Bo Jin and Gua Sha Tools
I recently had the privilege of creating two bespoke tools for a practitioner dedicated to traditional healing: a Gua Sha tool and a Bo Jin tool. Both were carved from stunning deep green Kawakawa Pounamu, a stone renowned for its beauty and cultural significance. These tools are not only functional but also deeply connected to the healing practices they support.
Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese healing technique that uses a smooth-edged tool to scrape the skin gently. This practice helps stimulate blood flow, release muscle tension, and promote lymphatic drainage. The tools are often flat and contoured to follow the body’s natural curves, making them perfect for both facial and body treatments.
Bo Jin, on the other hand, is a more targeted technique focused on unblocking energy channels (meridians) and working with the fascia. This method uses specialized tools to relieve tension, promote Qi (energy) flow, and encourage healing. Tools for Bo Jin are often rod-shaped to allow for precise pressure and manipulation.
The Bo Jin tool is a 12 cm long rod with an elliptical shape and curved ends, ideal for targeting pressure points and working on connective tissue. Its shape was crafted with comfort and precision in mind, ensuring it fits naturally in the practitioner’s hand while offering the curves and pressure for effective use. Like the Gua Sha tool, the Pounamu’s translucence adds a layer of connection to the natural world, complementing the practice’s grounding and healing intentions.
Creating these tools was an incredibly rewarding process. The practitioner who commissioned them had been struggling to find authentic jade tools that aligned with their practice, and it felt great to provide something that truly met their needs. As I shaped the curves and smoothed the edges, I imagined how each tool would be used—how the Gua Sha tool would soothe tension and enhance circulation, and how the Bo Jin rod would unlock energy and support healing.
This process was about more than just making beautiful pieces. It was about creating working tools that honour both the healing traditions they represent and the natural beauty of Pounamu. Holding these pieces now, they feel like taonga—treasures with a purpose.
These tools are now in the hands of a skilled practitioner, helping them connect their clients with the benefits of Gua Sha and Bo Jin. If you’re looking for handcrafted, authentic tools made from Pounamu, I’d love to work with you to create something meaningful.
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