Facial oil is a must-have when you're doing a gua sha facial massage, Aguilar says. Oil lubricates the skin, which helps the tool glide more easily. We have several face oils you can use in your gua sha facial routine—we recommend choosing whichever one suits your needs best.
You really want a bit of oil before you do gua sha at home so that the tools glide nicely over your skin. You don't want there to be too much pulling or friction.
You cannot, should not, and WILL NOT use a gua sha stone without applying oil first. Not water, face wash, moisturizer... you need to use an OIL. This helps the tool glide over the skin without pulling or tugging. Since I gua sha before I wash my face, it does not matter which oil I use since I just wash it off.
Always Use a Lubricant: Never use a Gua Sha tool on dry skin as it can cause irritation and drag the skin. Always apply a suitable facial serum or oil that provides enough slip for the tool to glide smoothly.
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.
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.
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.
Gua sha causes tiny blood vessels near the surface of the skin called capillaries to burst. This creates the distinctive red or purple bruises known as sha. The bruises usually take a few days or a week to heal and can be tender during this time.
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.
If you're hoping to depuff your face, a using gua sha in the morning will help you achieve that. A nighttime gua sha routine can help you relax and reduce stress to get you ready for sleep.
Gua sha for face slimming has become increasingly recognised as a result of people showcasing remarkable results, including reducing a double chin, decreasing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and even more sculpted faces after using gua sha frequently.
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!
Facial oil is the best “base layer” I've found for keeping that scraper slidin' without resistance! In addition to being a great lubricant for a gua sha practice, face oils can be used for so much – removing makeup, cleansing, adding extra hydrating oomph to your foundation or regular moisturizer, and more.
Always apply a serum or facial oil before using Gua Sha to facilitate smooth gliding and maximize its benefits.
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!
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.
Using a Gua Sha for scalp massages enhances product penetration and stimulate blood circulation in the scalp. This improved circulation delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, fostering healthier and stronger hair growth.
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.
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.
Light Touch is Key: Use gentle pressure for optimal results—overdoing it can lead to irritation rather than relaxation.
If your treatment involves Gua Sha, you may feel a little more tired than normal and that's due to the scraping technique which will increase lymphatic drainage. If you are having treatment for tendinitis or a strained muscle, you might be slightly tender in some areas the following day with occasional light bruising.
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.