What is Gua Sha?

My journey to try new forms of massage has led me to try a body massage called Gua Sha. I was very impressed with the overall experience although it got a little tense at times. No pain no gain. Afterwards though I felt great.

I have experienced both the Gua Sha Body Massage and Gua Sha Facial Massage. The beauty of the facial is you can learn to do it yourself.

In this blog you will find:

1. Gua Sha Body Massage Description

2. Gua Sha Body Massage Benefits

3. Gua Sha Facial Massage Description

4. Gua Sha Facial Massage Benefits

5. How to do a Gua Sha Facial

6. Possible Gua Sha side effects

7. Wendy's Words

What is a Gua Sha Body Massage:

Gua sha is a natural, alternative therapy that involves scraping your skin with a massage tool, known as a gua massage tool, to improve your circulation. This ancient Chinese healing technique may offer a unique approach to better health, addressing issues like chronic pain.

The massage tool is typically a smooth-edged object that is gently scraped over the skin in a downward motion. This scraping action helps to release tension and can stimulate the circulation of the lymphatic system and promote healing.

Gua Sha addresses stagnant energy, called chi that may be responsible for inflammation. Inflammation is the underlying cause of several conditions associated with chronic pain. Rubbing the skin’s surface is thought to help break up energy, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

When conventional therapies don’t improve your symptoms, research suggests that Gua Sha may be able to provide relief.

8 Benefits of Gua Sha Body Massage:

1. Promotes circulation: Gua Sha massage stimulates the skin by scraping with a gua massage tool. The scraping stimulates microcirculation of the soft tissue, increasing blood flow and brings fresh oxygenated blood to the area helping to relief muscle tension and pain.

2. Improves lymphatic drainage: Gua Sha massage helps to improve overall health by helping to increase lymphatic drainage. Increased lympathatic drainage reduces swelling and inflammation.

3. Helps with ailments: Gua Sha may also prove effective for remedying chronic neck pain and migraines.

4. Supports natural healing: Gua Sha massage encourages the body to heal itself, which can help reduce pain and inflammation.

5. Relieves stress: Gua Sha massage may help reduce stress and tension, which can lead to improved mental clarity and focus. Gua Sha massage is known to be calming.

6. Reduces inflammation: Gua Sha may reduce inflammation, so it’s often used to treat ailments that cause chronic pain, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia, as well as those that trigger muscle and joint pain.

7. Enhances relaxation: Gua Sha massage can help you relax and feel more at ease. Resulting in improved sleep and overall wellbeing.

8. Other Possible Benefits: It is suggested that other possible benefits are Insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, irregular periods, hot flashes and signs of perimenopause.

This technique should only be performed by a licensed acupuncturist or practitioner that has a certification in Gua Sha. Certification confirms the technician has basic knowledge of this healing practice and ensures a safe, proper treatment.

What is a Gua Sha facial?

Gua Sha facial massage is done to rejuvenate and revitalize the skin. This ancient Chinese healing technique may offer a unique approach to better health, addressing issues like chronic pain.

This massage is done with a special Gua Sha tool made of jade, rose quartz, or other stones. The massage involves gliding the tool over the face in smooth, motions to stimulate the circulation of blood and energy. This motion helps to improve the elasticity and firmness of the skin and can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Gua Sha facial massage has a very positive effect on your face and is a great way to relax and pamper yourself. It's easy to learn the Gua Sha facial technique so you can make it a regular part of your facial routine. I have purchased a jade and a rose quartz Gua Sha facial massage tool on Amazon. Both stones seem to work the same.

5 Benefits of Gua-Sha Facial:

1. Stimulates Blood Circulation: Gua Sha can help to improve skin healthy by increasing blood flow to the face. Increased blood flow helps to improve skin health by providing nourishing nutrients and oxygen to the cells.

2. Improves Skin Health: Gua Sha can help to reduce inflammation and improve overall skin health.

3. Clears Congestion: Gua Sha can help to reduce puffiness and congested skin It can also help to remove toxins and promote lymphatic drainage.

4. Firm and Tone the Skin: Gua Sha can help to tone and firm the skin. This can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging.

5. Relaxes the Face: Gua Sha can help to relax the facial muscles creating a softer more calmer appearance.

How to do a Gua Sha Facial Massage:

• Wash your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser, pat dry.

• Apply a small amount of your favorite facial oil or serum to your face.

• Place your gua massage tool at the center of your forehead just above where you nose starts. Make a gentle scraping motion up and out toward your temples.

• Repeat each section 3 times

• Move down to the area around your eyes and repeat the same scraping motion. Again doing each section 3 times.

• Place your tool in the center of your chin and move along your jawline and up towards your ears. Do this on both sides, repeat 3 times.

• Move upward along the cheeks, moving the gua massage tool upward towards the ear.

• Repeat 3 times.

• Finish by gently scraping your neck and décolleté starting at your collar bone and working upward.

• Rinse your face with warm water and pat dry.

• Apply a moisturizer to your face.

Possible Gua Sha Side Effects:

As a natural healing remedy, Gua Sha is safe. It’s not supposed to be painful. It does involve rubbing or scraping skin with a massage tool so it may temporarily change the appearance of your skin. You may experience some minor tiny blood vessels bursting and/or temporary minor bruising or bleeding. Avoid this technique if you’ve had any surgery in the last six weeks. or if you are taking blood thinners or have clotting issues.

Wendy's words....I hope you enjoyed reading this blog and learning about Gua Sha. I find it very interesting learning about new techniques and experiencing how they feel and work.

Please leave me a comment on your thoughts of these two Gua Sha massages. I would appreciate it if you would help me grow my website followers by telling your friends and family about www.hummingbirdandowl.com

In Gratitude......Wendy