For people who believe in organic and natural skin treatments rather than using more chemicals and electronics, Guasha is a great choice. Gua sha is an ancient Chinese traditional practice that enhances blood circulation by a scraping movement with a flat stone-like massage tool.
Gua Sha in the Chinese is 刮痧 (pronounced as gwah shah). The word Gua refers to the scraping action while Sha is the red, bruise-like appearance you will see from your skin after the therapy. Other names include coining scrapping and spooning. This tool is most of the time made of Jade or rose quartz stone.
The tool is used for stroking the skin to improve the microcirculation of the soft tissue. This smooth-edged stone-like tool is then repeatedly scrapped over the skin in an upward motion, stimulating the blood flow of the particular area. The skin becomes red for a while due to the opposite directional scrapping. However, the brittle process actually repairs the skin - scrapping away the dead cell and enabling the skin to repair by producing new collagen.
The technique of Gua Sha belongs to an ancient Chinese treatment of medicine which is done to keep the ‘stagnant energy’ moving; often referred to as ‘chi’. Most of the skin specialists even today believe that Gua Sha is an effective way to refresh the skin and is also effective to treat inflammation of all sorts. The treatment is developed to treat the inside of the body by stimulating the outward skin. As inflammation is the sole cause behind many ailments and chronic pain this technique is also associated with the medical benefits along with the dermatological ones.
Gua Sha heals the skin by boosting the circulation of the blood which reduces toxins underlying your skin. It also triggers a smoother regulation of blood flow that generates a proper amount of oxygen and nutrients. The overall treatment is designed to reduce tension in the muscles that restore lymphatic drainage to minimize bloating. It serves as an oxidizing agent that breaks up fascia and the connective tissue.
Facial Gua Sha is more delicate. The practitioner applies oil to the skin first and then strokes it in one backward direction. Make sure it is a unidirectional movement and not a back and forth action. This effective technique offers a number of dermatological benefits such as smooth and refreshing skin, anti-aging, reduction of fine lines and de-puffed skin. Gua Sha is also useful if one wants to increase the elasticity of the skin as it reduces the tension in the muscle gradually (may it be facial or otherwise).
The frequency of performing Gua Sha massage depends upon the person. However, the treatment promises smooth uplifted skin just after the first time. That is why it is now an essential part of many people’s comprehensive skincare routine.