Gua Sha Stone: How to Use the Chinese Skincare Stones
Facial scraping massage tool, natural stone guasha, routine, benefits, before and after, for body, types, jade roller
Gua Sha Stone: How to Use the Chinese Skincare Stones. Facial scraping massage tool, natural stone guasha, routine, benefits, before and after, for body, types, jade roller
“Gua” literally translates to “scrape,” and “sha” to “sand.”
This combination alludes to the dark, sandy patches on the skin that emerge following a gua sha body treatment, which resembles mild bruises.
Undoubtedly, if you enjoy using skincare rollers and tools, you’ve probably heard of gua sha, the small, flat stone that’s renowned for its ability to chisel out cheekbones you never knew existed.
It’s an old Chinese technique called “gwah-sha,” which means “move your muscles, improve blood flow, and improve circulation.
Think of it as a combination of skincare, massage, and self-care, similar to how a scalp massager may help you take better care of your hair.
What is gua sha?
In traditional Chinese medicine, gua sha is just one of several procedures utilized.
It was a method utilized in the past to treat ailments all over the body.
It entails scrubbing lubricated skin with an instrument with a smooth edge.
That tool has traditionally been a gemstone, a bull’s horn, or a spoon.
In modern gua sha, the face is often massaged using a jade or rose quartz instrument to improve skin health.
Increasing circulation and enhancing health are the objectives.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that these customs are widely accepted and have cultural value.
For instance, some practitioners of gua sha think it eliminates stagnant qi, or life force energy, in the body.
Gua sha practitioners used to repeatedly scrape the skin in a single direction to induce minor petechiae.
Round, crimson spots on the skin called petechiae are the result of subcutaneous hemorrhage.
And they normally disappear in a few days or hours. The purpose of the scrape is to help treat illnesses, eliminate poisons, and reduce pain.
Gua sha for face
Differences between face and body gua sha?
The distinction between gua sha on the body and facial gua sha lies in the absence of scarring.
Usually, the face is massaged using a polished jade or quartz tool to promote circulation and the synthesis of collagen and elastin, two molecules that fight aging.
Elastin and collagen, respectively, aid in face firmness and toning.
The result is cleaner skin because of the inherent detoxifying effects of enhanced circulation.
How does gua sha work? ~ Gua sha routine
It’s an easy procedure that just about anyone can perform.
Below are the four comprehensive steps that define the steps:
Step 1: Cleanse and Tone
It’s best to perform gua sha on clean skin. If you use toner, apply it after cleansing.
Also, make sure your hands and the tool itself are clean.
A drop of cleanser and water are all you need.
Step 2: Use an oil for your face
Apply a thick layer of face oil to your chest, neck, and face.
Although oil will make the tool slide more smoothly, it’s acceptable if you’d rather use a cream or water-based lotion.
Just be aware that, throughout the process, you could need to reapply more.
Step 3: You can now start practicing gua sha.
Rake or scrape the instrument very gently against your skin while holding it at a 30 to 45-degree angle.
All movements should ideally be upward and in the direction of lymphatic flow.
Before going on to the next section of your skin, repeat each action three to five times.
You should incorporate the following motions into your gua sha routine:
Brow: From the inside out, glide upward along the brow bone.
Cheek: Beginning at the nose, move upward and outward toward your ears, skimming along the cheekbones and cheeks.
Scrape once, then take a few steps down and do it again; then, take a few more steps down to the center of the chin and do it once more.
Forehead: Using your instrument, divide your forehead into three portions, starting in the middle and moving outward.
Scrape once, then go a few steps down and scrape once more.
Jawline and chin: To shape the jaw, glide your tool upward from the chin’s center to the earlobe.
Under eye: Work your way outward to the temple, starting at the inner corner of the eye.
Lips: To give your lips a plumper appearance, glide over them back and forth roughly five times.
Neck: Divide your neck into four sections, then start at the bottom and scrape your way upward.
Step 4: Remove Excess and Complete Regimen
If desired, use your hands to massage the remaining product into your skin.
