Gua Sha is an Ancient Chinese healing technique that is a natural form of therapy for chronic pain and inflammation. It is a technique that involves scraping the skin with a tool to stimulate blood flow, drain lymph and relax muscles.
Another form of Traditional Chinese Medicine is Acupressure. Ping Zhang, a doctor specializing in Oriental Medicine, explains that it “uses the same principles of acupuncture, except pressure from the fingers or hands replaces the needles... Like acupuncture, acupressure heals by manipulating the flow of Qi in beneficial ways. It does this by pressing (and therefore activating) certain energy points along the meridians.”
This technique works hand in hand with Gua Sha, as you gain more by scraping over Acupressure points along the energy “channels” on your body. This in turn helps to balance your internal energy and health:
The Gua Sha Path
The path of the scraping technique is key. We must always start with opening up the neck so that any blockages in the face can be released. The many diverging energy channels in the neck mean that, rather like the accumulation of leaves on the train track, it is an area that is prone to obstruction. It also means that treatment here to remove the blockage can have a strong effect both physically and emotionally by promoting greater circulation.
The suggested Gua Sha Path begins at the shoulders and neck, goes through the jaw up to the forehead, and ends on the back of the head.
Direction of strokes: Downward strokes are used for drainage at the neck, and Upward strokes are used for lifting of the face.
The Gua Sha Tools
Hand-carved from high grade pure crystal, these tools are designed to glide around the curves of your face and neck. Each Gua Sha tool has varying benefits and purposes:
WHITE JADE
Benefits: Absorbs heat, calms, helps skin recover, frees the mind, heals negativity and attracts positive energy.
Uses: This is a cold stone, that's good for the Face.
SMOKEY QUARTZ
Benefits: Decongests, relieves pain, detoxifying, helps let go of troubles, lightens aura and unblocks energy.
Uses: This is a neutral stone, that’s good for Face and Body.
BIAN STONE
Benefits: Improves circulation, relieves pain, absorbs heat, relieves anxiety, centers energy, and grounds.
Uses: This is a warm stone, that’s good for the neck and body.
How To: Gua Sha Technique
Before beginning, make sure to moisturize the skin thoroughly to ease the movement of the crystal. Hold the crystal flat against your skin and move it at a slight angle in upward strokes with light pressure. The more of the crystal surface touches the skin, the better the result. Why? Because the surface offers a micro exfoliation that helps smooth the skin.
Neck Tension
Recommended tool: Bian Stone
Follow a zig zag across the hairline on the back of your head (see GB20 in illustration) to stimulate several points. Use downward strokes from hair line and work your way around all of the neck and shoulders (avoid throat area).
Face Puffiness
Recommended tool: White Jade/ Smoky Quartz
After opening the neck, cool the crystal in cold water. Dry the crystal and use a light touch with no pressure to help with lymphatic drainage. Because lymph is located close to the surface of the skin, it doesn't need any pressure to move.
Facial Lines
Recommended tool: Each one can be used
After opening the neck, use a greater pressure to soften tissue above the muscles of the face (where the lines are). Using the edge of the tool you can rub away facial lines by releasing tension under the surface.
To sum up, performing Gua Sha on your face with a crystal tool will not only exfoliate and tone your skin but will also stimulate your whole body through the acupressure points on your face.
This facial ritual is for once a week (or more if you have the time), if you create the routine and habits, you too can have radiant and toned skin.