Taking care of your skin shouldn’t stop at the products you use and the food you eat. There are a variety of ways to keep your skin looking smooth and healthy, one of the most effective being the practice of Gua Sha. Its history is centuries old, but its benefits are easily seen to this very day. The practice involves using a natural stone to lightly scrape your skin and promote rejuvenation and hydration when paired with your skin care routine. It can also act as a meditative practice for when you’re feeling stressed and need help to unwind.
Whether you suffer from a bloated appearance or tension in the face and neck, Gua Sha might just be what you need to elevate your self-care routine. If you’re wondering what exactly goes into Gua Sha and why you should consider practicing it, below are a few common benefits that many skin care enthusiasts experience.

It Can Help Relieve Headaches and Neck Tension

            Do you find that you often suffer from headaches due to neck or jaw tension? Gua Sha is a great practice to incorporate into your daily routine to help relieve some of that tension and keep you loose throughout the day. Stress and bad posture are just a few of the culprits of a stiff upper body, so regularly massaging the muscles and tendons with the tool is a great way to feel better physically and emotionally. Practicing some Gua Sha before bed or as part of your morning routine can make a world of difference to your overall mood and physical wellbeing.

It Promotes Lymphatic Draining and Detoxification

            Lymphatic fluid is vital to immune function and helps rid the body of toxins and waste. The clear liquid is transported throughout the body, helping to fight infection with its concentration of white blood cells. Lymphatic fluid is filtered through the lymph nodes, which are found in the head and neck region, as well as the armpits and groin. Ever feel swelling there when sick? That’s your lymphatic system fighting to get you better!
 
            Gua Sha is believed to be an effective way to help stimulate lymphatic drainage by manually moving the fluid. Muscle tension and poor posture have been suggested as reasons for improper lymphatic drainage and Gua Sha is a simple practice to help combat that. Efficient lymphatic drainage is also linked to clear, healthy skin, which is why the tool is often used to stimulate the neck and face.

It Boosts Circulation

            Along with lymphatic drainage, Gua Sha also boosts circulation. This increase in blood flow along the soft tissue is linked to the appearance of healthy and glowing skin. Ever admire that glow after a good run? That’s your body’s response to increased circulation and blood flow. Gua Sha does the same thing, just on a smaller scale, specifically targeting your face and neck. The practice has also been noted to help with acne and skin irritation if done correctly, but be sure to consult a professional for specific treatments.

 How To Do Gua Sha:

• Prep the face with a moisturizing product. You want to add some slip and hydration to the skin so there isn’t any resistance that can cause damage or irritation. 

• Use the different sides of the tool for different purposes. The flat side covers more surface area whereas the angled notch provides more precision for the jawline and neck.

• Use light or medium pressure and go slowly. You want to relax the nervous system and loosen the muscles by avoiding any aggressive motions.

• Work your way up and out for that lift, focusing on the jawline and cheekbones for some gentle sculpting.

If you’re interested in giving Gua Sha a try at home, check out our hand-made rose quartz Gua Sha stone!