Emailed: March 7, 2023
The more you #rockwithcare, the more you come to appreciate the endless benefits.
Inspired by Guasha, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technique, let this stone be a reminder to invest in yourself.
In this newsletter, we breakdown our favourite way to use the stone.
First, the sequence.
Second, the technique.
The why will come another time in another email.
The power of self-care is truly amazing - please do try for yourself and share this email with friends or family.
#rockwithcare sequence
1. According to different styles of wellness, opening the chest area as the first step is best practice - for posture and lymphatic drainage.
Start in the centre of the chest and move toward the underarm.
2. Next, run the tool down the sides and back of the neck in the direction of your underarm. Avoid using the tool over the Adams Apple area - use your hands over this delicate area instead.
3. We recommend you explore the body next.
You can quickly wiggle the tool all over the body and/or spend a few minutes on different areas. They key is to ensure the stone has touched most of your body before moving to step 4 of the sequence.
4. Save the face for last. Whatever is happening in 1+2+3 all shows up on the face.
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Move to the target area of your choice after even just 2 minutes of completing the #rockwithcare sequence.
The sequence does not need to be a huge time commitment.
They key is you are encouraging circulation all over. #rockwithcare is additive for your circulation, breath, and organs, so you are the best version of yourself. The cherry on top is that you LOOK better too.
Important: If you are pregnant or on blood thinners, get medical advice first before using any body tools.
#rockwithcare technique
1. The Jagged Edge (for circulation)
We always start with this edge. Start with no pressure and build.
When exploring the body with the jagged edge, you are boosting your circulation and getting curious about whatever is under the skin. When using a tool, your brain registers that you are going over muscle, bone, a tendon, a knot, or something else.
Moving in the direction of lymphatic drainage is always optimal (see diagrams above), but it doesn't have to be. Wiggle the tool, roll the tool, move it fast or slow.
As a beginner, try in several ways. FREESTYLE the technique, but do try to follow sequence we've suggested : Chest > Neck > Body > Face.
2. The Short Edge (for targeted muscle work)
Once you have explored the body with the jagged edge, gradually add pressure and use the short edge to go deeper. Go after sore muscles or anywhere you feel stagnation.
Don’t know what we mean? Stagnation is usually where you feel those knots. Do NOT go directly over any joints - just around them.
The best tip when using this edge is to start with little pressure and build with each stroke.
3. The U Shape (to hug the curves)
This edge serves so many purposes. Our favourites include placing on the undereye, to run along fingers and toes, to run along the sides of the feet and hands, and to run along the sides and back of the neck. Using this edge feels more like the technique of abhyanga without oils given the stone caresses the body.
4. The Long Edge (for lymphatic drainage)
The longest edge and the front/back of the stone can be used for lymphatic drainage. You need no pressure. The flatter you hold the tool the better. Use the diagram to glide #rockwithcare across the face and body towards lymphatic passages. Move the 'garbage' towards points of exit.
The Pointy Parts (for acupressure and marma points)
For now, let's leave the pointy edges for the TCM, reflexology, or marma point experts. Once you are comfortable using #rockwithcare across the body consistently for a few months, than explore what these pointy parts can do.
Hot or Cold?
To further elevate the experience, run the stone under hot or cold water to feel different sensations. The beautiful thing about bianstone is that it quickly picks up the temperature of whatever it touches. Cool the stone under cold water to calm mosquito bites or place under the eye. Warm the stone under hot water to use as a hot compress. A hot stone down the neck is the ultimate treat.
Did you know?
#rockwithcare is a stone - not a crystal. Found along the coastline of Shandong, it is made from a variety of materials including meteorite and volcanic matter. Imagine the magic of space and underground coming together! It was actually the first stone ever used in TCM (predating acupuncture) and is still used for heat therapy.
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Why are we sharing our #rockwithcare 101 today?
Today's super moon full moon is in Virgo. This sign strives for logical order, getting the foundation right, being practical and organized.
A super moon is a phenomenon when a full moon appears larger or brighter than normal. This happens once or twice a year. Basically, the moon is at its closest point to Earth at the same time it is full. The moon appears almost 15% bigger and 30% brighter than when it is at his furthest point from Earth.
Emotionally speaking, the moon spotlight might be on Virgo characteristics over the next 48 hours. If you are a practical, organized, and logical person to the point where it hinders you, you may want to consider how to 'let go' of the idea of perfection. If you don't have enough of these characteristics, you may want to ponder the benefits of adding them.
Progress is the name of the game.
#foodforthought for today's super moon in Virgo.
If you are depressed, you are living in the past.
If you are anxious, you are living in the future.
If you are at peace, you are living in the present.
- Lao Tzu
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For the Virgo full moon focused on foundation, we picked our Spotify playlist "For Kids" as the feature. Full of practical lyrics, helpful tips, and loving messages, this playlist is a great sidekick to your childs routine. Forget TV, let your little one(s) take in these tunes instead.
Grounded 1002 promotes an #intuitivelifestyle, creates experiences, and is a store. Our mission is to be a gateway for people being a better version of themselves. We believe the #essentialelement is to #rockwithcare. After all, we know that the nursery rhyme #stixandstones wasn’t entirely true. Every product and experience we offer is meant to be additive – whether used just once or on a daily basis.
