SKINEDIT - The Benefits of Gua Sha

Gua sha is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice that involves scraping the skin with a smooth flat stone in order to address skin or health concerns. A natural alternative therapy, gua sha addresses concerns such as inflammation, fine lines, and amongst other things, reduces puffiness. 

I'm only going to focus on using gua sha as a form of facial massage, rather than as a healing practice in TCM. You’ll find out about how to use a gua sha stone, if gua sha works, some benefits you can expect from gua sha and a simple gua sha facial massage routine for everyone. 

Each part of the gua sha stone is designed to be used on a different area of the face to best benefit the skin.

The notch at the top - used on the delicate skin under the eyes.  

The long edge -  used on the neck and cheeks.

The short edge – used on the forehead. 

The double notched edge or ‘U’ shape – used on the throat, jawline and eyebrows. 

Use the gua sha stone to gently scrape across each area of the face, using upward strokes following the contours of the face.  Cleanse skin, hands and gua sha then liberally apply a facial oil (I use the RMS Kakadu Beauty Oil) and massage away.

1. Promotes lymphatic drainage

The scraping motions used in a gua sha massage help to aid lymphatic drainage as you take time to work on the different areas of your face. 

2. Reduce tension and pain

TCM has used gua sha to help alleviate tension and pain for thousands of years. Adjusting the pressure you apply with your gua sha stone in different problem areas of the neck or face can help to reduce tension and pain. 

3. Improves circulation

As well as promoting lymphatic drainage, gua sha massages can help to improve circulation. With improved circulation comes a brighter complexion as toxins are shifted and cleared from the body. 

4. Relieves puffiness

The strokes under the eyes are especially helpful in reducing puffiness that some people experience when they wake up. Always take great care when using a gua sha on the delicate skin under your eyes. 

5. Gives you some mindful minutes

We all have extremely packed schedules that lead to  busy days and it can be hard to take the time to wind down and practice self care.  During your gua sha facial massage, enjoy the soothing, meditative and even luxurious experience.

Regular gua sha use reduces puffy eyes and dark circles, as well as lessening inflammation in the face. It is also great for boosting collagen production, which means smoother and more lifted-looking skin, along with minimized fine lines and wrinkles. 

Please note: Gua sha is not recommended for those taking blood thinners or anyone with thin skin. Those who may be pregnant or anyone who might have a rash, sunburn, inflamed skin, open wounds, psoriasis, or eczema should consult with their physician before doing gua sha on their own. Also, if you’ve had any facial injections, such as Botox and filler, it is recommended to wait at least four weeks before resuming gua sha.