Nowadays, people are searching for a way to maintain their young, and if have been on looking for beauty contents on Youtube, you may have seen some of Gua sha tutorial that emerge a lot on social media which bloggers claim that this stone have an ability to lift up face and brighten skin.
History of Gua sha
Gua sha is an ancient Chinese medicinal method that scratches the skin with a massage tool to increase circulation and relieve tension. It involves applying pressure to the skin using a smooth-edged tool, such as a flat jade, rose quartz stone, or a metal spoon, while gliding it along the muscles in a specific direction.
Practices of gua sha can be traced back to the Paleolithic Era, when individuals would rub their hands or stones on different regions of their bodies to try and relieve pain and/or other symptoms when they were ill or passed out.
The ancient Chinese utilized it extensively as a kind of treatment throughout the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Several materials were utilized as scrapers depending on the type of therapy and the individual’s socioeconomic standing. Legend has it that empresses and concubines in ancient China primarily utilized jade to scrape their faces, while others practiced gua sha using copper, animal horns, pointed stones, and different metals.
Although gua sha has been practiced in China for thousands of years, it has recently gained popularity in the Western world as a natural and non-invasive alternative to more traditional medical treatments. In fact, gua sha has been hailed as a miracle treatment for everything from migraines to chronic pain, and even as a way to improve skin health and reduce signs of aging.
So how exactly does gua sha work? According to traditional Chinese medicine, the body has a network of meridians, or energy channels, that flow throughout the body. When these meridians become blocked, it can lead to pain and illness. Gua sha is believed to help release these blockages by increasing circulation and promoting the flow of energy throughout the body.
Instead of Gua sha, their are face roller is a beauty tool that has been used in Chinese skincare routines for centuries. It consists of a handheld roller made of jade stone, with one or two smooth, rounded ends that are used to massage the face.
But, How’s it different from Gua sha?
Jade rollers and Gua sha are both traditional Chinese skincare tools that are used to massage the face and promote lymphatic drainage, but they have some differences.
A jade roller is a handheld tool made of jade stone that has one or two smooth, rounded ends. It is typically used with a rolling motion to massage the face, promoting circulation and reducing puffiness.
On the other hand, Gua sha is a tool made of smooth stone, such as jade or rose quartz, that has a flat, rounded edge. It is used to scrape the skin in a specific pattern, which is said to promote lymphatic drainage and release tension in the muscles.
While both jade rollers and Gua sha tools are used to improve the appearance and health of the skin, they have different techniques and can be used for different purposes. Jade rollers are generally considered to be gentler and more suitable for sensitive skin, while Gua sha is often used for deeper tissue massage and may be better for those with thicker, more resilient skin.
Overall, both jade rollers and Gua sha tools can be beneficial for improving the health and appearance of the skin, and it’s up to personal preference which tool to use.
Benefits of Gua sha
Gua sha is frequently used to treat conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia that result in chronic pain as well as those that cause muscle and joint discomfort since it may reduce inflammation.
Symptoms of further illnesses may also be alleviated by gua sha:
Improving blood circulation
the scraping motion of gua sha helps to increase blood flow and promote lymphatic drainage, which can reduce puffiness and inflammation in the face.
Relieves tension and pain
Gua sha facial massage can help to relieve tension in the facial muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It can also be helpful for alleviating headaches and jaw pain.
One example of using gua sha in medicine is for the treatment of chronic neck pain. In a study published in the Annals of Family Medicine, researchers found that gua sha was effective in reducing chronic neck pain in participants who received the treatment.
The study involved 48 participants who had been experiencing chronic neck pain for at least three months. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either gua sha treatment or control treatment for four weeks. The gua sha treatment involved scraping the skin of the neck with a smooth-edged tool for 10-15 minutes, while the control treatment involved a non-specific massage of the neck.
After four weeks, the participants who received the gua sha treatment reported a significant reduction in neck pain compared to those who received the control treatment. The researchers also found that the gua sha treatment was safe and well-tolerated by the participants.
Enhances skin health
Gua sha facial massage can promote collagen production, which can help to improve skin elasticity and firmness. It may also help to reduce the appearance of dark circles and promote a healthy glow.
Stimulates acupressure points
Gua sha facial massage involves stimulating specific acupressure points on the face and neck, which can have a balancing effect on the body’s energy systems.
Study example: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2827462/
Can be relaxing
Gua sha facial massage can be a soothing and relaxing experience, helping to reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being.
Gua sha facial massage may be a useful technique for enhancing the health of the skin, easing stress and pain, and enhancing general well-being. Yet, in order to ensure the safe and efficient application of this approach, it is crucial to obtain advice from a skilled practitioner.
Side effects of Gua sha
Gua sha is safe as a natural medicine for healing. Although it shouldn’t hurt, the process could alter the way your skin looks. Because it includes pressing or scraping the skin with a massage tool, capillaries on the surface of your skin are susceptible to bursting. Gua sha is generally not recommended for people who:
- Bleed easily
- Take blood thinners
- Have deep vein thrombosis
- Have an implant (like an internal defibrillator or pacemaker)
- Have cystic acne
- Have a skin infection or open wound
- Have tumors or cancer
- Have any medical condition that affects the skin or veins
There may be dangers and adverse effects if the procedure is conducted poorly or under excessive pressure. The breaking of microscopic blood vessels (capillaries) close to the skin’s surface might result in bruising as a side effect of gua sha. Swelling, soreness, or pain are among more potential adverse effects.
Techniques of facial massage
The following are the fundamental stages to performing a fantastic gua sha facial on yourself:
1. Choose the right tool
Gua sha tools can be made from a variety of materials, such as jade, rose quartz, or stainless steel. Choose a tool that feels comfortable in your hand and glides smoothly over the skin.
2. Apply oil
To prevent discomfort and minimize friction, it’s important to apply a generous amount of oil or a gua sha balm to the skin before using the tool. This also helps to promote better circulation and lymphatic drainage.
3. Start gently
Begin by applying light pressure with the gua sha tool and gradually increase the pressure as you move along the skin. Use long, sweeping strokes, and avoid going over the same area too many times.
4. Use different angles
To target different areas of the body and achieve different effects, vary the angle of the gua sha tool. For example, you can use a more flat angle for larger areas of the body, and a more acute angle for smaller areas or specific points.
5. Follow a pattern
For best results, it’s important to follow a pattern when using the gua sha tool. Start at the center of the body and work your way outward, following the direction of lymphatic flow. For example, you might start at the base of the neck and move down towards the shoulders, then out towards the arms.
Tips: Be gentle on sensitive areas
When using gua sha on sensitive areas like the face, it’s important to be extra gentle and use a light touch. You can also use a smaller, more precise tool to target specific points.
Key take away:
Research indicates that gua sha may be able to relieve your problems when traditional therapy are ineffective. Although it might seem easy to use and uncomplicated, only a certified acupuncturist or Chinese medicine practitioner should use this approach. This guarantees a secure, appropriate therapy. There has to be further investigation, although there aren’t many risks connected to this massage method. Regardless of who you decide on, be certain they are gua sha certified. Certification attests to their proficiency in the fundamentals of this healing technique. Using a professional lowers the possibility of pain or severe bruising from using too much force while increasing the effectiveness of the treatment.
For writer’s personal tips
I put my Gua sha and face roller in refrigerator, and I massage my face after putting skincare. The cool of stone help relieve facail tensionand firmer your face and improve blood circulation. Moreover, masssage before makeup, help makeup stick to the face all day long.
