What Is Gua Sha? Everything You Need To Know

What is Gua Sha? At time, it was one of the most intense massage techniques used in ancient Chinese medicine. Today, it is a popular meditative and delicate facial treatment for women that care about their skin.

It is also known as scraping, spooning, or coining, when describing Gua Sha? Again, it is more gentle when compared to the traditional deep scraping method. Those methods were once a remedy to treat colds and fever.

Gua Sha tools and facials in salons have become so popular, that there are now:

  • YouTube videos
  • Instagram profiles
  • Skincare studios are entirely dedicated to the practice

What Is Gua Sha?

Gua Sha is aimed at sculpting the facial areas while at the same time moving energy that is stagnant. These facials involve the use of a tool made of jade stone or rose quartz. It is used to massage the neck and face, using gentle long and short strokes. The technique involves light-pressured and nonabrasive movements. This helps to increase blood flow, along with stimulating lymphatic drainage around the facial area.

The Pros Of The Procedure?

Is this Chinese therapy effective? According to Effectiveness of traditional Chinese “gua sha” therapy in patients with chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial, yes. The immediate pros include lowered inflammation for your entire face and reduced puffiness around your eye area. It also releases any muscle tension. These techniques promote elasticity and vibrancy in your skin.

The Cosmetic Benefits

  • Reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and puffiness
  • Boosts collagen production
  • Eases muscle tension in the face
  • Restores elasticity and firmness along with preventing sagging
  • Can assist with treating and relieving rosacea
  • A safer alternative to facelift surgery and injections

The Non-Cosmetic Benefits

  • Promotes lymphatic drainage and lowers inflammation
  • Relieves tension in the jaw area
  • Assist with relieving nasal and sinus congestion
  • Increase mental clarity and lower brain fog
  • Helps to transport oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood to the tissues and the skin

What Does Gua Sha Feel Like?

Every person’s tolerance for Gua Sha will vary. Some people enjoy firm pressure, and others prefer a much lighter pressure. The light pressure techniques feel soothing, while the medium to a firmer pressure feels more like a deep massage. However, it should never feel painful. Always let your esthetician know if you would like them to stop, you need to take a break, or to reduce the pressure.

>>>> Learn More About The L.A. Glow’s Gua Facial

What Are The Tools Made From?

Anything that offers an edge that is smooth that is easy to hold onto could be a type of Gua Sha tool.

The traditional healing tools involved coins or soup spoons. In this day and age, there are lots of manufactured Gua Sha tools. They come in different sizes and shapes that are created from materials such as:

  • Horn
  • Bone
  • Stone
  • Plastic

One of the more popular tools includes rose quartz or jade stones, which offer their own set of benefits when combined with this popular technique.

Is Gua Sha Safe?

Even though the technique may appear a bit strange and look painful, it is non-invasive and safe. The treatment is suitable for both men and women of any age.

How Often Will I Need Gua Sha?

This will depend on your goals for the treatment. The short-term symptoms will usually resolve faster when compared to long-term symptoms. Due to its cumulative effects, when it comes to chronic issues, it is recommended to come weekly for 4 to 6 treatments. This will help you to achieve the very best results.

 

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