From jade rollers to facial crystal massagers, facial massages are making their way to the front of the beauty community. With the rise of East Asian skincare practices across the globe, facial gua sha has proved itself an easy and efficient at-home massage tool.
History and Uses
Gua sha involves the practice of scraping a stone tool, typically made of jade, across the skin to promote blood circulation and to reduce inflammation. Presumed to have existed since the Paleolithic Age, gua sha is used mainly in East Asian medicinal treatments to treat a variety of medical conditions such as body pains and muscle stiffness. When used on the face, a gua sha facial can lead to a brighter complexion from increased blood flow and can reduce bloatedness in the face.
Facial Techniques
Now, let’s take a look at some basic gua sha techniques to practice with a delicate hand at home.
Gua sha jade stones can be found on a variety of websites such as amazon. The massage works better if you use a facial oil so the stone doesn’t cause friction on your skin. I typically use a makeup removing oil such as the Face Shop’s Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil. Made to break down makeup, these oils are typically light and won’t cause breakouts as other oils would. The Ordinary’s 100% Organic Virgin Chia Seed Oil is also a great facial oil to use after the face has been cleansed.
A general practice is to always move the stone up and away from the center of your face to prevent premature wrinkles. Begin by using the flat end of the gua sha up the sides of the neck and putting a little pressure when it reaches the back of the ear. Pressing on pressure points will help relieve tension in typically neglected regions of the face.
Then use the groove on the gua sha to move out and away from the center of the chin. Apply gentle pressure when using the gua sha. I then like to move onto my cheekbones and scrape in a “U” motion outwards. Bringing the stone up to the temples and gently placing pressure helps relax the face. Scrape gently around the nostrils and from the beginning of the eyebrow to the end.
Doing this simple massage a few times a week can help with lymph drainage and can help brighten the appearance of dull skin. Taking a few minutes out of your day to do the gua sha facial massage is a meditation practice of self care, which is important in our busy schedules.
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