Gua Sha stone massage – how to do it and what are the effects?

The use of Gua Sha stones has its roots in Chinese culture, where they have been used for facial and body massages since the 14th century. These stones are made of various materials such as jadeite, rose quartz, amethyst, or hematite. Depending on the chosen version, the stone may have different shapes, sizes, and colors.

The name “Gua Sha” literally means “scraping” and “redness,” suggesting that the massage should be performed until achieving healthy, pink skin color. Initially, Gua Sha plates were mainly used for therapeutic purposes as a way to relieve pain. In Chinese tradition, pain is believed to result from stagnation in energy flow, and Gua Sha massage aims to stimulate this energy. However, over time, the beneficial effect of massage on skin appearance was also noticed.

What are the effects of a Gua Sha stone massage?

Gua Sha stone massage is a popular method that aims to:

  • stimulate blood and lymph circulation,
  • improve skin elasticity,
  • reduce the visibility of wrinkles and dark circles,
  • improve skin tone,
  • reduce muscle tension.

As a result, the skin becomes more toned and firm, and also gains a healthy and youthful appearance.

How to perform a Gua Sha stone massage?

Before starting the massage, you should wash your face and apply a little cream or serum to it. During the Gua Sha massage, the first stage is to massage the neck area, which starts by moving the plate from the collarbones to the jaw, repeating the movement several times to thoroughly massage the entire area. Then you move on to massaging the face, with movements from the chin to the jaw corners, from the corners of the mouth to the ear, and from the sides of the nose to the tops of the cheekbones. The movements are performed outward, gently upward, to stimulate blood circulation and facilitate lymphatic drainage. The treatment should also include the eye area, where gentle movements along the circular muscle of the eye will help get rid of swelling and dark circles. Gua Sha massage also allows you to focus on specific wrinkles and improve their appearance.

What cosmetics to use for the massage?

For Gua Sha stone massage, it is best to use creams, balms, and serums for the face that have a consistency that facilitates moving the stone on the skin. Good oils for massage are jojoba, almond, avocado, or evening primrose. Aloe vera gel or your favorite cream or serum will also provide good slip.

How often to perform a Gua Sha stone massage?

Gua Sha massage can be performed several times a week, depending on the needs of the skin and preferences. However, it is not recommended to perform the massage every day as it may cause irritation and increase the risk of broken blood vessels. It is best to adjust the frequency of the massage to the individual needs of the skin.

How long does it take to see the effects of a Gua Sha massage?

The effects of Gua Sha stone massage are usually visible after a few treatments. However, the exact time when the effects will be visible depends on the individual characteristics of the skin and the regularity of the massage. Some people notice the effects after just a few sessions, while for others, it may take longer.

The Gua Sha tool can be kept in the fridge, as the pleasant coolness will stimulate the skin and help reduce swelling faster. It’s important to remember that Gua Sha tools are reusable, so it’s necessary to maintain their hygiene. After each use, they should be thoroughly washed under running water and then disinfected. Maintaining cleanliness is especially important, especially for people with blackhead problems. Using Gua Sha tools may worsen the condition of acne-prone skin with active inflammation and can exacerbate the spread of the disease, so in such cases, it’s best to avoid these types of treatments.

However, it’s worth remembering that Gua Sha stone massage isn’t the only way to maintain healthy and beautiful skin. Proper skincare, a balanced diet, regular sleep, and avoiding stress and excessive exposure to UV radiation also affect the condition of the skin. Gua Sha stone massage can be one of the elements of comprehensive care that helps maintain a beautiful and healthy appearance of the skin.

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