'Sha' signifies sand, and 'Gua' means to scrape. A flat jade or rose quartz stone is scraped over the skin in upward strokes to relax tense muscles and stimulate tissue drainage.
East Asian and Chinese medicine has long used the treatment. Some may be familiar with the Gua Sha massage, which uses pressure and the Gua Sha instrument to relieve muscle discomfort and tightness. You may have redness and bruising as you recover, which isn't particularly appealing. On the other hand, the consequences are significant, and some people have described it as the finest massage they've ever had.
The facial Gua Sha therapy, which uses a similar approach, is a more recent trend. While it's been around for hundreds of years, it's currently trending on Instagram as an aesthetic therapy for improving the appearance and feel of your skin.
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Why should you use Gua Sha?
Here are some of the benefits of using a Gua Sha which might be worth including in your everyday morning routine.
Helps with lymphatic drainage
Helps with cystic acne
Fights acne scars
Reduces puffiness
Reduces dark circles and brightens up the face
Softens wrinkles and fine lines
Contours and sculpts jawline and cheekbones
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How to use a Gua Sha?
Pull/scrape the tool across your skin while holding it at a 30 to 45-degree angle. All movements should be upward and follow the lymphatic flow as a general rule. Before going on to the next section of your skin, repeat each movement three to five times.
As part of your Gua Sha facial practice, Campbell-Semien suggests the following movements:
Jawline and Chin: To contour the jaw, glide your tool upwards from the center of the chin to the earlobe.
Forehead: Start in the center of your forehead and divide it into three portions before gliding your tool outwards. Scrape once, then proceed down and scrape once more.
Cheeks: Begin with the nose and work your way up the cheeks and cheekbones, going outwards toward your ears in a sweeping motion. Scrape once, then move down a little and scrape again, then down a little more to the chin's center and scrape once more.
Under-eyes: Begin with the inner corner of your eye and work your way outwards to the temple.
This tool has numerous benefits for your skin and makes you feel fresher! It is something you could add to your daily skincare routine. Have you ever tried it or would you?
Authored By: Jayee Bora
Edited By: Ashutosh Bhoria