Facial gua sha is a traditional East and Southeast Asian healing technique in which a smooth, credit-card-sized board with smooth edges is used to massage, manipulate, and stimulate certain points along the face in order to promote blood flow and remove toxins from the body. The gua sha method, also known as “scraping,” involves applying a gentle, soft, yet steady glide and slight pull of the skin from the gua sha board over the facial area. Typically, the gua sha tool is made from rose quartz or jade crystal which has a cooling effect on the skin. During treatment, a facial oil or cream is used to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment and allow the gua sha tool to easily glide on the skin. When this technique is done properly, it can actually feel incredible and deeply relaxing.
Facial gua sha is a great tool for rejuvenating the skin and releasing adhesions in the musculature of the face which cause wrinkles to form. This technique also allows the skin to better absorb the nutrients from facial products. Here are some of the many benefits to receiving this treatment on a recommended regular basis:
Tones the facial muscles and firms the skin
Releases facial and muscular tension
Moves sluggish lymph fluid through lymphatic drainage
Improves blood circulation and skin’s elasticity
Improves acne, wrinkles, and sagging of the skin
Improves dark circles, eye bags, and puffy eyes
Improves discolorations and dark/aging spots
Addresses the parasympathetic nervous system and can help with anxiety, stress, pain, and depression
Please note that with facial gua sha, there is a very small possibility of bruising; however, if you are gentle with this technique, there should only be a mild temporary pink color shown on the skin (caused by increased blood flow) but no marks left behind. Always remember to keep the force/pressure of facial gua sha gentle to avoid bruising.
Gua sha is contraindicated for the following conditions:
Hemophilia or any other blood disease
Skin irritations and any growth on the skin
Bone injury
Any contagious skin conditions
Very weak body constitution
Chronic disease
Blood vessel ailments
Pregnancy
Facial gua sha is just one of the treatments included in our Cosmetic acupuncture program! Schedule your consultation by calling 321-972-2940 today to learn more how we can help you get an amazing, youthful and glowing complexion!
References:
A Comprehensive Hand Book For Traditional Chinese Medicine Facial Rejuvenation
Ping Zhang - Nefeli Corp. – 2006
This Chinese Facial Tool Is the Secret To Better Skin in 2018
I Tried To Get a More Contoured Jawline With This Tiny Tool - Here's What Happened
Women Are Giving Up Botox For Facial Massage
Prue Lewington-Prue Lewington-Patricia Field- Harper's Bazaar- Hbo - https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/a27229712/gua-sha-benefits-botox-alternative/