Gua Sha (pronouced gwah shah) can seem to be the latest beauty craze but it actually stems from Traditional Chinese Medicine and is a technique that has long been used for its health benefits. The technique generally involves using a Gua Sha Tool to massage the skin using scraping motions in one direction with the purpose of stimulating the energy that flows in the body (known as qi).
The purpose of Gua Sha is to promote blood flow and move energy around the body.
By stimulating microcirculation and releasing toxins, Gua Sha will boost the body's immune system and improve overall health.
When performed on the body, Gua Sha can relieve tension, treat muscle injuries and help with chronic pain. By stimulating microcirculation and releasing toxins, Gua Sha will boost the body's immune system and improve overall health. As Gua Sha releases heat and inflammation from the body's deep tissues, the press-stroke motions can cause capillaries near the skin surface to bleed and leave a red rash on the body that will typically fade in a few days.
When used as a facial treatment, Gua Sha shouldn't leave any bruise-like marks. On the contrary, Gua Sha will help smooth fine lines, improve skin tone and texture, reduce puffiness and sculpt the face contour. As Gua Sha will push toxins out of the skin, regular use of the Gua Sha Tool can help with skin dryness and breakouts. Gua Sha is also great for lymphatic drainage, to relieve facial tension and to give relief to headaches.
Use a Gua Sha Tool as part of your morning and/or evening skin care routine and see the results for yourself!