Gua sha is a natural, alternative therapy that involves scraping your skin with a massage tool to improve your circulation. This ancient Chinese healing technique may offer a unique approach to better health, addressing issues like chronic pain. Gua Sha is a traditional Eastern Asian practice that translates in English to “scraping the pain away”. This practice has been adapted from a full-body vigorously detoxifying treatment to a beautifying relaxing ritual for the face, neck and decolletage. Healing crystal stones are gently stroked across the skin to encourage lymphatic flow, increase circulation, and smooth + lift the skin. But what are The benefits of Gua Sha massage? Let’s read the post below to know.
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Breast engorgement
Breast engorgement is a condition experienced by many breastfeeding women. This is when the breasts overfill with milk. It usually occurs in the first weeks of breastfeeding or if the mother is away from the infant for any reason. Breasts become swollen and painful, making it difficult for babies to latch. This is usually a temporary condition.
In one study trusted Source, women were given gua sha from the second day after giving birth up until leaving the hospital. The hospital followed up with these women in the weeks after giving birth and found that many had fewer reports of engorgement, breast fullness, and discomfort. This made it easier for them to breastfeed.
Release Neck pain
Gua sha technique may also prove effective for remedying chronic neck pain. To determine the effectiveness of this therapy, 48 study participants trusted Source were split into two groups. One group was given gua sha and the other used a thermal heating pad to treat neck pain. After one week, participants who received gua sha reported less pain compared to the group that didn’t receive gua sha.
Skin benefits of a gua sha
Relax facial tension
The friction as you glide the gua sha tool over your skin is thought to “help break up the adhesions between the connective tissue of the muscle and skin, and help relieve muscle tension,” says Dr. Allawh. If you have a tendency to hold tension in your brow or jaw when you’re stressed, the relaxing nature of gua sha may help prevent future wrinkles (along with headaches and jaw pain) from setting up shop in these areas.
Glowing skin
No flow, no glow! Gua Sha increases circulation and improves lymphatic function, resulting in a naturally dewy, glowing complexion. The action of gently scraping the Gua Sha tool across the skin aids in serum/moisturizer product penetration, so those juicy phytonutrients go deeper into the layers of skin to feed us even more hydration. Gua Sha can also be used to prevent and clear acne, decongesting the skin and lessening inflammation.
Reduce puffiness
The lymphatic system is the body’s very own bouncer. It’s a part of your immune system, which helps distribute good nutrients and white blood cells (infection fighters) throughout the body, while also filtering out waste products like bacteria, proteins, and excess water via lymph fluid.
Boost efficacy of skincare products
Gua sha may enhance the absorption of creams, serums, and facial oils by pressing the oil or product deeper into your skin, says Dr. Jaliman. Theoretically, by giving your circulation a boost, it may give the efficacy of your skincare products a boost too.
How to massage your face with a Gua Sha tool
While you can enjoy a professional Gua Sha facial massage at a spa or salon, if you want long-lasting benefits, it’s best to use this technique as often as possible. Hold your Gua Sha tool in your hand and glide it over your face with long, slow strokes, always working outward from the center. Repeat several times, paying particular attention to the eye area, the bridge of the nose, and along the cheeks. Don’t forget the jawline and facial contours.
Apply some oil to your face before you start, such as the Addiction oil. This will allow the tool to glide smoothly and easily over your skin, plus the benefits of the oil will be enhanced by the massage. So, now you know all about the benefits of Gua Sha facial massage, isn’t it time you tried it for yourself?
