Gua Sha and Facial Massage for Anti-aging
What is Gua sha?
Even in the age of botox and plastic surgery, people are still opting for natural methods to promote anti-aging. Gua Sha is an ancient Asian facial massage method using a flat tool usually made with a jade stone. The main principle behind the anti-aging and facial sculpting effects of gua sha is attributed to lymphatic drainage in the face. Tools like this offer holistic benefits. To see more beauty tools and solutions head on over here.
Benefits
Lymphatic Draining
The lymphatic system plays an important role in the body’s health to fight off diseases and infection. This system collects fluids that contain waste products and acts as a filter to maintain proper fluid balance in the body. The scraping motion of the gua sha is believed to promote blood flow and circulation to the face, thus releasing those waste products and toxins to the skin that cause puffiness or sagging in the face.
Stressed Muscles
When stressed, facial muscles can become tense and tight, causing pain and discomfort. This can even cause your face to appear distressed. Using the gua sha technique relieves this tension by applying pressure to your facial muscles and improves flexibility.
For some people the jaw causes pain due to tension and clenching of the muscles. Gua sha can help alleviate muscle soreness and discomfort. And we all know that stress can contribute to premature aging. Reducing this stress can help promote anti-aging effects to the skin and facial muscles.
Sculpting
Some people opt for botox to get rid of the sagging in their face, wrinkles, and fine lines. Fortunately for those who do not want to undergo surgery or botox, gua sha is an alternative option to sculpt the face and reduce the appearance of skin aging.
Overall Relaxation
As mentioned previously, stress can really impact your health in many ways. One of them causes tension in facial muscles, puffiness, and premature skin aging. Some studies show that facial massage with repetitive strokes using a gua sha can also release endorphins, also known as the happy hormone. Endorphins promote feelings of wellness, reduced stress, and overall relaxation.
How to
Using a Gua Sha can be used at any time of the day. This is a simple routine to show how you can incorporate it into your skincare routine.
- Cleanse your face
A clean base is always a good way to start. Cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser to prep it for the gua sha facial massage.
2. Apply your serums or facial treatments
Another benefit of using a gua sha is helping products penetrate deeper into the skin. Apply you facial treatments as usual, pat them into the skin and wait for it to absorb before moving on to the next step.
3. Use a facial cream, lotion, or oil
Wait at least 2 minutes for previous skincare to absorb into the skin. Once this is done, apply any type of moisturizer that you use. This will help the gua sha glide on smoother to the skin.
4. Facial Massage
Start from your jaw and sweep the gua sha up to your ears, cheeks, and temples. Use the larger curved surface of the gua sha to sweep it upwards against your forehead. You can use the smaller curves to massage your eyebrows, lips, and smile lines. You may refer to the picture provided below to get a better visual of the massage technique.
5. Repeat for 5 to 10 minutes
That’s basically it! Now repeat the whole routine 3 to 5 times across your face for about 5 to 10 minutes. The important thing is to repeat this process consistently over a significant amount of time. Some people may notice instant effects in depuffing the face as soon as 1 gua sha session. Over time, results may be more permanent in firming the face, and reducing facial sagging.
