Having beautiful and flawless skin is what all women dream of. From facial toner to Cacay oil toLight therapy for acne– the beauty market is booming. The selection of beauty products that promise us a fresher and younger look is now so large that we can hardly decide what would work best for us and our skin type. And since all beauty salons are currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, facial treatments are out of the question and we have to take care of our skin ourselves at home. Used as a remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years, Gua Sha massage has now made a name for itself in this country, and rightly so. The massage technique not only makes our skin shine, but also reduces the formation of wrinkles and relieves headaches. What exactly is behind the new beauty trend, how exactly does Gua Sha massage for the face work and how is it done? We'll tell you the answers to these and many other questions in our article!
The Gua Sha massage originally comes from traditional Chinese medicine and is a very important part of folk medicine, especially in Southeast Asia and East Asia. Quite affordable compared to overpriced facials and incredibly effective - it's not for nothing that the massage technique is called the “best beauty tool of the millennium” by many dermatologists around the world. However, Gua Sha not only ensures radiant and healthy skin, but can also help with colds or relieve headaches and back pain. More and more celebrities and beauty influencers swear by the positive effects of regular facial use of Gua Sha.
What is Gua Sha massage and what benefits does it offer for our skin?
Gua Sha massage is a type of stimulation therapy and originally comes from traditional Chinese medicine. “Gua” means “scraping” and “Sha” means “disease”. The skin is particularly irritated and stressed with a jade stone in order to promote blood circulation. With Gua Sha, all toxins and blockages are removed so that nutrients and oxygen can flow better in the body. Immediately after use, redness and bruising often occur and it is therefore very important to carry out the treatment very carefully and gently. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chi is the energy that flows through our body and is responsible for inflammation and acute illness. By rubbing the skin, the Gua Sha massage is intended to break up this energy and in this way contribute to an improved and healthy complexion. The jade stone should be stroked over the oiled skin often until the lymph activates.
Gua Sha benefits and effects on the skin
The Gua Sha massage for the face is designed to relieve tension in the facial muscles, promote blood circulation and lymphatic drainage to remove any swelling. However, Chinese medicine is not only beneficial for our beauty but can also improve our overall health. Here are some of the top Gua Sha benefits you should know.
- Gua Sha massage for wrinkles –During Gua Sha massage, the top layer of skin is gently exfoliated to remove dead cells. This has a relaxing and deeply relaxing effect on the facial features, so that even...the deepest wrinklesbe alleviated after a few weeks. As a result, we feel reborn after the massage and our skin looks much fresher and more youthful.
- Against swelling –Salty meals or a food allergy often lead to a build-up of lymph fluid and puffing up the face. However, a gentle Gua Sha massage along the lymphatic channels can promote lymphatic drainage and thus minimize the resulting swelling. However, you should know the anatomy and use the Gua Sha massage correctly. Because if you stroke in the wrong direction or put too much pressure on the skin, it can even worsen the skin's appearance.
- The absorption of nutrients is improved –By irritating the skin, blood circulation is promoted. This in turn ensures that nutrients from both inside and outside reach the skin better.
- The flow of energy is stimulated –During the stimulating massage, the acupuncture points on the face are stimulated, which benefits the energy circulation. Gua Sha is an excellent way to relieve tension in the neck or severe headaches.
How does Gua Sha massage work and what is the right technique
In order to benefit from all the benefits of Gua Sha massage for the face, it is very important to know the correct technique. But don't worry - we'll show you everything step by step and with a little practice you'll be able to do it really well after just a few days of use. Be particularly careful not to simply scrape in a criss-cross manner, but to always move the stone in the same direction, always from the center of the face outwards. So that the stone can glide better over the skin, you should hold the skin taut with one hand and place the scraper on as large an area as possible. The Gua Sha massage usually lasts between 25 and 30 minutes and small redness and bruises appear immediately after use. But don't worry - depending on how sensitive your skin is, these will disappear after 2-3 days. And so bring yoursSkin to shine:
- Before you start the actual Gua Sha massage, you should moisturize and oil your skin generously - this will loosen the blockages and refresh the blood. Essential oils with a calming and nourishing effect such as coconut oil, lavender oil or almond oil are particularly suitable for stimulating massage. AlsoCacay Beerand sesame oil successfully absorb toxins from the skin and are often used.
- Now take the scraper and ideally hold it pressed against the skin at an angle of around 30-45 degrees. Remember to irritate each area at least 5 times or until redness occurs. This activates the lymphs and removes toxins from the body.
- When doing Gua Sha massage we should always work from bottom to top. So, start from the back of your neck and stroke the stone upwards until you reach the chin. To do this, use the wide and outwardly curved end of the stone.
- Move to the front of the neck starting at the collarbone.
- The right side of the face is then massaged first. Using the ready and inward curved side, start at the chin. Move the stone over the jaw until you reach the ear.
- Use the long flat side of the scraper to move up the cheek.
- Next, use the tips of the stone and place it in the inner corner of the lids under the eyes. Stroke towards your temples with gentle pressure.
- Place the scraper with the wide, outwardly curved ends in the middle of the forehead and stroke horizontally towards the temples and then up towards the hairline.
- Repeat the above steps on the left side of the face and you're done!
How often and when should the Gua Sha massage best be used?
How often you do a Gua Sha massage depends primarily on the desired results. Since the skin is particularly irritated and stressed during the massage technique, it is important to give it some time to recover. For best results, use 2 to 3 times a week is recommended. The real work of the fascia actually happens after the massage and for this reason it is best to scrape in the evening.
Which crystals and stones are suitable for Gua Sha massage?
Gua Sha stones are known for their calming and cooling effects on the skin. The choice of crystals is quite large and which one you choose depends on your personal preferences. The best-known scrapers are made of rose quartz, jade and obisdian and differ primarily in their healing properties and properties.
- Gua Sha made from rose quartzhas a very smooth surface and is ideal for sensitive skin. The stone has a stimulating and naturally cooling effect and is often used to treat acne. In addition, rose quartz is known in naturopathy as a natural remedy for headaches. So if you are struggling with pimples or blackheads, then a Gua Sha made from Rosenquart would be just right for you!
- Gua Sha from Obsidian –Obisdian is created from volcanic lava and is said to promote blood circulation, strengthen connective tissue and relieve blockages in the body. It is precisely these abilities of the stone that make it perfect for a Gua Sha massage for the face.
