What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha. Gua meaning (scrape) and Sha meaning (blood) is an ancient practice of Chinese medicine that involves instruments that scrape the skin in order to treat specific aliments dealing with the body’s soft tissue. Known as an alternative therapy that improves circulation, range of motion as well as aids in muscle and joint pain. This ancient Chinese modality has been studied for centuries and is a very unique approach to overall wellness.
In Gua Sha a professional scapes your skin with long or short strokes to promote blood flow and circulation in the particular area to rid the body of stagnant blood. Once this is done the affected area may have some mild bruising due to the blood flowing to the top of the skin.
Benefits of Gua Sha Stones
The aim of Gua Sha is to improve your chi or qi, around your body. The benefits are endless and most can benefit from it. Let’s get down to the benefits:
Pain Management:
Many of my clients have been dealing with pain for years and still do not know how to treat their ailments. From pain medication (which I never recommend) physical therapy, cortisone shots, stretching, etc. Their pain still has not subsided. NOW WHAT? I always recommend a combination of things. If you are not currently doing Gua Sha, well add it in! I highly believe in acupuncture, chiropractic work, massage and well guess what? add Gua sha also. If your body is not at its best, it will not perform at its best.
The body has a tendency to “get stuck”. Whether it’s pain, loss of range of motion, stiffness, or overall just a feeling of tiredness. It is time for a tune-up. The last thing you want is to be is even more stagnant when pain or all of the above is stopping you.
Reducing Inflammation:
With your trigger points being released and your pain is gone. Why would you not want to scrape your skin? Sounds gross, doesn’t it? Known to treat arthritis and Fibromyalgia these chronic ailments don’t stand a chance when it comes to this ancient secret.
Flawless Complexion
Ever feel like a Cover Girl Model? Me too. BUT, you can’t be one without flawless skin. Many have stated how radiant their skin looked and felt after a few sessions of Gua Sha facial rejuvenation. More to come on this topic.
Gua Sha Facial – The Worlds Natural Face Lift
Seems like a dream come true when you hear “Natural Face Lift”. Skin care addicts and experts have been praising this technique. This natural face lift is a must if you are seeking cell renewal, fighting aging, smoothing fine lines, and promoting lymphatic drainage.
With other aesthetic benefits like a contoured face, lifted cheeks and brows, and a sculpted jawline no wonder the masses are doing this daily! Your skill will look young, luminous, and will have an overall natural glow. Can you say HOTTIE?
A little sleepy? The Gua Sha facial has a solution for that also! Massaging around the eyes will help boost circulation to help reduce under eyes bags and or dark circles. I feel restful already!
How to Massage your Skin with the Gua Sha Tool
Remember light strokes around your face, please. If you seek long-lasting benefits then practice this daily. As you hold the Gua Sha tool in your hand perform light, slow strokes over your face always working outwards and up to lift the face. Focus on where you want to lift (for most that’s everywhere) Repeat several times and pay attention to the under-eye area, the cheeks, forehead, and the jawline to really bring out the contour of the face, Don’t forget to use oil such as jojoba, a facial serum or your favorite moisturizer.
Traditional Gua Sha Stone
Traditional Gua Sha Stone comes in the form of Green jade. There have been rose quartz and amethyst versions made. Stick with the Green jade in my opinion, BUT if you are looking for a second one handy then I do not think it’s an awful idea to purchase the other variations. Here are some benefits to using each one.|
Green Jade:
Known for balance, calming, and positivity. This stone has said to protect against negative energy.
Rose Quartz:
Known to be the healing crystal and stone of unconditional love.
Amethyst:
This dark purple stone is said to aid in stress, reduce negative energy and promote relaxation and clarity.
Gua Sha Massage – What you need to know
Be prepared to expect the unexpected. That is in no way shape or form a bad thing. Always remember when trying new things your body will react in a way it may have never acted in the past. Expect the BEST actually. Expect a little redness which is common. YOU will know for sure that your body is releasing the toxins and promoting blood flow when this is happening. Your pain will be gone and your qi will be restored. If that’s the worst-case scenario, I’ll take it.
Be sure to always use oils, serums, or moisturizers when doing Gua Sha. You want to make sure the Gua Sha tool is gliding over the skin and not irritating it. ALWAYS, ALWAYS use some sort of lubricant before proceeding,
Where can I purchase Gua Sha Stones?
You can purchase them at most beauty stores. See below for the ones I use and recommend.
Oil’s for Gua Sha
You are probably wondering what can you use to make sure you are performing Gua Sha efficiently. I use my daily moisturizer. BUT, below are close seconds:
Korress Pure Greek Oilve Oil
Now Jojoba Oil
Derma E Vitamin C Serum
In Conclusion
I am a believer in Gua Sha. I think it is something you should consider if you are into alternative treatment. Time will pass anyway so why not give it a try! If you have any questions please feel free to contact me here.
Speak soon
