What is a Gua Sha?Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese healing method in which a tool is used to scrape the skin in a massaging motion. The method of scraping the skin with this smooth (usually stone) tool encourages circulation and promotes blood flow to the area. Gua Sha can be used all over the body not just the face. Gua means 'scrape' and Sha means 'petechiae' (tiny, flat red, purple spots) in Chinese. What are the benefits?The Gua Sha when used correctly on the face and neck, has a multitude of benefits, these include: Relieves Tension Improves Circulation Stimulates Collagen Reduces Puffiness & Inflammation Treats Congestion Stimulates Lymphatic System (Removes Toxins) Essentially, the Gua Sha encourages the skin to heal itself and acts as a natural face lift, leaving the skin looking firmer and brighter. How to use:After cleansing the face, place a few drops of your favourite serum or facial oil to ensure the skin is hydrated and to allow the Gua Sha to glide over with ease. When using, keep the Gua Sha as flat as possible against the skin (roughly a 15 degree angle). You are wanting to create a light, to medium pressure slowly over the skin, taking more caution and a lighter approach around the eye area. Always use the Gua Sha scraping outwards from the centre of the face, repeating each motion 5 times per area. Brow Lift: Place the Gua Sha above the inner corner of your eye, at the start of the brow. Gently scrape it across the brown outwards towards the ear. Jaw Sculpting: Sweep the Gua Sha from the centre of the chin up towards the ear. Just before reaching the ear, with each motion gently press the Gua Sha into the skin and wriggle it for a few moments before continuing the stroke outwards and down the neck. This wriggling and scraping down motion stimulates the lymphatic glads to flush out toxins. Cheek defining: Sweep the Gua Sha from the centre of the face (start just next to the bottom of the nose) towards the ear, focusing on staying on the cheek bone as much as possible. Just before reaching the ear, with each motion gently press the Gua Sha into the skin and wriggle it for a few moments before continuing the stroke outwards and down the neck. This wriggling and scraping down motion stimulates the lymphatic glads to flush out toxins. Frown Lines: Above the brow, glide the Gua Sha from the centre of the face outwards towards the hairline. Use at least 2 – 3 times per week Not for use if you are taking blood thinners or have a blood clotting disorder, also do not use if you have sunburn or a rash.
