You may have spotted the scraping tool on Instagram mentions before. But it's far from a flash-in-the-pan skincare fad. The gwa sha (pronounced "gwa sha") is a skin care tool used for facial massage. The boomerang shape allows you to use different angles and sides to target different areas of the face for a deep massage.
"It has been widely used in China for thousands of years," explains Katie Brindle, founder of Hayo'u and an herbalist. "'Gua' means to press, while 'brake' describes a temporary flush."
In addition to a long list of benefits - stylist and veteran beauty writer Hannah Ibrahim found it particularly effective in helping to relieve her jaw muscle tension caused by teeth grinding - there are multiple uses and different stones to choose from. Here, Brindle explains everything you need to know about scraping ......
What are the main benefits of Gua Sha?
"I believe it is the most effective technique for changing the skin. Facial Gua Sha stimulates the dermis to support collagen and elastin production, and releases tension to relax facial muscles. Studies have shown that it exponentially increases blood circulation, aids lymphatic flow, relieves congestion, soothes sore eyes and skin, brightens the complexion, and leaves you glowing."
How do you use the scraping tool?
"This is a super quick exercise to wake up your face and eliminate all signs of sleep. Place the Jade Scraping Tool in the shower with water as a lubricant. Simply apply gentle pressure to your entire face for about a minute. You can then repeat the technique with the oil before bed."
"There's really no right or wrong way to do the feel-good thing. But practice shaving after cleansing and before any night cream or moisturizer."
If you do want to follow a basic routine, Brindell suggests.
1) Gently press the tool over the entire neck, face and décolleté.
2)Gently press the tool under each eye, then cover each eye and cover the eyelid.
3) Starting at the neck, press downward to drain excess fluid into the lymph glands.
4) Tilt the tool 45 degrees in the direction you want to work and use the rounded edges to press on the forehead, cheekbones, and then lips-about eight sweeps in each direction. Use the double curved end on your throat and jawline.
How often should you shave?
"You can practice as often as you like, just make sure any sha (redness) has subsided before you treat again. This usually goes away from the face within an hour, so every day is perfect if you want."
How long should I keep scraping?
"The wonderful thing about shaving is that it is a holistic therapy. I use rose quartz for a quick scraping treatment in the morning shower (it's believed that the best time to scrape with rose quartz is in the morning because it enhances the natural energy patterns of the day) - and then jade scraping oil in bed before a longer treatment.
"There really is no wrong way to do it. I have a suggested habit that people often use at the beginning - because it's a new concept and it's reassuring to have guidance to follow. This ritual is very effective as a general treatment, but you can really do as much or as little as you feel like, or depending on how much time you have in the day."
