Unfortunately, there are many bloggers and influencers that are using gua sha tools like windshield wipers on their face, or are doing it way too hard and not supporting their skin. They do a huge disservice to the amazing practice, as it can make things worse by pushing lymph and blood to the center of the face.
Incorrect technique and excessive pressure
This can cause bruising if the tool is used too harshly or in the wrong areas. The delicate skin of the face is especially susceptible to bruising from gua sha. Bruising from gua sha is usually temporary and will go away on its own within a few days.
While the practice is often likened to facial massage, it's more similar to using a jade roller. The primary difference between gua sha and facial rolling is in how much pressure is used, Aguilar says. Jade rollers tend to require very light pressure, while gua sha uses medium to firm pressure in long, even strokes.
Light Touch is Key: Use gentle pressure for optimal results—overdoing it can lead to irritation rather than relaxation.
Skin Irritation: One of the main risks associated with Gua Sha is skin irritation. If too much pressure is applied, or if the tool is used incorrectly, it can cause redness, bruising, or even broken capillaries. Individuals with sensitive skin should be particularly cautious.
The most common side effect of gua sha is minor bruising, which is, in fact, part of the point of the process. The bruises can last a few days or a few weeks, depending on the person's overall health, skin tone and natural healing processes.
vaccination of the same antigen dose clearly showed that tissue damage caused by Gua Sha treatment is the direct cause of the adjuvanticity observed. Although not determined in this study, Gua Sha treatment may as well compromise the skin barrier function.
Vigorous Exercise. A common misconception is that you can jump right back into your regular routine, which often includes exercise. However, you should consider holding off on your rigorous gym sessions. Gua Sha stimulates the flow of blood and qi, the life energy according to Chinese medicine, throughout your body.
You'll see results within a week of using your Gua Sha twice daily! Gua Sha facial massages are also known to boost the immune system, cure digestive problems, and improve blood flow and circulation!
Along with the dry brush, gua sha is a powerful tool for lymphatic drainage. If lymphatic drainage is your main goal, it's best to start by massaging (or opening) your primary lymph nodes. Spend a few minutes moving lymphatic fluid in your armpits, neck, groin, and abdomen.
Gua sha, also known as scraping, is a healing technique that uses a smoothed-edged bone or stone tool to release muscle tension. Also called the Graston Technique™, which is performed by athletic and physical trainers, gua sha dates back to Eastern Asian medicine.
Does facial gua sha actually work? The jury's still out on this one. Since it's relatively new to the world of beauty, so far there's no conclusive evidence that proves its efficacy.
Yes, muscle scraping will leave marks. The Sha of Gua Sha means petechiae, or the small red spots, that appear on the skin are from hemorrhages of the capillaries. This is a natural response from the body and indicates that the inflamed muscled is healing. At times the muscle site can appear to be bruised.
If your strokes feel a little rigid/bumpy, that's good! You are breaking apart tension and stuck fascia (connective tissue in the body). You might go through a slight purge if you are new to gua sha and have acne prone skin.
Typically, gua sha is considered safe. But you may have some bruising or notice that your skin looks discolored for a while. You could also be sore and tender afterward. These effects usually go away in 3-4 days.
At its core, Gua Sha involves the gentle scraping of a smooth-edged instrument across the skin. Discover how this ancient practice can not only boost circulation and improve skin elasticity but also help in reducing puffiness and softening fine lines.
Perform Gua Sha. When performing Gua Sha, you should start gently scraping from your neck and work your way up. This way, you'll prevent fluids from getting trapped in your skin.
To prep her skin, Jenner slathered her face in the SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Overnight Face Oil ($8). She says she uses it right in the morning after waking up, but then she washes it off afterward. "I love it because it's thick, and the gua sha just slides.
It happens — some people break out after starting a gua sha regimen. Why? You're stimulating movement in tissues that may harbor stagnant qi, blood, and lymph. It's like kicking up dirt from the bottom of a lake.
In addition, age and sun damage causes capillaries to show through the skin. Tretinoin, like retinol, helps reduce the visibility of these capillaries because it builds surface collagen in the dermis, thus minimizing the appearance of these capillary.
Capillaries are delicate blood vessels (tubes that hold blood) throughout your body. They bring nutrients and oxygen to cells in your organs and body systems.
Treating broken capillaries with options like laser therapy can reduce the appearance of these blood vessels. “We use specific wavelengths of laser light,” Dr. Tournas said. “It's like creating a controlled injury to the blood vessel, so the walls of the vessel get inflamed and irritated, and then they close.”