There is no clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of gua sha. In use, it nearly always damages the skin. Negative side effects of gua sha range from minor ones—including dermatitis, burns and blood in the urine—to rare major effects including bleeding in the brain and severe injuries requiring skin grafts.
According to dermal therapist Diandra Politano, ``Gua sha works deeper in the skin than most tools since it creates friction. This friction releases facial muscle tension and improves lymph drainage. The result is a brighter, and clearer complexion.
Studies show that when done correctly, gua sha can release chemicals that improve blood flow, lessen toxins, reduce pain, and promote healing in the area. Gua sha may be able to help with issues such as: Tight muscles. Swelling.
Is it good for your skin? "Gua sha is used as a tool for facial massage to promote circulation, boost lymphatic drainage, and relax facial muscles," says dermatologist Dr Jinah Yoo. "This technique can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin texture and tone, and enhance overall complexion.
Potential Side Effects of Gua Sha
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.
Gua Sha, or jade scraping, is a technique that uses a smooth, thin, jade stone to glide along the lymphatic system to improve blood circulation and drainage function. Massaging or scraping along this network of vessels – similar to blood vessels – can help to de-puff the face and rebalance fluid retention.
while low-cost plastic Gua Sha tools are convenient for occasional use, high-end mineral stone tools - especially precious jade - provide a noticeably superior Gua Sha massage experience that's both more effective and deeply relaxing.
Though she has used a gua sha tool herself as part of her routine, she recommends it with some caution: “There is certainly no harm in using it, especially as part of an at-home routine and in between facials and treatments. However, do not expect for a gua sha to solve all of your skin care needs.
It's a myth that using a gua sha will give you a 'slimmer' face. Instead, gua sha acts on the muscle tissue, fascia and helps to encourage blood flow. '[Gua sha] has significant brightening, lifting and sculpting improvements for your 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.
To date, scraping has shown pain-relieving effects on myalgia and chronic pain [2–5], and can improve blood stasis and inflammation [6]. Although several reports indicated the effects of scraping therapy in clinical and experimental practices, the mechanism is still not clear.
Takeaway. Gua sha is a simple and efficient tool to give your face a full spa procedure anywhere, anytime. If you are looking to reduce double chin, using gua sha may be helpful for tightening up your neck skin and creating a better pronounced jawline.
But, the good news is that there are studies which show positive results from a health perspective. A 2016 study suggests gua sha helps improve immune functions of the skin and body, as well as boost skin circulation and its response against intradermal antigens.
You should see smoother and more contoured skin, especially when performing Gua Sha daily. Congratulations, now you have another holistic healing practice to incorporate into your skin care ritual!
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.
A morning Gua Sha routine can help treat puffiness and energize the skin, whereas a night routine will help relax the muscles and release tight connective tissue in the face. Remember that the key to getting the desired results is consistently doing the Gua Sha facial massage.
While both Gua Sha and jade rollers are effective skincare tools, their application methods and results differ significantly. Gua Sha involves scraping motions that target specific areas such as the jawline and cheekbones, while jade rolling provides a gentler, gliding motion across the face and neck.
The facial roller can be a much more convenient and quick option to stimulating blood flow and draining puffiness while the gua sha can help the individual incorporate some intuitive flow to their routine, helping to go deeper while spending more time really indulging in the ritual of skincare.
Since these are completely non-invasive and safe, they can be started at any age, even early 20s. Broadly speaking, Jade rollers are more beneficial for slightly younger age groups such as 30-45 years whereas Gua-Shas are more beneficial for older age groups such as those above 45-50 years.
Lymphatic drainage massage is a form of gentle massage that encourages the drainage of lymph nodes and the movement of lymph fluids around the body. It can help relieve symptoms of lymphedema. The fluid in the lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from body tissues.
Ballancer®Pro is an FDA-approved compression therapy* system designed to provide various therapeutic benefits to the body.
Lymphatic drainage treatment decreases face puffiness, and removes bags under the eyes, jowls, and double chin. Lymphatic drainage before and after pictures reflects the difference even after the first treatment.