Lymphatic drainage is crucial in optimising both mind and body.
We speak to Therapy by Dee to discover the benefits of body Gua Sha in this transformative therapy.
What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like/your morning routine?
It’s very important to commit to a morning ritual. It helps you set your day up in the right way and can have some drastic effects on your focus and productivity. Usually, when I wake up, I make my bed, light some candles and put on some relaxing music, to keep my home comfortable and filled with clear energy throughout the day. I practice 10 min of Tai chi, which clears my head and energises my body. I grab a coffee and some breakfast and start my day. These are simple steps, but they help me feel better on a daily basis.
What is the core DNA of your brand and the health principles you live by?
Therapy by Dee was started in 2018, it was a natural start, a wake up call after spending a long period of time working in the corporate world, discovering that my main passion in life was helping others improve their lives. Holistic refers to “a whole person” approach to wellness intervention, simultaneously focusing on both the mind and the physical aspects of health. It’s an opportunity for patients to better address their psychological and physical needs, and achieve complete healing. The relationship between mind and matter fascinated me, especially in regard to immediate tangible results among patients, and I deepened my study in different alternative healing methods such as Gua Sha and other different types of massage. I also studied hypnotherapy and breathing techniques. My goal is to provide this knowledge and share it with everyone. It is a long, rewarding, and enriching experience, that affected me personally in so many ways, it improved me with a great deal of insight into how the mind affects the physical, and I am an advocate for spreading awareness about adopting a healthier lifestyle through adhering to a balanced diet, regular exercise, rest, and positive thinking – the main elements of a human being’s Life Force.
How can Body Gua Sha support overall wellness and what should you look for in a therapist?
Gua Sha is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Gua means to scrape and Sha means sandy. According to the principles of TCM, your energy must circulate throughout your entire being so you can feel your very best. When energy becomes stagnant in certain parts of your system, it is believed that illness may arise. With Gua Sha, a therapist will use a smooth-edged instrument to gently scrape out the area of your skin where there is stagnation of energy. The goal of Gua Sha is to encourage the flow of energy throughout the whole system. By doing Gua Sha, the therapist hopes that any symptoms the patient experiences will diminish, bringing the system back into balance. There are many qualities that therapists must possess before becoming certified Gua Sha practitioners. Above all else, it is essential to ensure that the therapist is properly qualified and is treating the correct condition for the patient. It is important to be comfortable with your therapist and to trust them to be a good match for your needs.
Can you expand on the specific techniques of Gua Sha for the body – is it painful and what happens if there is an energy block?
In Gua Sha, a therapist scrapes your body with short or long strokes, stimulating circulation of the soft tissues. They do so with an instrument known as a Gua- Sha Massager. The therapist applies oil to your body, and then uses the massager to repeatedly scratch your body in a downward/upwards motion. It is generally applied to the back, buttocks, shoulders, arms, and thighs. A gentler version of Gua Sha is also done on the face. The therapist may gently press down, and gradually increase the amount of pressure until you feel comfortable. Gua Sha is meant to address stagnant Qi (pronounced “chee”) in the body that may contribute to inflammation. Inflammation causes discomfort and pain, and is often the root cause of various health problems. Scraping the surface of the body helps to release stagnated Qi, reducing inflammation and promoting overall wellness. The resulting appearance is not pretty, as you may end up with red marks and bruises as you recover. However, the benefits are significant and some people say it is the best treatment they ever had.
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Where do you see the most common blockages in the body and how can we improve this day to day?
Due to our daily stress and activity, the brain and the body are often affected. The most common blockages are found in the neck, shoulders, hips, hands and feet, however, the three key areas in the body that have the potential to be most affected by emotional stress are the pelvic floor, diaphragm and jaw. To keep stress and its effects on your body at bay, make time to put your phone down each day, take deep breaths at intervals throughout the day, hydrate, go for walks, and stretch your body.
Have you had any mentors along the way and if so, what knowledge did they impart?
Throughout my journey, I had several mentors whom I looked up to, felt comfortable with and trusted to guide me through my personal and professional growth. Mentorship is an excellent way to learn about yourself and how you can better serve others. Having a mentor who cares enough to help you develop your abilities and push you to reach your goals is invaluable. Through mentorship, you’ll find someone who understands what you’re trying to accomplish and will encourage you along the way. You’ll also benefit from having someone who knows you inside out and can provide guidance and advice whenever you need it.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would advise myself to keep an open mind and not get too attached to anything. Don’t let fear stop you from trying something new. If it doesn’t go according to plan, then just pick yourself back up again and start afresh. Stay focused on your strengths and shine where they count. Be proud of who you are and how far you’ve come so far. You’re only limited by your own imagination.
This is The Reset Issue – what is the best way to reset?
A stressed mind is not at peace and won’t function at its best. Meditation is therefore one of the best things you can do for yourself to reset. It helps you control your emotions, increase your focus, and reduces stress. Even if you meditate for five minutes, studies show it will improve your well-being. Additionally, avoid multitasking as this has been proven to increase anxiety and cause changes in the way your brain works, making you less productive, which means you’re not accomplishing anything. Focused concentration helps you get things done faster, reduces anxiety, and allows you to clear your head. Meditation is an excellent tool for learning to concentrate.
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Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Unsplash @christi-hume
