What is Gua Sha?
It might seem like Gua Sha is some new beauty tool that just became all the rage, but Gua Sha is a staple in traditional Asian Medicine.
What exactly is Gua Sha?
It’s a curved flat stone with smooth edges all around the stone. The stone may be quartz, jade, or another type of stone.
How do you pronounce Gua Sha?
Gua Sha: pronounced Gwah Shah and means to scrape away.
What benefits can you expect from using a Gua Sha tool?
Gua Sha used on the face helps to promote circulation, increase oxygen and help aid in releasing built-up toxins and pushing the lymphatic drainage process allowing the skin, especially in the morning, to get rid of a puffy look. The movements will release the muscle tension, which is helpful if you hold tension in a specific area like, for example, the jaw.
Gua Sha tools are in many massage spas for body, neck, and shoulder massage and are excellent in helping to relieve tension in those areas of the body. The size and shape of the Gua Sha are generally a little different than the Gua Shah used for the face, but all the benefits are essentially the same.
The Gua Sha can also be used on the body during massage on the back and shoulders, or anywhere you hold tension. This stimulation of circulation to the surface helps get a more toned look to the skin and can increase cell turnover.
How to use your Gua Sha tool:
When working with the Gua Sha tool, you will want to apply pressure differently on various body parts. On the face, you will want to be much more gentle.
Start with a cleansed face and apply your favorite facial oil, depending on your skin type. You can put your Gua Sha in the refrigerator for an hour or so before starting your skincare routine.
When using a Gua Sha tool, you must apply oil to help the stone glide over your face or body to ease any irritation.
There is no actual firm data on the benefits of Gua Sha, but moving along the lymphatic drainage process and releasing tension are all good things for the mind and body.
How often can you use your Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is used in some beauty regimens daily, but typically, if you have more sensitive skin, it’s used twice weekly as part of your beauty lineup. The main thing to remember is to use upward strokes with the flat side of the stone to help lift and firm the skin.
How do I care for my Gua Sha?
After using your Gua Sha tool, remember to clean the stone with a mild soap so it will be ready the next time you want to use it.
Some people may not be good candidates for using Gua Sha, depending on what medication they may be taking or their current health conditions. It’s always best to consult your doctor before adding something new to your beauty routine.
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The following blog post will be in August!
Teresa
