Ishika Nanda 06/06/2024
Before becoming popular in modern skincare, gua sha, derived from ancient Chinese healing methods, boasts a profound history. This approach, initially applied to various parts of the body, entails using a sleek-edged instrument to gently scrape oiled skin, aiming to ease muscle tension. Additionally, practitioners believed that it could unblock chi, the body's energy flow.
WHAT IS A GUA SHA?
Dermatologist Dr. Jinah Yoo explains that gua sha serves as a facial massage tool, promoting circulation, enhancing lymphatic drainage, and soothing facial muscles. This technique can diminish wrinkles, refine skin texture and tone, and rejuvenate overall complexion. Utilizing gua sha stones facilitates skin massage, which aids in lymphatic drainage and boosts microcirculation. Moreover, it's lauded for its ability to optimize the absorption of topical products such as oils and serums by facilitating deeper penetration into the skin. Beyond skincare benefits, gua sha is renowned for improving circulation, reducing water retention, stretching connective tissue, and potentially minimizing the appearance of cellulite—a multifaceted approach with remarkable effects.
IS IT GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN
"Gua sha stones differ from facial rollers in that they are shaped differently and used for different purposes," says Dr. Yoo. "While jade rollers are typically used to promote circulation and reduce puffiness, gua sha tools are used for deeper tissue massage and lymphatic drainage."
FACIAL ROLLER AND A GUA SHA TOOL
"Gua sha doesn't change your bone structure, but it can enhance the natural shape of your face. Dr. Yoo recommends using the stone at a 45-degree angle, starting from the chin and moving upward toward the earlobe, repeating this movement several times to achieve a lifting effect."
HOW TO USE A GUA SHA TO CONTOUR
"This method entails gently massaging the gua sha tool in upward motions, beginning from the middle of the face and extending towards the ears, lymph nodes, and collarbone. This action boosts blood circulation, triggering the lymphatic system, lessening inflammation, enhancing circulation, and fostering skin well-being. It's advised to apply gentle pressure with the gua sha stone and refrain from dragging it too forcefully or swiftly across the skin."
HOW TO USE A GUA SHA FOR LYMPHATIC DRAINGAGE
"Commence with the lymphatic drainage method to diminish inflammation, then employ the gua sha stone at a 90-degree angle against the skin to delicately massage and coax any surplus fluids outward, towards the periphery of the face."
HOW TO USE A GUA SHA FOR DEPUFFING