Gua sha, which literally translates to “to scrape sand,” has been utilized for centuries in China to facilitate the passage of “qi,” which is the Chinese word for “energy.” The toxins produced by bacteria or viruses create the condition known as ‘Sha.’ These toxins cause the capillaries to burst, forming hyperemia regions or patches on the skin or in the mucus, as well as sand-like dispersed or condensed areas.
Key advantages
- Improves the appearance of the complexion by boosting blood flow and circulation
- Promotes lymphatic drainage, which, in turn, helps reduce puffiness in the areas around the cheekbones, jawline, and under the eyes. The tugging feeling of gua sha, which assists in the breakdown of fascia, tones and tightens the skin, and it also lifts it (the connective tissue surrounding your muscles)
- Improves the look of wrinkles and fine lines by filling them in.
- Targeted facial muscle activation helps alleviate face tension, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, a common cause of headaches.
- Increases circulation and clears the way for better absorption of nourishing topicals (such as face oils, lotions, and serums) by opening up previously blocked routes.
Benefits
Increase Blood Circulation
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the organs responsible for the general health of your skin are the (consisting of lungs and the spleen) and the (composed of the large intestines and the stomach), respectively. As you use the Gua Sha instrument to lightly scrape the skin on your face, you also signal to your body that this area requires better blood circulation.
Remove Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Gua sha “may temporarily enhance the look for fresh and highly delicate ones; nevertheless, Gua Sha should not be the first choice for those who have wrinkles that have been there for a long time.
Relieves tension from muscles
According to the observations of specialists, consistent application of pressure with a Gua Sha instrument could untangle knotted regions and relieve built-up muscle tension in the body.
Relax facial tension
The friction caused by moving the Gua Sha tool across the skin’s surface is believed to “help break up the adhesions between the connective tissue of the muscle and skin and reduce muscular tension.” If you have a habit of holding tension in your brow or jaw when you are upset, the soothing quality of Gua Sha may help prevent future wrinkles (as well as headaches and jaw discomfort) from establishing themselves in these regions of your face.
Reduce Puffiness
The lymphatic system functions as the body’s very own internal bouncing mechanism. It is a component of your immune system that works to rid the body of waste items like germs, proteins, and excess water via the lymph fluid while also assisting in the distribution of healthy nutrients and white blood cells (cells that fight infections) throughout the body.
Alleviate Pains
A Gua Sha body massage might be beneficial if you are experiencing aches and pains due to an awkward working position or frequent scrolling. Compared to people who utilized heating pads, those who received Gua Sha treatment experienced less discomfort, improved range of motion, and reduced neck pain. However, to demonstrate these benefits, further high-quality research on the curative properties of Gua Sha is still required.
Improve skin’s appearance
Gua Sha may also result in a more translucent and brighter complexion because it improves lymphatic drainage and circulation, producing fewer waste items beneath the skin’s surface. In addition, “activating the muscles with this sort of technology helps get oxygen to that area. This could help eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, enhance skin elasticity, and reduce breakouts and hyperpigmentation. Anything boosting blood flow and oxygen to the skin can aid with collagen creation. This also helps reduce hyperpigmentation and breakouts.
Boost the efficacy of skincare products
By pushing the oil or product deeper into your skin, Gua Sha may improve the absorption of creams, serums, and face oils; in theory, stimulating your circulation may provide the efficacy of your skincare products. Gua Sha may also improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
Increase collagen production
Gua Sha may help brighten the complexion by helping the body manufacture more collagen, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as puffiness around the eyes and mouth.
Decrease Inflammation
Gua Sha has been shown to temporarily relieve pain and tightness in specific body areas and, in some cases, can even lead to long-lasting effects. The effects of Gua Sha on inflammation (which often leads to pain).
Diminishes dark circles
Gua Sha may help reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes (at least briefly) and temporarily tighten skin by helping to smooth fine wrinkles and boosting collagen production.
Good Feeling
A form of massage lies at the heart of the practice known as Gua Sha. Although massage can help relax the muscles in the neck and face, it can also improve circulation. Massaging one’s face as part of a nighttime skin regimen may favorably affect the appearance and sensation of the face.
Application
Prep your base when thoroughly washing and moisturizing your face and neck. Use a facial oil or serum to cover the region. This will let the instrument slide more efficiently and prevent an injury to the skin similar to that caused by a ‘rug burn.’
- Star at your neck and work your way up
You should start at the neck for the best lymphatic drainage and work your way up. Hold your Gua Sha tool at a 15-degree angle so it’s almost flat against your skin. Using your free hand’s fingers as a grip, gently move the tool along your skin in sweeping, upward strokes. (If it hurts, you’re pressing too hard, so you should loosen up.) For a calming effect, repeat each move three to five times.
- Head to your chin and jaw
The next step is to begin in the middle of your chin and move the Gua Sha tool along your jawline toward your ear, working your way back to the beginning. Repeat anywhere between three and five times on each side.
- Work the cheeks
Beginning at the crease next to your nose, draw an arc around your cheek outwardly until you reach your ear. On each side, perform this step three to five times.
Contradictions
Be gentle with your under-eyes
Because the area beneath the eye is the most sensitive part of the face, it is vital to apply just the most minute amount of pressure when gliding the Gua Sha instrument from the inner corner of the eye to the temple. Continue this movement three to five times on each side, and then do the same movements over your brow bone in the same manner. When you reach your forehead, start from your brows and work your way up to your hairline in one fluid motion. On each side, perform this step three to five times.
Moisturize generously
When you have finished massaging your face, use a moisturizer that is not too harsh. “I suggested hyaluronic acid since it stimulates the production of collagen.