Collection: Learn all about Gua Sha
Although a gua sha is now a trendy facial massage tool, it actually comes with a lot of history. Originally an ancient Chinese healing technique, a gua sha is a natural, alternative therapy that involves scraping the skin with a small tool.
Gua sha, or kerokan, is a traditional Chinese medicine practice in which a tool is used to scrape people's skin in order to produce light petechiae. Gua sha aims to move energy, known as qi or chi, around the body. The treatment involves using a tool to rub the skin in long strokes, and applying enough pressure to create minor redness. Gua sha may help to break down scar tissue and connective tissue, improving movement in the joints.
Guasha has been proven to help relieve tension in the face, reduce puffiness and inflammation, and it can even help reduce sinus pressure.
However, since the musculature of the face is much thinner, you'll want to avoid applying too much pressure as you're working on this area.
Incorporate your gua sha into your daily routine
Either in the morning or the evening works fine as long as you take the appropriate time to do it. I always do my facial gua sha in the morning, as it is a fantastic way to reduce puffiness and wake up your facial muscles at the beginning of the day.
This unique approach to better health comes with many benefits. These include:
- Improved circulation
- Reduced inflammation and lymphatic drainage
- Released tension in the face and neck
- Improved appearance of fine lines and dark circles
While gua sha's benefits haven't been clinically studied, practitioners say patients often notice skin looks more lifted after just one session.
How To Use A Gua Sha
Whilst they might look like a scary or confusing skincare tool, a gua sha is actually pretty simple to use. And as well as the face, it can also be used on the body and scalp, however, ensure you’re not using it on bare skin. It’s best to use with water or an oil to ensure your skin is protected!
Once you’ve moistened your skin, simply follow the below steps:
- Hold your gua sha with the curved side to your face. Gently glide it gently up and out, starting with the neck. Make sure you’re stroking down the neck, never upwards, to drain fluid.
- Next move onto your jawline, chin and around the mouth, stroking the skin between three and five times per area. Always take short strokes in just one direction, not back and forth. If you want to reduce puffiness, work lightly, then more firmly, to relax muscles.
- Pressing the tool flat to the skin, next delicately stroke under the eyes or over any redness, to soothe and de-puff.
- Finally, work the tool in small horizontal strokes over the brow bone to lift, or hold and press upwards between the brows to release tension.
How A Gua Sha Helps Different Areas Of Your Face
Neck – Gentle downward strokes increase circulation, and lift and tone skin.
Jawline, cheeks and chin – Strokes from the inside of your face out lift your complexion whilst firming up your skin.
Nose – Delicate short strokes relieve puffiness.
Eyes – Strokes under the eyes reduce lines and dark circles, whilst also soothing, de-puffing and reducing redness.
Forehead – Horizontal strokes over the brow bone to smooth wrinkles, lift the skin and release tension.
When Should I Use A Gua Sha?
To see real results, we’d suggest you use your gua sha around 2 to 3 times a week. But what time of day really depends on the type of results you’re after. In the morning a gua sha will treat puffiness whilst energizing the skin. Whilst you’ll more likely be working to relax the muscles in the face and release tight connective tissue in the face at night.
What Is The Difference Between A Gua Sha And A Jade Roller?
While both a gua sha and a roller will aid in lymphatic drainage, a gua sha targets the fibrous tissue in the face to release tension as well as lift and firm the skin. The shape of the gua sha is perfectly designed for ‘sculpting’ the muscles in the face, by creating pressure and stretching muscles simultaneously.
How Quickly Will I See Results With A Gua Sha?
In regards to relieving puffiness and tension, you’ll see results almost straight away. However, we recommend you use your gua sha a couple of 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!
Buy Your Gua Sha And Reap The Benefits!
Cooling and soothing on the skin, the Gua Sha is specially designed to fit the contours of your face.
Perfect for a daily act of devotion, this heart-shaped crystal – that also promotes unconditional love and peace – glides effortlessly over all angles of your face.
Promoting natural beauty and inner calm, it’s the ideal companion for a mindful skincare ritual.
Placing the clean Gua Sha & Roller tool in a cotton drawstring bag too, you can rest assured your tool will be kept safe and protected from damage!