What is Gua Sha? Everything You Need to Know About this Trendy Skincare Tool
We are all familiar with the benefits of jade roller. If you ask us, we like and we will continue to use it. However, the internet has gone crazy about gua sha, a jade scraper with a flat surface. It has the ability to chisel the cheekbones, make those puffy eyes disappear, and even brighten your skin. Everyone is talking about it, so we decided to see what it really can do. What exactly is gua sha, how to use it, and what are the benefits of using it - we got you covered.
What is Gua Sha?
The facial technique of jade scraping might be unknown to you, but it actually dates back centuries ago. This healing technique of face scraping was first mentioned in China in 220 CE, in an old medical document.
Gua sha (pronounced gwa-shah) is a tool used to scrape the skin to promote circulation. When you use gua sha and this massage technique you are scrapping the water underneath your skin to the edges of your face and pulling it down to the neck so it can drain. You will notice that your face will be plump with fresh blood on the surface after every massage.
Benefits of Gua Sha
Lymphatic Drainage
If you are dealing with extra fluid that is visible on your face, then gua sha is the right tool to try. Lymphatic fluid is all that water that simply can’t come back to your cardiovascular system so it stays on the face, usually after waking up. A good massage with gua sha will help to eliminate puffiness.
Stimulates Circulation
If you are looking for a way to improve and stimulate your blood circulation, the gua sha tool is the one you should go for. When your circulation is stimulated enough, then your skin will appear glowy, with less visible anti-aging signs.
Relieves Tension in Muscles
Muscle tension is usually a consequence of stress. Whenever you feel your face or neck muscles are in tension, try a gua sha massage. Believe it or not, you will notice instant relief. The stone will break the muscle tissue called fascia, and bring circulation so your muscles relax more. Some people even use it when they have headaches.
Fight Against Skin Dryness
Once you are released from muscle tension and your blood circulation is in order, the moisture starts to come back. If you have experienced dryness, then you can be sure gua sha will fight against it.
Adds Facial Contours
You can forget about contouring your face if you are doing a regular gua sha massage. When you scrap the face with the gua sha you will notice the contours you never knew about. The slimming effect might be temporary, but increased circulation and lymphatic drainage can only make it look nicer in time.
Helps with Anti-Ageing
Excess water on the face means that there are potential breakouts dullness, and acne. The massage brings elasticity and glows so you can be sure those wrinkles and fine lines will be less visible.
How to Use Gua Sha?
There are many ways to use gua sha, but the key is to find the one that suits you the best. You can use gua sha with moisturizer, creme, or oil. Some women prefer applying all products and then doing the massage at the end of a routine.
Since each gua sha is shaped differently, you will find sides that work the best for you. You can scrape and massage your face in sections. Run about 5 to 10 strokes for each section. By using sweeping motions, you should scrape from the middle of your chin, under your ear, and jawline. Use the side with a divot for the under-eye area, cheeks, and chin. The curved side is for your forehead, neck, and chest.
When you massage your face, don’t hesitate to use firm pressure. You surely don’t want to harm yourself, but even if you notice redness, don’t worry. It is normal, therefore the blood circulation is improved.
How Often to Use Gua Sha?
Once a week is a perfect and recommended amount of time you should spend massaging your face with gua sha. However, if you are not a beginner and you are using a gua sha for some time now, then you can switch to two or even three times per week.
