Tips From You Holistic Esthetician: What is a Gua Sha and How You Use It
BY HALEY HILL
HOLISTIC ESTHETICIAN AT SAFFRON & SAGE
What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is an ancient health and beauty technique used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to support the health of skin by promoting blood circulation while also sculpting and defining the natural structures of our face.
From a TCM perspective, the gua sha creates friction on the skin to clear ‘internal’ heat and stagnation.
Heat and stagnation can lead to a variety of health issues and inflammatory conditions, muscular and joint pain, rashes, and immune conditions. The practice of Gua Sha supports the idea that friction creates circulation and good circulation leads to good health.
This ancient ritual has been practiced for many years but has recently resurfaced as many holistic estheticians are encouraging their clients to incorporate this into their daily routine as well as during treatments.
What is a Gua Sha Stone?
The stones used during this ritual are made from semi precious stones such as jade or quartz.
Jade, the most commonly used stone, it is cool to the touch and beneficial as the gua sha generates heat of the facial muscles. Rose quartz is also great for smoothing fine lines & removing toxins and/or negative energy being held in the body.
What are the benefits of a Gua Sha treatment?
Reduces puffiness in the facial muscles leaving a more refined and sculpted appearance
Supports lymphatic drainage
Increases blood circulation - great for helping promote the process of cellular turnover for skin types that struggle with acne scars, pigmentation, and dark circles under the eyes.
How To Gua Sha at Home
Gua Sha is very simple and easy to do at home. First you need the actual gua sha tool, then a product to easily glide the stone across the skin.
At Saffron & Sage, we have formulated a sustainable, non-toxic, natural finishing oil called Glow. I personally use the 3, 3, 3 method during my treatments. Three glides in each zone, three times , always in an upward motion.
Zone one- the lowest part of the jaw to the ear
Zone two- from the nose to the temple
Zone three- the forehead and brow bone
You will work in motions moving from the innermost part of the zone you're working in to the outer.
The best part about adding gua sha to your routine is that it is QUICK, EASY and FEELS AMAZING.
Also, with consistency, you will begin to see and feel the difference it makes in the appearance and overall health of your skin.
Start your ritual today with a Gua Sha & Glow kit!