Discover The Benefits Of Gua Sha

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The Benefits of Gua Sha For Face And Body & How To Do It Effectively

By Shammi Mondal 

 

In the ever-evolving world of beauty trends, it seems like every few months a new discovery takes the internet by storm. First, there was exfoliation, then slugging, and now we have the current "it" trend: Gua Sha.

 

While gua sha actually feels like a facial spa, this traditional practice, with roots dating back thousands of years actually helps in improving your skin’s health. Originally used as a healing technique in China and Southeast Asia, gua sha has been refined and perfected over time. Legend has it that it was even used to revive sun-stricken Chinese farmers. If you’re in for knowing the benefits and a little backstory on this calming massage technique, keep reading. 

 

What is gua sha? 

Gua Sha is a technique rooted in ancient healing practices. Its origins can be traced back to a classical Chinese medicine text called the Shan Han Lun, written around 220 CE. The technique initially aimed at improving your skin's self-healing process by producing a reddish hue known as "Sha." Interestingly, in China, practitioners used to perform it quite vigorously, even using a coin.

 

Over time, gua sha has been adapted for facial therapies, evolving into a gentler gliding technique rather than a forceful scraping motion. This modified approach is designed to be suitable for different skin types. It promotes lymphatic drainage, which helps to reduce puffiness caused by trapped fluid beneath the skin. Essentially, Gua Sha can support your overall well-being while improving your skin’s health.

Benefits of gua sha 

Gua Sha, even in its modern, less invasive form, can offer some impressive benefits. Let's explore them:

  • Improved circulation: Gua Sha helps to stimulate blood flow and enhance microcirculation in the treated areas. The scraping or gliding motion of the gua sha tool over your skin creates gentle pressure and friction. This mechanical stimulation can help dilate blood vessels, allowing for improved blood flow in your facial muscles. This increased circulation can promote a healthier complexion and contribute to a natural glow.

  • Enhanced collagen production: Anecdotal evidence indicates that gua sha can help reduce puffiness and soften fine lines and wrinkles by promoting the body's natural collagen production. The massaging motions of the Gua Sha tool on the skin may provide a mechanical stimulus that activates fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen. This mechanical stimulation could potentially trigger a cellular response, leading to increased collagen production that firms and lifts your skin.

  • Facial muscle sculpting: Gua Sha involves massaging the facial muscles, which helps relax tension and tightness, when used on the jawline and cheekbone area, gua sha can help reduce puffiness, especially around the eyes and cheeks, and promote a more sculpted appearance. However, it's important to note that it cannot target fat, so it won't eliminate a double chin. Nonetheless, it may help reduce puffiness in the short term.

  • Enhanced lymphatic drainage: Gua Sha stimulates the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in removing toxins and waste from the body. By promoting lymphatic drainage, gua sha helps to reduce fluid build-up and inflammation in your skin’s tissues. can reduce puffiness, especially around the eyes and cheeks, and promote a more sculpted appearance.

  • Improved product absorption: When used in combination with your skincare, gua sha can enhance their absorption into your skin. The massaging action helps open up pores and increase the effectiveness of serums, oils, or moisturizers, allowing the active ingredients to penetrate deeper into your skin layers.

What do you need for gua sha? 

To perform gua sha, you need just 2 essential items:

  1. Gua Sha tool: The primary tool used in gua sha is a handheld instrument made of various materials such as jade, rose quartz, or other smooth stones. It typically has a smooth, rounded edge that glides over the skin. The tools are available in several shapes that help reach the contours of your face.

 

  1. 2. Facial oil or serum: Applying a facial oil or serum helps provide lubrication for the Gua Sha tool, allowing it to glide smoothly over your skin. Make sure you choose a product that suits your skin type and provides hydration and nourishment.

How to begin doing gua sha? 

To perform a Gua Sha facial at home, follow these steps:

  • Start with clean skin: Wash your face and apply your favourite facial oil or serum to provide lubrication for the gua sha tool.

  • Select a gua sha tool: There are various tools available, such as jade or rose quartz gua sha stones. Choose one that feels comfortable in your hand and has a smooth, rounded edge.

  • Begin with gentle strokes: Start by gently gliding the gua sha tool along your neck, using upward motions towards your jawline. Apply light pressure and maintain a comfortable level of intensity.

  • Move to your jawline and chin: Using the curved edge of the tool, stroke from the centre of your chin along the jawline towards your ears. Repeat several times on each side.

  • Glide along your cheeks: Start from the centre of your face and move outward along your cheekbones towards your ears. Apply gentle pressure and repeat a few times on each side.

  • Focus on your under-eye area: Use the curved part of the gua sha tool to gently stroke from the inner corner of your eye along the orbital bone towards the temples. Be careful and delicate in this area. This will help reduce puffiness from around your eye area.

  • Address your forehead: Start from the centre of your forehead and move outward towards your temples, using upward strokes. Repeat a few times.

Complete with gentle strokes: Finish by lightly gliding the Gua Sha tool along your entire face, following the natural contours, to promote overall relaxation and lymphatic drainage. 

 

FAQ’s  

 

Q. Can we do gua sha every day? 

A. While gua sha can be a beneficial addition to your skincare routine, it's recommended to use it a few times a week rather than every day. The frequency of Gua Sha depends on your skin's sensitivity and tolerance to the technique. 

 

Q. What facial oil should we use for gua sha? 

A. When choosing a facial oil for gua sha, it's important to select one that provides good lubrication and nourishment to the skin. You can reach out to jojoba oil if you have balanced skin, squalene for your oily skin or argan oil if your skin type is dry. 

 

Q. When to avoid a gua sha face massage? 

A. If you have rashes, sunburns, or blood coagulation issues, it is not recommended to perform gua sha. These conditions can make the skin more sensitive and prone to further irritation or damage.