Jade Gua Sha
Gua Sha, means to "scrape away illness", involving the use of a tool such as the Jade Gua Sha, with a lubricant to scrape and rub parts of the skin repeatedly in one direction. The aim is to "activate blood circulation to dissipate blood stasis", based on Traditional Chinese Medicine theory.
Gua Sha Benefits
Promote blood circulation: Gua sha may boost blood flow in areas where it's used. In a small study gua sha treatments increased circulation in small blood vessels. Eleven healthy people received gua sha therapy on their backs. And they had better blood flow in the targeted area for 25 minutes after treatment. Interestingly, women responded better than men.
Improve fine lines and wrinkles. Gua sha can temporarily improve the appearance for the newly and very gentle ones, but not for long-standing wrinkles.
Promotes lymphatic drainage. Gua sha can eliminate fluid build-up, which can in turn reduce puffiness, experts said. It helps move lymph fluid in our bodies. The lymphatic system plays an important role in immune function. And lymph fluid helps filter toxins from the body. When the lymphatic system doesn't function properly, it can cause fluid buildup. Massage therapy and manual lymphatic drainage have been used to reduce swelling and fluid buildup for people with musculoskeletal disorders, breast cancer, and other conditions. There’s a need for more research on how gua sha affects the lymphatic system. But one animal study found that gua sha treatments expanded blood vessels. This helped increase blood and lymph circulation.
Relieves tension from muscles. Experts noted that by applying pressure with a gua sha tool regularly, users can untangle knotted areas and release built-up muscular tension. If you need to soothe sore muscles, gua sha might be useful. In the same small study, people who received gua sha treatments reported an immediate reduction in muscle pain. Interestingly, they had less pain both in the targeted area and other parts of the body. The pain relief lasted beyond the gua sha sessions, though researchers didn’t specify how long. In another study, researchers looked at how different treatments affect chronic low back pain in older adults. Those who received gua sha had less back pain and better mobility than those who used a heating pad. The study concluded that gua sha may have a longer-lasting anti-inflammatory effect than heat therapy.
Improve fine lines and wrinkles. Gua sha can temporarily improve the appearance for the newly and very gentle ones, but not for long-standing wrinkles.
Promotes lymphatic drainage. Gua sha can eliminate fluid build-up, which can in turn reduce puffiness, experts said. It helps move lymph fluid in our bodies. The lymphatic system plays an important role in immune function. And lymph fluid helps filter toxins from the body. When the lymphatic system doesn't function properly, it can cause fluid buildup. Massage therapy and manual lymphatic drainage have been used to reduce swelling and fluid buildup for people with musculoskeletal disorders, breast cancer, and other conditions. There’s a need for more research on how gua sha affects the lymphatic system. But one animal study found that gua sha treatments expanded blood vessels. This helped increase blood and lymph circulation.
Relieves tension from muscles. Experts noted that by applying pressure with a gua sha tool regularly, users can untangle knotted areas and release built-up muscular tension. If you need to soothe sore muscles, gua sha might be useful. In the same small study, people who received gua sha treatments reported an immediate reduction in muscle pain. Interestingly, they had less pain both in the targeted area and other parts of the body. The pain relief lasted beyond the gua sha sessions, though researchers didn’t specify how long. In another study, researchers looked at how different treatments affect chronic low back pain in older adults. Those who received gua sha had less back pain and better mobility than those who used a heating pad. The study concluded that gua sha may have a longer-lasting anti-inflammatory effect than heat therapy.
Gua Sha Face Techniques
All you need is a gua sha tool and an oil or serum intended for at-home facials. You'll want to start your gua sha session with a freshly cleansed face. Then, apply a facial oil or serum to help the gua sha tool slide smoothly across your face as you use it.
Begin the gua sha session at your neck. Start at the base of your neck and use the gua sha tool to scrape upward towards your jawline; covering all areas of the neck.
Here's how to use a gua sha on targeted areas:
Begin the gua sha session at your neck. Start at the base of your neck and use the gua sha tool to scrape upward towards your jawline; covering all areas of the neck.
Here's how to use a gua sha on targeted areas:
- Your jawline: Use the gua sha tool to scrape along your jawline, moving from the center of your chin to your earlobes.
- Your cheeks: Use the gua sha tool to scrape from the center of your face outward towards your ears.
- Your eyes: You'll want to use the smaller end of the gua sha tool to scrape underneath your eyes from the inner corner. Next, go outward toward your temples.
- Your forehead: At this point, you'll want to scrape the gua sha tool upward, beginning at your eyebrows and moving towards your hairline.
Gua Sha Points to Consider
- Apply the tool flat against your skin, not on its edge.
- Use gentle pressure, especially where you are prone to acne.
- Be mindful as you slowly scrape the tool against your skin.
- Pull the gua sha tool in an upward motion.
- Repeat the upward movement a few times in each area you are targeting.
- Never rub the delicate skin around your eyes hard or roughly.
- Be sure to clean the tool after each use and store it in a safe space.
- Avoid using the technique on open wounds or other irritated skin.
Disclaimer: Keep in mind that it is best to talk to your provider before trying it if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners as it can increase the risk of bleeding. Stop if you experience pain or discomfort and/or seek out a qualified traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who can provide personalized guidance and treatment.