Alternatively, use a moist towel to remove any excess cream or oil. After that, finish your usual skincare regimen.
Our experts advise doing gua sha three to four times a week for three to five minutes each time for optimal benefits.
The best gua sha tools
The best gua sha tools from online tests are:
- Best overall gua sha tool: Wildling Empress Stone
- Best body gua sha tool: Ecotools A&G Stone Gua Sha Facial Massage Tool
- Best gua sha tool on Amazon: Rena Chris Gua Sha Facial Tool
- Best gua sha tool for sculpting: Jshealth Gua Sha Beauty Tool
- Best rose quartz gua sha tool: Skin Gym Rose Quartz Crystal Sculpty Heart Gua Sha Tool
- Most affordable gua sha tool: Rosenice Gua Sha Facial Tool
- Best splurge: Mz Skin Sculpting Rose Quartz Gua Sha
- Best gua sha tool for firming skin: Mount Lai Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool
- Best gua sha tool for reducing puffiness: Herbivore Rose Quartz Gua Sha
- Best stainless steel gua sha tool: Facegym Multi-Sculpt High-Performance Gua Sha
Gua sha stone price in Nigeria ~ Gua sha stone price
It does not have a fixed price. Beauty salons and stores sell it for different prices. It also varies depending on your location but ranges from N2,000- N6,000 in Lagos, Nigeria.
Gua sha stone review
Reviewer gushes, “This is the best tool I’ve ever found!” It’s well-made, and the color is stunning.
One reviewer states, “If you’re new to gua sha, it can hurt a little, but it helps with lymphatic drainage.”
Best gua sha stone
The conventional option for gua sha is green jade, also known as feng jade. Jade gua sha is regarded as the ultimate gemstone in traditional Chinese beauty therapies and has a long history of use in Chinese medicine.
Gua sha stone benefits
Research has demonstrated the ability of gua sha to alleviate facial tension, minimize swelling and redness, and even lower sinus pressure.
Even though jade scraping is less intrusive these days, the effects can still be rather amazing.
Circulation-stimulating effect: A pilot study discovered that gua sha can increase circulation in specific regions.
Although there isn’t exactly enough research to support it, anecdotal data suggests that it may also help reduce fluid retention, which could lessen the appearance of cellulite.
Collagen production: According to anecdotal evidence, gua sha helps brighten the skin by assisting the body’s collagen production, which reduces puffiness and softens wrinkles and fine lines.
It reduces inflammation. According to that research, gua sha may affect inflammation, which frequently results in discomfort.
Diminishes dark circles: Gua sha can temporarily tighten skin and, at the very least, help reduce dark circles by softening fine wrinkles and boosting collagen.
Gua sha, when applied to the jawline and cheekbone region, helps loosen up tense facial muscles, creating the illusion of a more sculpted face for a short while.
It can’t target fat, so it won’t eliminate a double chin, but it might temporarily reduce puffiness.
Health benefits
A few studies have examined its potential advantages for the following conditions:
Hepatitis B: It may help reduce the quantity of hepatitis B virus-induced liver inflammation, according to one study.
However, further research is required to be certain.
Headaches: Gua sha may help reduce migraine discomfort during a 14-day inpatient therapy, according to research.
Experts, however, need further studies and clinical trials to substantiate this.
The syndrome of Tourette: Your nervous system is impacted by this illness, which results in “tics,” or unexpected twitches.
In one study, a man with Tourette’s syndrome received once-weekly gua sha treatments for 35 weeks along with acupuncture, herbs, and lifestyle modifications.
His symptoms improved by seventy percent. However, further proof is required by researchers to validate the connections.
Ache in the neck: In a single clinical experiment, 48 participants with neck discomfort were divided into two equal groups.
The patients who had gua sha treatment reported a significant short-term improvement in their pain after one week.
Regarding gua sha’s long-term impact on neck discomfort, experts are divided.
Symptoms of peri-menopause: As they approach menopause, women may experience irregular periods, hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and mood swings.
In one study, the symptoms improved for women who had gua sha once a week for eight weeks.
Scholars are currently investigating if and how it functions.
