You may or may not be familiar with gua sha, an ancient Chinese massage therapy that involves scraping a tool across the skin to redirect energy flow. You may have noticed this modest beauty tool making waves in the beauty scene and on your Instagram feed, which has probably piqued your interest.
What is Gua Sha?
Intense application pressure that releases all of your body’s knots and tension is produced by combining the words “Gua,” which means “scrape or scratch,” with the word “Sha,” which means “sand.”
Granted, this intensity is not for everyone. It is a multi-functional tool that helps your body repair itself from the inside out by reducing inflammation, boosting blood flow, and stimulating your lymphatic system. Also, it can cure any number of ailments, including urinary tract infections, coughs, and headaches as well as tense muscles.
How to use it?
The procedure is not that complicated. Starting from the middle of your face, you first run the flat, angled stone upward and outward across your face. You are in total control of the amount of pressure you apply and the area of skin you choose to apply because you are holding it with your hand.
Applying a light layer of facial oil beforehand to facilitate the scraping motion is crucial. The technique is to work outward, upward, and in a single direction rather than back and forth. Here are the steps by steps guide:
- Start with your face’s top region. Position the Gua Sha stone in the center of your forehead and use it to gently scrape the surface of your skin, moving towards your temple and hairline. On each side, softly repeat three times.
- Then, with your eyes closed, carefully run the stone over the area around your eyes, under them, and outward to the temple and hairline. In both directions, repeat three times.
- With the stone positioned at a 45-degree angle on your laugh line, gently scrape outward toward the ear, running the stone along your jawline and down to your neck. Repeat 8 to 10 times on each side.
- Lastly, place the Gua Sha in the middle of your chin and gently scrape outward toward the ear, going to the temple in a lifting motion.
Different types of Gua Sha
The most popular stones and forms on the market are rose quartz, jade, amethyst, and black obsidian, but you can choose the one that best suits your needs based on your aesthetic and health objectives.
To help you choose, here’s what age-old Chinese healing wisdom says about these stones.
Rose Quartz
Rose quartz is linked to emotional healing, love, and compassion. It is said that using this stone as a Gua Sha will help raise the skin, promote skin cell regeneration, ease jaw tension, lessen wrinkles, and get rid of toxins and negativity, leaving the skin firm and glowing.
Jade
It is well known that this semi-precious stone can bring stability and equilibrium to areas that are unstable and disturbed. It calms the nervous system and harmonizes the yin and yang forces. It lessens facial puffiness, redness, or paleness and aids in lymphatic drainage.
Black Obsidian
Strong powers are said to be present in this stone, which can be used to cleanse the body and mind of bad energy. In addition, it is a Gua Sha stone that promotes skin renewal and eases fatigue and anxiety.
Amethyst
Since amethysts are thought to help fight bacteria and have a negative charge, they are perfect for people with acne-prone skin. Amethysts also help tighten pores and increase skin elasticity. They also draw positive energy and reduce tension, which makes skin appear more radiant.
While traditional Chinese medicine attributes different healing properties to each of these stones, their Gua Sha treatment is based on the same idea, so you are free to select any one and benefit from their shared Gua Sha benefits.
Benefits of Gua Sha
- Enhances the flow of lymphatic fluids and releases tense muscles including shoulder, neck, and face knots.
- Reduces wrinkles on the face and can be applied almost like a light, natural facelift, giving the cheekbones more definition and less puffiness around the eyes.
- Improves blood flow while firming and lifting the skin.
- Adds more defined features and a smoother complexion to the face.
- Minimizes the appearance of hyperpigmentation on the skin’s treated surface.
- It is widely used to treat illnesses that cause chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia and arthritis, as well as those that cause discomfort in the muscles and joints, because it may reduce skin inflammation.
- Alleviates the adverse effects of a number of illnesses, including Tourette syndrome, hepatitis B, perimenopausal syndrome, migraine headaches, and neck pain.
Is it Safe For Everyone?
In general, having a facial or body Gua Sha is not painful or unsafe; however, if you are taking anticoagulant medication, which prevents blood from clotting, you should avoid having one. Other conditions not advised for Gua Sha include those who bleed easily, have deep vein thrombosis, have open wounds, have pacemakers, or have internal defibrillators.
