Gua sha has been sweeping the socials introducing people to the ancient acupuncture treatment also known as face scraping, spooning or coining, that prevents wrinkling, reduces pressure, tension and puffiness and helps to drain the lymphatic system.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua sha is a treatment rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is practiced primarily by Acupuncturists. TCM believes that we all have qi or life force, running through us and that discomfort or disease can be caused by a blockage. It is important for qi and blood to flow freely. Gua sha is performed using a Gua sha tool traditionally made from bone, but modern day tools are usually made from stones such as Jade and Quartz or stainless steel.
Gua sha is the process of scraping the skin along the face, neck, chest, back and sometimes other areas in a certain manner that is like a massage. We mainly see it self-performed on women’s faces today. I imagine this is because most of us are looking for ways to prevent our bodies from looking aged. The tool draws the skin back and up to encourage drainage and also to assist the skin to fight gravity.
While “scraping” sounds harsh, Gua sha is not. The movements are mostly gentle and can deepen if necessary depending on the area it is being performed. The tools have smooth, rounded edges and glide over the skin with the use of a cream or oil. Sometimes bruising may occur, but it is not because of injury.
How does Gua Sha Work?
When you practice Gua sha at home a few times per week, the benefit to your skin is solid. It helps to retrain your skin into an upward position instead of letting gravity dragging it down. It also creates muscle activation and tone. Primarily, Gua sha increases circulation which promotes detoxification which can benefit both your complexion and your lymphatic drainage. It also creates Collagen and elastin which reduce wrinkles and promotes tone.
Is Gua Sha Safe?
Gua sha is considered safe to perform on yourself at home or to request from an acupuncturist. Some bruising, redness or discoloration is possible. You may also experience tenderness or soreness. You should not practice Gua sha is you are taking blood thinning medication.
If you would like to try Gua sha for yourself, tools can be found at just about any store that has beauty products, including amazon.
Gua Sha Technique is important! Please view the image below or check out the comprehensive video linked at the end of this post.
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