Gua Sha: Everything you need to know about the innovative massage technique

It would be a great omission to close 2021 without devoting a little space to our blog for the No. 1 facial massage technique, also known as "botox of the East" or Gua Sha. So, after Skinimalism and skip-care, the ancient Chinese tradition comes once again to remind us that a healthy and naturally glowing skin does not want trouble but a way - which in our case includes devotion, minimalism and of course the appropriate Gua Sha stone!

But before we discuss the benefits and how you can incorporate Gua Sha into your skincare routine, let's take a look at its history.

What is Gua Sha and where does it come from?

Gua Sha is a traditional scraping and massage technique used in Chinese medicine for the last 2000 years! So, as you can see, this is not just another beauty trend featured by influencers - but something much more!

It is based on the philosophy of energy balance (qi) or "qi", which harmonizes the mind with the body by soothing pain. According to the basic principle of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), energy must flow throughout the body in order to keep our body healthy and feel well. Any abnormality, disorder or stagnation of qi in specific areas of the body, triggers the appearance of inflammation (short-term) or health problems (long-term) in these areas.

How does Gua Sha work?

To understand how Gua Sha massage works, it will help to etymologically analyze the word. So, "Gua" means "scratch" and refers to the massage / scraping of the skin while "Sha" means "sand" κindicates the transient redness that occurs after the removal of toxins, inflammation and congestion from the application site. This is achieved by the technique of squeezing a jade stone with upward movements on the skin.

The treatment is done by a professional, who gently and painlessly scratches the area of ​​the body where there is inflammation or stagnant "qi" with the use of a jade stone. In this way, blood flow and circulation are increased and balance is achieved in the treated area, relieving muscle pain and promoting healing.

According to scientific studies, the specialized massage technique with Gua Sha treats symptoms of various inflammations or diseases, such as chronic neck and back pain due to poor posture, the migraine, the common cold, heatstroke and respiratory problems. 

How is it related to facial sculpting?

Gua Sha massage may have originated in ancient China as a healing practice for the body, but the rise in popularity it enjoys today is largely due to the many benefits it offers to the facial skin.

From sculpting and tightening the oval of the face to controlling acne and reducing dark circles around the eyes, therapeutic massage with Gua Sha has been proven through a series of studies that it significantly improves the texture and appearance of the skin! This is the reason why the hashtag Gua Sha has been collected almost 765 million views on Tik Tok so far! 

What are the benefits of Gua Sha facial massage?

The truth is that just hearing the word massage we enjoy a sense of peace and tranquility. This is because we claim a little space for ourselves, a relaxing break from all the intensity of everyday life to be taken care of or why not (?) To take care of ourselves!

The difference when we talk about face massage with Gua Sha, of course, is that the benefits we enjoy far outweigh the relaxing properties of a simple massage. Let's see why:

• Relaxes tense muscles / In the same way that stress is physicalized in the form of headaches, skin diseases, sleep disorders, etc., it is channeled into the face. Jaw clenching, gnashing of teeth or accumulated pressure in the third eye (area between the eyebrows) are just a few such symptoms. Gua Sha helps us release tension from the muscles so that they function and support the face better. So, at the end of the massage, wait to see a completely relaxed face that radiates freshness and natural glow and get ready to enjoy one of the best sleeps you have ever had!

• Promotes lymphatic drainage / Because the facial muscles do not move as much as the other muscles in the body, it often causes swelling in the face and other skin problems associated with slow lymph movement. Gua Sha massage unblocks "malnourished" areas, removing toxins and other harmful substances, thus promoting tissue regeneration. At the same time, it allows care products to penetrate deep, enhancing their action. The result; Goodbye swollen eyes, goodbye bags under the eyes, goodbye dark circles!

• Smoothes fine lines & wrinkles / The gentle pressures and the way the Gua Sha stone embraces the curves of the face encourages the flow and circulation of the blood, promoting the better oxygenation of the cells and thus the production of new collagen! As a result, fine lines and wrinkles are significantly reduced and the skin is smoothed!

