Although Gua Sha is now a trendy facial massage tool, it actually has a long history. Originally an ancient Chinese healing technique, gua sha is a natural alternative therapy that involves scraping the skin with a small tool.
What are the benefits of using Gua Sha?
There are many benefits to this unique method of improving health. These include
Improving blood circulation
Reduces inflammation and lymphatic drainage
Release tension in the face and neck
Improves the appearance of fine lines and dark circles under the eyes
How to Use Gua Sha
Although they may seem like a scary or confusing skin care tool, gua sha is actually very easy to use. In addition to the face, it can be used on the body and scalp, but make sure you don't use it on bare skin. It's best used with water or oil to make sure your skin is protected!
After moistening the skin, simply follow these steps.
Hold the shaving pad with the curved side facing your face. Start at the neck and gently glide up and out. Make sure you are stroking down the neck, not up, to drain the fluid.
Next move to your jawline, chin and around your mouth, stroking the skin 3 to 5 times in each area. Always make short strokes in one direction only, not back and forth. If you want to reduce puffiness, start gently, then more firmly to relax the muscles.
Press the tool flat against the skin, then gently stroke under the eyes or any redness to soothe and remove puffiness.
Finally, stroke the tool in small horizontal strokes across the brow bone to lift, or press and press upward between the brow bones to release tension.
How Gua Sha can help different areas of your face
Neck - Gentle downward massage improves circulation, lifts and tones the skin.
Jawline, cheeks and chin - Massage from the inside of the face outward to lift the complexion while tightening the skin.
Nose - Delicate short strokes relieve puffiness.
Eyes - Stroke under the eyes to reduce fine lines and dark circles while also soothing, eliminating puffiness and reducing redness.
Forehead - Horizontal strokes over the brow bone smooth wrinkles, lift the skin and release tension.
When should I use Gua Sha?
To see real results, we recommend that you use Gua Sha about 2 to 3 times a week. But the time of day really depends on the type of results you are seeking. Gua Sha in the morning can treat puffiness while energizing the skin. At the same time, you are more likely to relax your facial muscles and loosen tight connective tissue in your face at night.
What is the difference between Gua Sha and Jade Roller?
While both scraping and rolling help with lymphatic drainage, scraping targets the fibrous tissues of the face to release tension and lift and tighten the skin. The shape of Gua Sha is perfectly designed to "sculpt" the facial muscles by simultaneously creating pressure and stretching the muscles.
How quickly can I see results from Gua Sha?
You will see results almost immediately in terms of relief of puffiness and tension. However, we recommend that you use Gua Sha a few times a week to see the other benefits this tool can bring. After a few weeks of regular use, a more lifted and toned complexion will begin to appear!
