Gua sha: Benefits of the popular face massage stone

In recent years we have noticed more and more beauty tools making their appearance. Many times we might wonder… do they have any effect after all, or is it just a new trend?

Indeed, it is a fact that Asian beauty tools are innovations for our skin care as they offer luxurious results. The Gua Sha stone is an ancient Chinese healing art, which offers benefits not only to the face, but also to the entire body!

Gua Sha: What is it?

It is a natural, alternative treatment that involves scraping the skin with a massage tool to improve the appearance of the skin. Gua means scratch and Sha means tiny, flat spots in Chinese.

This ancient technique also offers a more holistic approach to the general health and well-being of our body. It is often referred to as the botox of the East! In Gua Sha, a specialist “scrapes” the skin by massaging, with a special tool called Gua, in order to stimulate blood flow and strengthen microcirculation.

This relaxing technique can be applied easily, from the comfort of your home, for a firmer and brighter look to your skin! Its small size makes it easy to use at home, while you can take it with you everywhere. In addition, it is suitable for all skin types.

Where does it apply?

The Gua Sha technique can be applied to both the face and the body. More specifically, it can be performed at the following points:

• Face
• Back
• Buttocks
• Neck
• Hands
• Legs

You should apply gentle pressure at first and gradually increase it to determine how much force is ideal for you.

What are Gua Sha benefits?

In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that Gua Sha can address stagnant energy, which is called Chi. It is believed that this energy can cause inflammation when it accumulates in our body.

Inflammation is an underlying cause of many health conditions and is associated with chronic pain. Rubbing the skin is thought to help break up the Chi energy, and this helps reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Since Gua Sha can reduce inflammation, it is claimed that it can help treat/treat the following:

• Migraine/Headache
• Neck pain
• Premenstrual syndrome

When it comes to the beauty of our skin, Gua Sha offers the following benefits:

• Strengthens microcirculation
• It strengthens the muscles
• Restores elasticity
• Smoothes wrinkles/fine lines
• It helps skin care products to penetrate better
• Straightens the contour
• Contributes to the fight against dark circles and puffiness
• Restores firmness

Gua Sha: How Do I Use It?

Here are useful tips and instructions for using the beauty tool safely and effectively.

Before we start

• We soap the Gua Sha with our hands (at least for 30”)
• We clean its curves well
• If we have time, we soak it in warm water and soap for 30-60 minutes

During use

1. Always use the tool upwards and towards the edges of the face.
2. Apply your favorite moisturizing oil (or serum, cream, mask) and start the gentle massage.
3. If you feel that the pressure applied is mild, you can apply a little more, for more visible results.
4. For a more effective massage, you can place the Gua Sha in the refrigerator before use.

Instructions to apply it 

If you are wondering which is the proper way to use its curves and edges, follow the steps below.

• With the smooth end, you can massage the cheeks, neck and forehead.
• With one end that curves outwards, massage under the eyes.
• Use an inward-curving tip to sculpt your cheekbones.

How often do we clean it?

Experts recommend that we clean not only Gua Sha, but also all our beauty tools, immediately after use. This will help prevent the transfer of bacteria, which if not cleaned immediately, can cause skin problems.

Does it have side effects?

As Gua Sha is a natural healing method, this also makes it safe. Because the pressure applied can be mild or more intense, you may see small changes in the surface of your skin. This phenomenon should not worry you, as most of the time it subsides within a few hours.

If Gua Sha is applied with gentle movements, in rare cases it may cause some side effect. The Gua Sha technique should be avoided by people who have had surgery within 6 weeks, as well as those taking blood thinners.

Find at Vita4you.gr packages with serum or booster that include Gua Sha, for comprehensive treatment, according to your needs!

Nuxe Super Serum [10] Anti-aging Face Serum 30 ml, for softness and shine
Korres Chestnut Arcadian Face Booster 30 ml, to enhance elasticity
Korres Wild Rose Biphasic Shine Booster 30 ml, for shine and flawless tone

Sources

1. Why Gua Sha Is the Original Form of At-Home Self-Care
2. Understanding Gua Sha: Benefits and Side Effects
3. Everything to Know About Gua Sha Facial Massage