The 5 benefits of Gua Sha

Do you know about "Gua Sha"? No, it is not the name of a dish. This term, which means in Chinese "scrape away illness," is a skin care technique and therapy that comes from traditional Chinese medicine. It involves massaging the face and/or body with a tool made of stone or ox horn (shaped like a heart or as a roll-on).

It has many benefits: removing toxins, firming the facial muscles, preventing fine lines, and more...

Moreover, with the roll-on, the massage is easier thanks to its handle. But above all, it combines with the benefits of each stone. According to stone healing, jade is known to strengthen the immune system and aid healing. Rose quartz, on the other hand, has soothing and relaxing properties.

Without further delay, discover in this article the 5 benefits of Gua Sha and how to practice it!

The 5 Benefits of Gua Sha

1. Helps to remove toxins

The pressure applied helps to drain toxins and makes them easier to eliminate. The skin is therefore healthier and will be freed from its blemishes!

2. Enhances the glow of the complexion

The massage stimulates the blood microcirculation, which allows better oxygenation of the tissues. As a result, your complexion will be brighter and your spots will gradually fade!

3. Reduces signs of aging

Thanks to the toning action of the roll-on, the skin of the face and neck will be firmer. Furthermore, fine lines will be softened, and your skin will look more youthful.

4. Lessens signs of tiredness

The coldness of the stone and the pressure of the massage reduce puffiness under the eyes and lessen dark circles. For more effectiveness, do not hesitate to place your roll-on in the fridge. Indeed, the cold reduces swelling and quickly diminishes puffiness. Goodbye tired look, hello radiant face!

5. Instantly relaxes

This ritual also soothes the muscles and helps to relieve stress. Moreover, rose quartz encourages calmness and jade balances the mood.

How to perform Gua Sha?

Now that you know its benefits, it is useful to understand how this technique works. It consists of massaging the face slowly while applying more or less deep pressure on targeted areas.

First, you must perform Gua Sha on clean skin. So be sure to cleanse your face before starting.

Next, always apply a vegetable oil on your skin to allow the roll-on to glide.

Moreover, depending on the massage areas, there is a specific procedure:

• "Lifting" the forehead: start at the eyebrows, then roll up to the hairline
• Reduce fine lines and puffiness: gently pass the roll-on under the inner corner of the eye up to the temples
• Firm the face contour: start at the chin and massage up to the temples passing along the jawline
• Tone the neck: massage from bottom to top.

Repeat several times; it is recommended to do it at least 5 times.

Finally, the skin may redden during the massage. This is normal, as it is the blood microcirculation activating.

And what about my eczema?

Is the Gua Sha technique suitable for people suffering from eczema? When practiced with gentleness, it is beneficial.

Indeed, as mentioned earlier, besides the benefits of the massage, the stones boost immunity, help with healing, and promote relaxation, which is essential for people with eczema.

However, caution is needed. First, choose a vegetable oil or serum suitable for sensitive skin (click here to discover our face serum with Wild Rose and Pomegranate). Besides allowing the stone to roll more easily, the serum will leave a protective film on the skin and prevent friction.

Also, prefer the roll-on over the heart-shaped stone, as it is gentler and easier to handle.

Then, avoid pressing on areas where you have redness or patches, which are very sensitive.

Next, always make sure to clean your tool with a mild soap and dry it with a clean towel to prevent bacteria or other germs that can infect the skin.

Furthermore, regarding frequency, avoid doing it too often to prevent irritating your skin and causing the opposite effect. Once a week is a good frequency of Gua Sha for people with sensitive skin.

Finally, do not hesitate to keep your roll-on in the fridge to instantly soothe your itching. Indeed, the cold numbs the sensations, which will be useful when you feel like scratching.