The Benefits of Gua Sha and Why You Should Try It
Gua sha,
pronounced gwahshah — also known as Chinese skin scraping or face scraping, is an ancient form of physical therapy that involves making slow, careful strokes on the skin with a blunt object to increase blood flow and unblock impurities in the body. Gua sha can be used on almost any part of the body and has been used to treat everything from back pain to migraines, but one area where it’s especially helpful is the face. So are gua sha worth it? Read on:
What is gua sha?
Gua sha aims to move energy, known as qi or chi, around the body. A Gua Sha is a flat tool, made of semi-precious stone, that is used to massage the face. Gua sha tools are typically made out of jade, rose quartz, or mineral-rich stone, and come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes; each tailored to different areas and techniques. Your massage tool should feel comfortable in your hand, so that you can apply gentle pressure without it slipping.
How does it work?
Similar to acupressure, guasha involves holding a relatively firm tool to specific parts of your body while applying pressure. The act is said to loosen up blocked energy along meridians and trigger healing responses in localized areas. The benefits are numerous, but primary among them is stress relief. Think about how good it feels when someone gently strokes your face or hair; that’s exactly what guasha does for you. To see how to use the gua sha, click her to the blog on the gua sha technique. Using a Gua Sha on your face for a few minutes every day can work wonders for your skin, with more benefits, read on...
Who can benefit from gua sha?
Although most frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine, gua sha has actually been widely used around the world. Anyone who wants to improve circulation, alleviate chronic pain and inflammation, and stimulate lymphatic drainage will benefit from a gua sha massage.
Is there any negative side effects from using gua sha?
Although gua shas are safe to use, there are some side effects to keep in mind. Side effects will vary from person to person but may include tenderness, redness and bruising. However, these side effects are usually temporary. To minimise potential side effects, make sure you’re using a tool designed for gua shas rather than everyday objects such as spoons.
Any scientific proof that the benefits exist?
The answer is a resounding yes. There are numerous scientific studies that support its use as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain relief), circulatory stimulant, anti-allergic treatment. The benefits are backed by actual evidence instead of anecdotal support alone. There are studies out there that speak to its results. Most of them agree that consistent use of the tool helps improve microcirculation (some studies suggest an increase of up to 400%), and blood flow to the face.
How long do results last?
Results from guasha treatments can last from a few hours to several weeks. Some people will experience results for two to three days, while others might notice results lasting up to a week or longer. Long-term results from facial gua sha rely heavily on consistency and self-practice.
How often should you use it to achieve results?
Experts suggest using gua shas consistently a couple of times a day to start with, then one to two times per week until you achieve results. Once your skin begins to improve, consider once every other week. This will ensure you don’t over-stimulate your skin but also keep it from stagnating.
Where can you get the tool and how much does it cost?
We have seen gua shas for sale at very high prices, for example: Sephora sells a range of them averaging $50 each. At Aussenskin, we give you a free guasha with each moisturiser, but if you wanted to purchase just the gua sha, you can get yours here for only $19.97 and free shipping.