The smooth, curved edge of the Gua Sha stone should not irritate your skin if used properly, meaning long, gentle strokes with just the right amount of pressure as you scrape it against your skin.
You can always choose other beauty-enhancing treatments. Gua Sha is safe enough for your situation, but because it concentrates on circulating blood around inside your body for optimal health and beauty impacts, it is best to consult with your doctor first.
Love the glow from Gua Sha? Upgrade your skincare routine with Ultherapy at Theme Dermatology Clinic! Gua Sha enhances your skin’s natural beauty, while Ultherapy utilizes ultrasound technology to lift and firm your face without the need for surgery. Discover the perfect blend of nature’s beauty and cutting-edge technology at Theme Dermatology Clinic. Illuminate your skin and radiate confidence like never before!
Ultherapy
Theme Dermatology Clinic offers a service that has Gua Sha results, called Ultherapy. Ulthera is an FDA-approved non-surgical face lift. Ultherapy is a nonsurgical alternative to a facelift. It’s used to counteract signs of aging like skin sagging and wrinkles on the face, neck, and chest as well as drooping of the brow area. The FDA-cleared technology stimulates collagen production, which should create a more youthful look overall.
Ultherapy targets areas beneath the skin with focused ultrasound energy, using the right temperature to support collagen regeneration. The heat energy from the applicator is aimed at different depths, affecting three layers:
- Muscle
- Skin
- Superficial wrinkles
The ultrasound energy stimulates collagen and elastic tissue, which should result in firmer skin, less sagging, and fewer wrinkles.
Why Choose Gangnam Theme Dermatology
Theme Dermatology Clinic can be your partner in this journey. Our skilled team of medical professionals at Theme Dermatology Clinic has years of experience treating acne, and they are eager to assist you in getting the skin you’ve always desired. With three board-certified dermatologists with extensive expertise, Gangnam Theme Dermatology is one of the oldest dermatology practices in Gangnam, Seoul, South Korea. It can be found right between Sinnonhyeon and Gangnam Stations, in the center of the famous Gangnam neighborhood.
With an extensive experience of over 20 years in dermatology, our team of specialists is highly regarded for their expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence. Over more than 20 years, the clinic cared for patients with various skin issues and types. They can assist you with acne, pigmentation, anti-aging (lifting), scars, and other skin issues. Also, among Korean clients, they are one of the most well-known skin clinics. The variety of services they offer and their knowledge of skin issues will satisfy you.
Gangnam Theme Dermatology Booking Information
The clinic can be found at 423 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Hanseung Building, 7th Floor, Seoul, South Korea. To reach out directly, dial +821094839974 on WhatsApp and Kakao. Sending a message to Gangnam Theme Dermatology will allow you to talk about your concerns, make an appointment, or receive an online consultation. Send an email to [email protected]. You can also look through everything and ask questions on the Gangnam Theme Dermatology website by clicking this link: https://themedermatology.com/about-us/
FAQs
Studies suggest that when done correctly, gua sha can release chemicals that enhance blood flow, minimize toxins, reduce pain, and promote healing in the area. Gua sha may be able to help with ailments such as: Tight muscles.
While the Gua Sha therapy is not meant to cause pain, some people may find it uncomfortable as the bruises are intentionally caused. During the process, there is a chance of breaking skin, which could lead to infection and, in the event of bleeding, the spread of blood-borne infections.
The term "gua sha," which is pronounced "gwahshah," derives from the Chinese word for scraping. Gua sha is the practice of applying pressure and scraping the skin with a tool to relieve pain and stress. This action causes minor bruising, which frequently appears as purple or red spots known as petechiae or sha.
Conclusion
Each Gua Sha is meticulously crafted to follow the natural curves of the face, with slightly varied forms for various skin areas. Because most instruments are multipurpose, you can use different glides, strokes, and approaches to attack different concerns based on the desired outcome. To get the most out of your specific instrument, we advise referring to the instructions.
Even though gua sha is an old massage, its popularity has not diminished throughout the years. Our unique rose quartz Gua Sha tools, which combine skincare and self-care, are hand-carved to hug the contours of the face, offering a deeply calming and meditative massage that is inspired by years of skincare wisdom and research.