If you’re a beauty enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of gua sha, the ancient Chinese practice that has become the go-to facial treatment in recent years. But what exactly is gua sha and why is it so popular? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua sha is a traditional Chinese treatment that involves scraping the skin with a flat tool, usually made of jade or rose quartz. The practice is believed to promote blood flow, stimulate lymphatic drainage and release muscle tension. Gua sha can be used on various parts of the body, such as the face, neck, back and limbs.
The name “gua sha” comes from the Chinese word for “scratching”. In traditional practice, the practitioner uses a gua sha tool to apply pressure and scrape the skin in long strokes. The pressure creates a redness on the skin, which is believed to indicate the release of toxins and stagnant energy.
Gua sha has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a range of health problems, from pain and inflammation to respiratory and digestive problems. In recent years, it has gained popularity as a beauty treatment for its ability to promote healthy, glowing skin.
How does Gua Sha benefit the skin?
Gua Sha is believed to have many benefits for the skin. Here are some of the most commonly cited benefits:
- Promotes lymphatic drainage: The gentle scraping motion of Gua Sha is believed to promote lymphatic drainage, which helps reduce facial swelling.
- Increases circulation:Gua Sha is believed to increase blood flow to the skin, which can help promote a healthy glow and improve skin tone.
- Relieves muscle tension: The pressure and scraping motion of gua sha can help relieve muscle tension in the face and neck, which can contribute to a more relaxed, youthful appearance.
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Gua Sha is believed to stimulate collagen production, which may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
How to make Gua Sha at home
While gua sha is usually performed by a trained practitioner in a traditional Chinese medicine setting, it is also possible to do it at home with the right tools and technique. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Clean your face: Start with a clean, dry face.
- Apply oil or facial serum: Apply a few drops of facial oil or serum to your face to help the gua sha tool glide smoothly over your skin.
- Use the gua sha tool: hold the gua sha tool at a 45-degree angle and use gentle, upward strokes to scrape your skin. Start from the centre of your face and work outwards, using light pressure. Repeat each movement 3-5 times.
- Focus on the problem areas: If you have specific areas of concern, such as puffiness around the eyes or tension in the jawline, spend more time on those areas.
- Finish with a facial massage: Use your fingers to massage your face and neck in a circular motion. This can help to further promote circulation and relaxation.
Conclusion
Gua sha is an ancient Chinese therapy that has gained popularity as a beauty treatment in recent years. By promoting lymphatic drainage, increasing circulation, relieving muscle tension and stimulating collagen production, gua sha is believed to promote healthy, glowing skin. With the right tools and technique, you can easily do gua sha at home as part of your skincare routine.