Breast enlargement: Your breasts may overflow with milk if you breastfeed. They may enlarge and hurt as a result of this.
In one study, gua sha treatment was given to women experiencing difficulties nursing due to breast fullness both during their hospital stay and for a few weeks following their discharge.
These women experienced a reduction in their pain and finally found it easier to nurse.
How to select the right gua sha tool for you
There are several options available to you when choosing the best gua sha tool. Here are some important things to think about:
The content: Rose quartz, jade, and stainless steel are some of the materials that can be used to make gua sha instruments.
The International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork states that consumers frequently choose jade because of its softer tone as opposed to rose quartz’s cooler tone. If you are allergic to stainless steel, avoid using it.
Select a tool whose size and shape suit the regions you intend to use it on and that you feel comfortable holding in your hands.
For the eye region, smaller gua sha stones can be preferable.
Thickness of edge: The thickness of the tool’s edge can alter the intensity of your gua sha massage. Softer edges are thinner.
The experience gets more intense with a thicker edge.
Cost and quality: A gua sha stone that is more expensive need not be superior to one that is less expensive.
When making a tool purchase, it is advisable to take the brand’s reputation and customer reviews into account.
Side effects of gua sha
Since gua sha works by stimulating the skin, it’s crucial to let your body rest in between treatments.
Overuse can cause bruising, skin irritation, and other problems. This is particularly true if you exert excessive pressure.
It’s important to communicate with your gua sha practitioner if you receive professional care, particularly if you are in pain or uncomfortable.
If the gua sha tool is not thoroughly cleansed in between uses and the surface of your skin is broken; the practice could also result in infections.
Make sure not to apply the method to skin that is inflamed or has open wounds.
Last but not least, gua sha may make bleeding more likely, especially if you have a bleeding disorder or are on blood thinners.
It’s advisable to speak with your provider before doing gua sha because of this and the lack of clear instructions.
Conclusion
All it will take is time to prove to us that this age-old method is a skincare hack that everyone should know.
It should be noted that, although gua sha is an excellent non-invasive therapy, it is not always compatible with other treatments.
You should wait at least four weeks after your most recent injection before starting a gua sha practice, and you should never conduct gua sha in the four weeks that follow any facial injections, for instance, if you have had facial botox or injectables during the previous three to four weeks.
Finally, while gua sha might provide positive effects, the majority of these effects are transient, so if you want to keep the benefits, you need to include them in your weekly routine.
FAQs
Can I use a gua sha stone for a face massage?
Gua sha can be applied to the entire body, but it is now most popular on the face.
The technique results in luminous skin that is more toned and sculpted, even though the movements are quite light—there is no actual scraping and very little pressure is used.
Does gua sha work?
He pointed out that, from the perspective of Western biomedicine, research points to a few distinct processes, such as lowering pain perception and possessing certain anti-inflammatory qualities.
In the journal Discomfort Medicine, researchers found that the method can be beneficial for treating persistent neck discomfort.
What does gua sha stone massage do?
Some people are seeking relief from stress, anxiety, or chronic pain by using gua sha, an ancient healing practice.
Often referred to as “skin scraping” or “scraping therapy,” this technique involves rubbing a smooth-edged tool over the body to relieve pain, stiffness, and tension, as well as headaches.
What does a gua sha stone do?
Many claim that gua sha provides them with a lifted appearance, with de-puffed cheeks and more defined cheekbones.
Under-eye bags can also be lessened with a gentle application.
Users report that it gives them a more defined jawline and cheekbone structure, as well as relief from tense muscles and tight jaws.
How long does it take for gua sha to work?
Although the effects of gua sha haven’t been thoroughly researched, practitioners report that after just one session, patients frequently feel that their skin looks more lifted.
What is the benefit of Gua?
In TCM, gua sha is the application of a smooth, flat stone to the skin to treat various skin and health issues.
Gua sha is a natural alternative therapy that lowers puffiness and treats issues including chronic pain and inflammation.
What are the side effects of gua sha?
