Does it really need to be done daily?
What is it?
Gua Sha (pronounced gwah-shah), which originated in China is widely accepted in East Asia as a therapeutic healing technique. This technique involves applying a medium to the skin like jojoba oil and press-stroke friction to the skin that intentionally creates temporary petechiae.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is used to balance the flow of Qi (pronounced chee). Qi is the balance and flow of our body’s energy¹ and it is the leading concept in TCM. Traditionally, Gua sha aims to promote the flow of Qi and it is used to treat muscle tension by breaking up fascia, decrease inflammation–a leading cause of disease, and aid in immunity. However, facial Gua sha is a gentle treatment as its purpose is not to stimulate petechiae but improve circulation and lymphatic drainage.
4 Benefits of Facial Gua sha
Circulation
Improved circulation leads to an increase of nutrients to the skin. Blood plays a key role in circulation as it transports absorbed nutrients like electrolytes, vitamins, and oxygen to the affected cells in an area and removes waste products like carbon dioxide, ammonia, and urea. One study found that Gua sha increases microcirculation by fourfold². Can you see how a diet rich in whole foods and adequate hydration is key for that lit from within glow?
Lymphatic Flow
Movement promotes lymphatic flow, therefore, Gua sha can aid in this flow when administered correctly. By moving the lymph, Gua sha can decrease puffiness in the face and around the eyes.
Decrease Muscle Tension
Gua sha can assist with alleviating muscle tension by breaking up the fascia and relaxing the underlying muscle. Think TMJ or those pesky “11 lines” created by the accumulative action of the glabella, procerus, corrugators, and depressor supercilii muscles while you intently focus on your computer screen, tablet or smartphone for 9+ hours a day.
Facial Rejuvenation (Everyone’s Favorite)
Ok, the one you’ve all been waiting for and I’m going to give it to you straight: consistency is vital when it comes to maintaining the lifted and youthful glow of facial gua sha. That instant jawline definition, sculpted cheekbones, and lifted brows that you see after treatment will require effort. If you decide to see a professional–which I highly recommend at least when you are just starting out or considering purchasing the tools, your provider may require a series of consecutive treatments before weekly-biweekly maintenance begins. You will have to work on this daily, but it’s the results that keep me motivated–plus it usually only requires ~5-15 minutes/day. Don’t have the time? Try it before a date and on special occasions you may find yourself making time for it after you see the results. For added support this treatment pairs beautifully with cosmetic acupuncture and facial cupping.
Lastly, keep your expectations in check. Do not expect the freeze of neuromodulators like Botox and Xeomin, deep wrinkles to suddenly disappear, or fox eyes. At the end of the day, it is a safe, non-invasive rejuvenation therapy that is a staple in many self-care rituals because it delivers an instant refreshed appearance.
Contraindications for Facial Gua sha
- Cancer or unexplained masses.
- Rashes.
- Broken skin including ulcerations and areas of infection.
- Sunburns.
- Menstruation, as it may have an effect on flow.
- Bleeding Disorders and those on blood thinners.
This is not a complete list, but I wanted to include a few common contraindications. As always speak with your provider regarding your personal healthcare concerns.
Let me know in the comments below if you’ve ever tried Gua sha or if you are interested in adding it to your daily routine.
Resources
- Mari F. Does Gua Sha Facial Massage Really Work? Here’s What 2 Experts Say. HuffPost. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/gua-sha-facial-does-it-work_l_5dd57c64e4b0e29d727dd4e5. Published November 2019. Accessed February 2021.
- Nielsen A;Knoblauch NT;Dobos GJ;Michalsen A;Kaptchuk TJ; The effect of Gua Sha treatment on the microcirculation of surface tissue: a pilot study in healthy subjects. Explore (New York, N.Y.). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17905355/. Published September 2007. Accessed February 2021.
