What is it?
The Gua Sha is an ancient Chinese practice that dates back more than 700 years ago. It is considered to be one of the oldest healing techniques in the world! Gua means 'scrape' and Sha means 'petechiae' (tiny, flat red, purple spots) in Chinese (Maril, 2022). The key point is to scrape the skin to invigorate blood flow, release heat-toxins, stimulate lymphatic drainage, activate various points of the body, and bring helpful cells to the area by stimulating an immune response (Maril, 2022).
The Benefits
A few of the many benefits include…
- Wrinkles & Fine Lines
- Relaxes facial muscles and tissues
- Leads to tighter skin
- It is known to be a natural alternative to Botox!
- Sculpt & Lift (Reducing Puffiness)
- Our lymphatic system is considered our sewage system. It is a circulatory system that is made up of lymph vessels that are all over our body. Its job is to drain the extra fluid that gets passed out of the blood and into the tissues, then returning it back into the blood. It does not have a central pumping system, therefore it needs to be moved manually. The lymph in our face and neck react greatly to using a Gua Sha tool, leading to less puffiness and a sculpted look!
- Breakouts/Acne
- Reduces flare ups, redness and size of acne
- This is due to the tool being able to moving congestion and creating more circulation
- Acne Scarring
- Brings fresh blood back to the surface of your skin
- Renews skin cells, therefore leading to the fading of scars
Step by Step Guide
- Start by applying oil or moisturizer to the skin.
- Jawline and chin: Using the long curved edge of your tool, glide upwards from the center of the chin out to the earlobe to contour the jaw.
- Forehead: Start at the center of the forehead and divide your forehead into three sections and glide your tool up and outwards.
- Cheek: Start at the nose and work upwards in a sweeping motion along the cheeks and cheekbones, moving outwards toward your ears.
- Under eye: Start in the inner corner of the eye and glide outwards to the temple GENTLY!
- Brows: Glide upwards along the brow bone, going from the inside out.
- Lips: Glide over your lips back and forth about five times for a plumping effect.
- Neck: Section your neck into four areas and scrape each section from the bottom up.
- This can be done morning and night if desired!
Resources
- Maril, Madge. “Everything to Know about Gua Sha Facial Massage.” Harper’s BAZAAR, 30 Mar. 2020, www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/a11234/gua-sha-treatment/.