Gua Sha for Glowing Skin: Is It Effective?
When it comes to skincare, all kinds of products and techniques, from oils to different kinds of facials, seem to roll out year after year. Yet, one practice has stood the test of time: Gua Sha.
This traditional East Asian technique is said to promote radiant, youthful-looking skin and well-being. Sounds great, right? But is Gua Sha truly effective, or is it just another fad? We sought the answer by taking a science-backed deeper dive into Gua Sha, and reveal what we found for you in the article below.
What is Gua Sha?
Roughly translated into English, Gua Sha means “dredging meridian stagnation.” The technique is also known as coin rubbing, scraping therapy, or skin scraping. It involves scraping a smooth-edged tool across your skin (if you like, you can apply a face oil first) to create petechiae for their apparent healing benefits. Petechiae are tiny spots of bleeding beneath the skin or mucous membranes.
Originally, Gua Sha involved the use of various tools, such as a buffalo horn scrape. Over time, as the practice evolved and gained recognition outside traditional Chinese medicine, more contemporary tools made from rose quartz or jade became popular, especially for facial Gua Sha.
Skincare Benefits of Gua Sha
One of the primary effects of Gua Sha is its ability to improve blood circulation. The gentle scraping motion stimulates the circulation in blood vessels, promoting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to skin cells. This increased blood flow enhances collagen production, helping to maintain younger-looking skin.
Moreover, Gua Sha aids lymphatic drainage, assisting the body in eliminating toxins and reducing puffiness. As the tool glides over the skin, it encourages the movement of lymphatic fluids, preventing the accumulation of waste and excess fluids that can lead to a dull complexion. The result? Glowing skin.
And speaking of glowing skin, when Gua Sha is used in conjunction with skincare products, it may enhance their absorption. The massaging action involved in the technique may help the products penetrate the skin more effectively, maximizing the benefits of serums, oils, and moisturizers.
Well-Being Benefits of Gua Sha
We’ve already mentioned that Gua Sha is said to promote radiant, youthful-looking skin by boosting blood circulation, promoting lymphatic drainage, and boosting the absorption of skincare products. The scraping motion involved in Gua Sha may also deliver benefits that go, well, beyond skin deep:
Gua Sha Facial Massage
Gua Sha’s massaging action targets specific acupressure points on the face, releasing tension and relaxing facial muscles. This helps alleviate tension held in the facial muscles, potentially reducing the appearance of related lines and wrinkles.
Gua Sha for Stress Reduction
The ritualistic nature of Gua Sha, coupled with its soothing massage, can have calming effects on the nervous system. Many practitioners find that incorporating Gua Sha into their skincare routine becomes a self-care practice, offering a moment of mindfulness and relaxation.
Gua Sha for Muscle Aches and Pain Relief
Computer users, this one may be for you: Gua Sha significantly improved neck pain after one week, the results of one study suggest. Another study found the increase in microcirculation (the circulation of blood in the smallest vessels) to a treated area may be why muscle aches and pain decreased in study subjects.
How to Gua Sha Like a Pro
To reap the benefits of a facial Gua Sha, you first need a Gua Sha tool. They come in various shapes and materials such as jade and rose quartz.
Once you have your tool, set aside about five minutes two to three times a week to perform Gua Sha. When you’re ready, begin with clean skin and apply a facial oil or serum to provide a smooth surface for the tool to glide over.
Hold the tool at a slight angle and use gentle but firm pressure, moving it in upward and outward strokes three to five times. Focus on areas such as the jawline, cheekbones, and forehead, following the natural contours of your face.
Is Gua Sha Right For Me?
Gua Sha is generally safe, effective, and well-tolerated, one study suggests. Yet, please check with your doctor before trying Gua Sha if you:
· Live with diabetes
· Take blood thinners
· Have issues with your circulation or clotting
· Have had surgery in the last six months
The Last Word on the Effectiveness of Gua Sha
From a soothing massage to a boost in blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, these benefits of Gua Sha may make it a practice you’d like to incorporate into your skincare and/or self-care routine.
You can also enhance the effect of skincare products by boosting their absorption into your skin via Gua Sha. For even greater benefit, consider a product made with natural ingredients. The Think Dirty app, available from the App Store or Google Play, is here to help!
Download the app, and then scan product barcodes to see if the product is made with ingredients that are good for your body. It’s where skincare meets self-care, quickly and easily!
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