 1-2 minutes per muscle group, moving the device slowly.
Avoid Bony Areas: Focus on muscle tissue and steer clear of bones and joints.
The Sharper Image massage gun provides powerful relief for sore muscles and aching joints. By targeting the muscles surrounding the joints, it helps alleviate discomfort and improve mobility. For best results, avoid using it directly on bones or joints, focusing instead on the surrounding muscle tissue for effective relief.
Infrared Sauna
Infrared saunas use infrared light to heat the body directly, offering a unique approach to traditional heat therapies.
Benefits:
Detoxification: Sweating induced by infrared saunas may help remove toxins and heavy metals from the body.
Pain Relief: Infrared heat can alleviate pain from conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and muscle soreness by improving circulation and reducing inflammation.
Improved Circulation: The heat promotes increased blood flow, which can aid in muscle recovery and overall cardiovascular health.
Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Regular sessions can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality.
How to Use:
Hydrate: Drink water before entering the sauna to stay hydrated.
Set the Temperature: For beginners, start at lower temperatures, such as 100°F (38°C), and gradually increase as you become accustomed.
Session Duration: Begin with sessions of 10-15 minutes, gradually increasing to a maximum of 20-30 minutes as tolerated.
Frequency: Limit sessions to three to four times per week to avoid overexposure.
Post-Session Care: After your session, cool down gradually and rehydrate to replenish fluids lost through sweating.
An infrared sauna requires both space and financial investment, but for those who can accommodate it, the benefits are well worth it. From deep relaxation to numerous health advantages, the experience is both rejuvenating and therapeutic.