Cart

Your cart is empty

Continue shopping now

How Gua Sha Can Change Your Face

 

By: Melissa Cugliari

 

Gua Sha is a type of massage used in Chinese Medicine to detoxify the system. Traditionally, Gua Sha massage is done over the body— most commonly to the back, shoulders and limbs. The massage is done using a tool made from wood or natural stone that has been lubricated with oil. “Gua” means scrape and “Sha” refers to redness of the skin, the desired reaction from this type of massage. Most individuals experience bruising, the severity of which is said to indicate how ‘toxic’ or ‘stagnant’ your system was at the time of massage. Ancient Chinese beauty rituals apply this type of massage over the face in a much gentler fashion with the goal of promoting healthy complexion and radiance.

 

Facial Gua Sha is a technique typically paired with cosmetic acupuncture and involves the above mentioned massage tools, more typically a natural stone like jade, which is said to have healing properties. The oils selected are meant to promote healthy cellular turnover, hydration, and tone the skin; organic jojoba oil is a personal favourite because it is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types. Stroke type, direction and pressure are selected specifically based on the underlying anatomy of the face and are meant to promote circulation of blood and lymph, and tone the skin by working the underlying musculature. Facial Gua Sha softens fine lines, decreases puffiness, heals and prevents breakouts, and ultimately gives the skin a more refreshed appearance. Bruising and redness are very rare when this massage is done appropriately.

 

The two main systems Gua Sha massage targets are the circulatory system and musculoskeletal system. When gliding the Gua Sha tool across the face and down the neck with specific strokes and with light pressure (using sufficient oil to ensure there is no pulling of the skin, but also not enough for the tool to slide), the circulatory system is targeted; blood circulation is stimulated as well as the circulation of lymphatic fluid. When we stimulate our vasculature, fresh blood rushes to the tissues; fresh blood is rich in oxygen and nutrients, and nourishes the skin and improves its luster. The lymphatic system, a subset of the circulatory system, consists of vessels that carry clear fluid containing white blood cells - an integral part of our immune system and healing response. While our blood has the heart constantly pumping it through our bodies, the lymphatic system does not have a pump; because of this, manual ‘pumping’ is tremendously important to maintain optimal lymph circulation. When we do not stimulate its circulation, we begin to see swelling and puffiness over the body and face; if left for long enough, we will see the effects of this congestion in the form of impaired healing times, breakouts, and discolouration to the skin. Some individuals are more predisposed to this than others but by stimulating the circulation of lymph, we will all see benefit in terms of less puffiness, improved healing times, fewer breakouts and less congestion. 

 

Gua sha is also excellent at working the musculoskeletal system by targeting the muscles and tendons that live just under the skin. When we don’t work this system in the face regularly, tension may build which can pull the skin in various ways, giving the appearance of sagging, tired, or aged skin. By applying moderate to deep pressure using various stroke techniques in strategic areas we can relax and tonify muscles, giving the skin a more relaxed, lifted and refreshed appearance. 

 

When used regularly, Gua Sha is a great way to naturally promote healthy complexion now and through the lifespan. It is also incredibly relaxing and a great way to incorporate some meditative self-care into your daily beauty routine. 

 

Previous
Next

The Wellness Club

Nutritional Support for Hashimoto’s Disease and Hypothyroidism

Nutritional Support for Hashimoto’s Disease and Hypothyroidism

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

  By: Megan Tomlin @gooodmoodfoood Did you know that up to 60% of cases of Hashimoto’s disease go undiagnosed? Or that women are 5 to 8 times more likely to have a thyroid condition? Knowing these facts, it is shocking that so many of us are still unclear about...

Read more
Are Collagen Supplements Worth Taking? A Dermatologist Weighs In.

Are Collagen Supplements Worth Taking? A Dermatologist Weighs In.

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @dermahealthnutrition The pursuit of youthful, glowing skin is a timeless quest. It fuels a booming industry of skincare products, treatments, and supplements, including collagen, all claiming to improve the signs of ageing. Here's what you need to know to navigate the abundance of collagen powders, capsules, and liquids.  Skin ageing is a multifaceted...

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness - Collagen-Rich Foods vs. Supplements

Collagen-Rich Foods vs. Supplements

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @coreflexpilates founder Chris Bardawil What is the best way to boost your body's collagen production? Supplements or diet, here is a run down of the basics to help you navigate your way around understanding collagen and how you can boost your body's supplies. Collagen...

Read more
The Power of Spending Time in Silence

The Power of Spending Time in Silence

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

@emily_campbell In today’s age, even if you don’t live in a hustling and bustling city, you may still experience constant noise. We have become so accustomed to noise everywhere we go, including our homes. Without knowing it, you may prefer “background noise” to block out any unwanted thoughts or feelings that pop up....

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness - How to Navigate Job Insecurity

How to Navigate Job Insecurity

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @ericabassotherapy Experiencing a layoff at your workplace or losing your job can be extremely stressful. It's normal to feel a range of emotions during such times. Job loss or insecurity can threaten components of psychological well-being, such as one’s financial health and identity, and leave individuals feeling vulnerable and...

Read more
Irregular Periods: What Do They Mean?

Irregular Periods: What Do They Mean?

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: drmelissa.co A woman’s period is a vital sign. Just like your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and breath rate, a woman’s cycle is indicative of her health overall. An imbalanced period indicates suboptimal health.  The menstrual cycle is incredibly complex and requires a constellation of factors to align for it to occur at regular intervals. Factors that can delay a period or cause...

Read more
The Health Benefits of Ghee

The Health Benefits of Ghee

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @islandem_ Ghee, or clarified butter, is the product of slowly heating cow’s butter to 100°C until the fat, milk protein (casein), and sugar (lactose) separate. The protein and milk are...

Read more
The Power of Napping

The Power of Napping

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @inceipek1 In today's fast-paced world, where work schedules are demanding and screens keep us connected around the clock, finding time to rest and rejuvenate has become increasingly challenging. However, one simple yet highly effective practice that offers us a potential solution is napping. Often underestimated, napping holds a plethora of benefits for both physical and mental health. The Science Behind Napping

Read more
Should You Workout on an Empty Stomach?

Should You Workout on an Empty Stomach?

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @coreflexpilates founder Chris Bardawil  This is a topic that has so many variables but this article will give you some real world experience and ideas on how you can come to your own conclusion when it comes to working out on an empty stomach. The first thing to consider...

Read more
5 Mental Health Benefits of Exercise

5 Mental Health Benefits of Exercise

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @coreflexpilates founder Chris Bardawil  Most of us know about the physical benefits of exercise: improved posture, weight management, increased energy, looking stronger...but what about the psychological benefits of exercise? Here are five key benefits your mental health will get from regular exercise.  Better Sleep: Exercise can help regulate our circadian rhythm which is our body's internal clock that influences when we feel tired and when we feel...

Read more
Nourishing The Mind: How Nutrition Impacts Mental Health

Nourishing The Mind: How Nutrition Impacts Mental Health

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @inceipek1 The saying "you are what you eat" holds more truth than we might realize, especially when it comes to our mental health. The connection between nutrition and mental well-being is a complex and intricate web, with scientific research increasingly highlighting the profound impact that our dietary choices can have on our mood, cognition, and overall mental...

Read more
Sporty & Rich Wellness

Understanding the Complexities of Histamine Intolerance

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @dermahealthnutrition Histamine plays several important roles in the body, including regulating gastric acid production, controlling blood vessel dilation, modulating immunity and response to allergens. Histamine is found in varying amounts in almost all foods. Histamine intolerance results from an imbalance between histamine intake and histamine metabolism in...

Read more