• Lifts loose skin / Gua Sha is mainly known for straightening the cheekbones, sculpting the oval of the face and its proven anti-aging properties. It tightens the relaxed tissues and straightens the contour of the face, thanks to the strengthening of the muscles. That's why it has been described as "botox of the East". If you spend about 5 to 10 minutes every night and you are consistent, you will see immediate results that last over time! To be able to notice the changes that occur in your face day by day, do not forget to photograph it regularly.

• Reduces the symptoms of acne & discolorationς / You heard very well! Systematic application of the Gua Sha technique helps control acne, removing sebum from the skin and speeding up the healing of pimples and blackheads. In addition, it softens any discolorations, dark marks or acne scars as it significantly increases the radiance and clarity of the skin.

ATTENTION: If you have cystic acne, abrasions or other skin lesions, it would be good to ask the opinion of our specialized staff before you try it yourself at home because there is a risk of causing infection or further irritation.

How to massage Gua Sha?

Although for maximum results, it is better to turn to a specialized therapist, you can always enjoy the benefits of a relaxing massage with Gua Sha from the comfort of your home! Ready for some self-care? Keep reading to learn step by step how to do it yourself!

1. Before you start the preparation, wash your hands thoroughly and carefully clean your face to remove dirt and make-up.

2. Apply a sufficient amount of your favorite serum or oil on your face, so that the stone does not find resistance and rolls smoothly on the skin without pulling it.

3. Now you are ready to start the massage. Start first on the left side of the neck, using the curved side and slide gently up and out. Repeat 5 to 10 times and then do the same on the right side.

4. Then use the top of the stone and repeat the movement exactly the same time in the center of the neck. Do 5 to 10 repetitions again depending on how your skin responds or the time you have at your disposal.

5. After you finish with the neck, it is the turn of the jaw. Make continuous movements along the jaw line, starting at the chin and ending at the ear. Do the same for the opposite side.

6. Now use the longer side of Gua Sha to massage the cheekbones. Start just above the mouth and the side of the nose and slide the stone upwards, following the contour of the cheekbones, towards the hairline using moderate pressure. Repeat in the same way on the opposite side.

7. Having finished with the cheekbones, we move on to the eye area. Place the largest curve of the stone in the inner corner of the eye and apply gentle pressure, sweeping outward into the hairline. Repeat 5 to 10 times before moving to the opposite side.

8. After the eyes we go to the eyebrows! Place the smallest curve of the stone under the eyebrow and the largest curve above the eyebrow and make gentle pressure movements following the shape of the eyes towards the hairline. Do the same on the opposite side.

9. We're done with the front! Use the longer side of Gua Sha and start doing moderate pressure upward movements just above the eyebrows towards the top of the forehead. Do not forget the opposite side!

For a more complete picture, use the video below as a guide! Remember to always make short moves in one direction and never back and forth!

EXTRA TIP: For best skin rejuvenation and firming results, place the stone in your refrigerator for a few minutes just before the massage. The additional decrease in temperature will enhance blood circulation and the process of collagenogenesis.

LAST MINUTE GLOW-UP

Do you feel your skin is dehydrated with a rough or dull look? Need an extra glow boost for the holidays? Or do you just need a little relaxation and calm before the festive table? Whatever you are looking for, Last Minute Glow-up will give you the solution you need!

As the name of our festive treat reveals, it is the treatment that literally saves you at the last minute! So in just 45 minutes, this protocol restores the natural vitality and radiance of the skin, instantly relieving the feeling of tightness and the aged look. Smoothes fine lines and wrinkles and straightens loose tissues! At the same time, the beneficial massage with the special Gua Sha stone takes the skin care to the next level, turning it into a wonderful relaxing experience. And all this in an environment that calms the senses and emits renewal and energy harmony!

Ready to be left in the hands of our experienced team for a truly refreshing experience? Book your appointment today with a message on the messenger or call us at 27210 87480 to solve any question you may have!