SALUT!
it’s me. Your girl. Sleuthing around to see if that thing from the #trending page will scientifically benefit you or if it’s not even worth your time.
You’ve seen them. The pretty little detail that makes skincare #shelfies get all the likes.
WTF is Gua Sha?
This slim, oblong stone tool, coupled with proper technique are the real deal.
Gua Sha, “scraping” in Chinese, is an ancient East Asian healing practice in which a flat tool with pressure, pulls across the skin to increase blood flow. It was originally intended to break up stagnant energy, called chi, and promote internal healing. Now, Gua Sha is used to help drain the lymphatic system, ease muscle tension and inflammation.
For me- after a few minutes, my breathing slows, the tension in my temples and jaw melts away, my sinuses feel clearer, and *yes* my cheekbones and jaw seem more defined. I’ve never had a facial at a spa, but I imagine it’s probably like this.
Gua Sha > Jade Rollers, IMO
Gua Sha tools used to be made from bones to porcelain, but the most popular, modern ones are made from crystals. Mine are made of rose quartz and jade. When deciding which pretty little skincare tool to buy, I say Gua Sha over crystal roller all day.
Gua Sha has a much stronger effect due to the nature of the technique and the different angles in which the tool can be used.
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Choose your player
Gua sha is pretty flexible when it comes to the tool. You need at least two different angles on your tool, so you can target areas like the jawline and browbone. A small curved edge and a V-shaped corner are great additions to the primary long edge.
Getting a crystal one can be fun if you believe in the hEaLiNg PoWeRs.
amethyst = clarity and relaxation
jade = insight, peace, & luck
rose quartz = love & harmony
How To Gua Sha
1. Prime your skin with a bit of moisturizer, serum, or oil to create slip and ease friction.
2. Find a video tutorial (my FAVE) or book to guide your movements. Some basics are-
Always use upward strokes. Wiggle at the end of your stroke, once you hit the edge of your face/neck. (Not too much pressure!)
Real Talk
The most substantial benefit of Gua Sha that I found is that:
the practice dislodges any stagnant lymphatic fluids and break up fascia (tissue that hugs muscle) (Nielsen, 2007).
Gua Sha caused a fourfold (x4) increase in microcirculation during the first 7.5 minutes after treatment; and a significant increase in surface microcirculation during the entire 25 minutes following treatment. Each subject experienced immediate decrease in myalgia (muscle pain). There were no adverse reactions to Gua Sha.
It’s been also been shown to decrease pain in other, related areas of the body:
- alleviate chronic neck pain, after 1 week (Bruan, et al., 2001)
- help with migraine headaches (Schwickert, et al., 2007)
Do I think it will give dramatic results like filler or botox? No.
However, it’s a natural, cost-effective way to relieve stress, increase circulation, and alleviate pain.
