Beauty rollers and Ghu Sha Stones date back to the seventh-century In East Asia. In China it has been used for many centuries on the body for massage and relief from muscle pain. It is greatly known to move or unblock energy known as Qi [CH-EE], or Chi around the body and face.
Gua Sha is characterized by long and short strokes in a massage like motion. Some use it on the body with the strong intent to cause bruising in order to break down scar tissue by “scraping” the skin. It is not necessary to cause bruising during Gua Sha massage, but lymphatic drainage is a great benefit from this tool.
As we glide the stone across the skin, lymphatic fluids are drained, helping with circulation and the breaking down of scar tissue. It also releases muscle tension and brings a new glow to the skin and surrounding areas. On the face you will be able to see the skin instantly refreshed and lifted, leaving you with a glowing complexion as it helps to stimulate collagen production.
Using correct but simple lymphatic drainage techniques, this modality can help alleviate puffiness, therefore the Gua Sha stones are great when used cold, especially under the eyes in the morning or after a late night.
I personally find night-time a great time to use these tools as I have more time to spend on my regime, and I find it encourages me to masque more frequently. The Gua Sha stone or Beauty Rollers should be used when the skin is moist to create that slip to ensure we’re not pulling at the skin. I like to Gua Sha while my masque is on to allow a good amount of slip and to allow my masque(s) to penetrate deeper into the skin.
The Lymphatic Drainage Technique:
Always make sure you are scraping from the middle of the face in an upward and outwards motion, down by the ears, and down the neck. Enjoy each stroke and all the benefits of these amazing tools and techniques!
For further questions about TCM or Gua Sha massage, feel free to contact the Spa or book your personal Acupuncture + Ghu Sha Facial today with our Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM), Dr. Amy Nykoluk.