When used, the skin is almost always harmed
Dermatitis, burns, and blood in the urine are only a few of the more common negative reactions to gua sha, but more serious side effects, such as bleeding in the brain or severe injuries necessitating skin grafts, are possible, albeit extremely unlikely.
Is it OK to use gua sha every day?
For optimal effects, Chen suggests performing five minutes of facial gua sha twice a day, or at least once.
Making gua sha a regular part of your skincare regimen in the morning and/or evening is a simple method to achieve consistency.
Does gua sha change face shape?
In light of this, we spoke with experts directly to learn all there is to know about gua sha.
Warning: it won’t alter the natural contour of your face.
Does gua sha improve your face shape?
Gua sha can aid with stagnation, which can seem like an accumulation of extra fluid in the face, giving the appearance of less puffiness or more defined facial features.
On the other hand, gua sha cannot alter the structure of bones.
Is it better to use a gua sha at night or morning?
Making gua sha a regular part of your skincare regimen in the morning and/or evening is a simple method to achieve consistency.
In the morning, gua sha can help “reduce puffiness in the cheeks and under-eyes,” while at night, it “promotes relaxation and better sleep,” according to Chen.
Can you use gua sha without oil?
On dry skin, it is advisable to avoid using gua sha.
A serum without an oil base could be used, but it will evaporate more quickly and could get sticky.
Use oil for the smoothest glide possible.
Does gua sha make you look younger?
Decreased wrinkles and fine lines: Gua Sha is thought to help reduce wrinkles and fine lines by inducing the creation of collagen.
One important protein that keeps skin youthful and plump is collagen.
Does gua sha make skin glow?
Gua Sha promotes lymphatic flow and circulation, giving skin a naturally radiant, dewy look.
The Gua Sha tool’s gentle scraping motion helps serum and moisturizer products penetrate the skin more deeply, allowing the skin’s layers to absorb the hydrating properties of the fruit.
Does gua sha make skin clear?
The Gua Sha stone increases circulation, which enhances the skin’s brightness and attractiveness.
Every massage leaves the skin feeling tighter, the complexion looking more radiant, fine wrinkles eased, and puffiness around the eyes lessened.
How to use gua sha for belly fat?
When applying body Gua Sha to the abdomen, begin at the obliques and move downward toward the belly button.
To promote the flow of digestion when working on the abdomen itself, move in a clockwise circular manner.
Can gua sha cause pimples?
The Potential for Explosions
Although gua sha has several benefits, there’s a chance that in some situations it could lead to breakouts.
For example, applying gua sha to regions of your face where you currently have outbreaks could spread bacteria and exacerbate your acne.
Does gua sha work permanently?
Although the advantages of gua sha are not entirely established or proven, people’s firsthand accounts of facial therapy frequently speak for themselves!
The effects are frequently not severe or long-lasting, but they are frequently apparent to the person.
It even purported to alleviate TMJ symptoms for some individuals!
What is the difference between jade and gua sha?
While jade rollers can be used to strengthen the face muscles and reduce puffiness, gua sha stones can be used to scrape away unwanted fat and relieve deep muscular tension.
Can I use a plastic guasha?
Which are the Best Gua Sha Stones? Finding one composed of genuine jade or rose quartz is advised by the majority of specialists.
The synthetic plastic used to make less expensive gua sha stones irritates certain people.
How long should gua sha last?
Three to five minutes, roughly.
Our experts advise doing gua sha three to four times a week for three to five minutes each time for optimal benefits.
Can you change your nose shape with gua sha?
In light of this, we spoke with experts directly to learn all there is to know about gua sha. Warning: it won’t alter the natural contour of your face.
Should I wash my face before or after gua sha?
Gua sha before and after
Begin with a thorough cleansing
According to Aguilar, you should tone and cleanse your face before applying your gua sha stone.
We advise using a gentle face cleanser, such as Ultra Facial Cleanser.
Does gua sha remove chin fat?
People who have used gua sha for face slimming have shown amazing results, such as a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, a reduction in the size of double chins, and even more sculpted faces with regular use.
As a result, gua sha is becoming more widely known.
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