Guasha massage – what is it, what is the use of the massage technique at home

Guasha is a type of massage based on traditional Chinese medicine. Oriental skin care is attracting more and more fans. Like kobido massage, guasha can perform a non-surgical facelift function.

Scraping is a way to improve the appearance and condition of the skin naturally. Accelerates regeneration and improves tone.

The first signs of aging disappear thanks to systematic use, and fine wrinkles and puffiness decrease. The skin becomes firmer, and the muscles less tense.

The main thing is to observe the execution technique correctly. Therefore, you need to know how to properly massage Gua Sha so as not to harm it.

What is gua sha massage?

Massage with gouache plates is a relaxing procedure. Although it may not be pleasant, it will bring the expected results when performed regularly.

This is a method that the Chinese have used for centuries. The oldest and rarest massage technique.

The tradition of using gouache dates back to the 14th century. It was originally a medical procedure that relieved pain. According to Chinese tradition, pain is nothing but stagnation in energy flow. Therefore, they are stimulated by rubbing and massage. Over time, a positive effect on improving the appearance of the skin was noticed.

In Chinese, “gua” means rubbing, and “sha” means redness. The name suggests that the massage should be performed until the skin turns red. Of course, we are talking about healthy pink skin color.

It consists of scraping and rubbing the body with a special scraper until it redness. A rash appears on the skin, which is nothing more than dilated capillaries located under the skin. Red marks after a massage can last up to several hours, after which they disappear.

Gua sha massage stimulates blood and lymph flow by rubbing the skin with a scraper in different directions until redness appears. This eliminates puffiness and swelling in the face, neck, and décolleté.

In the Far East, the whole body is massaged in this way since it is believed that vasodilation leads to the elimination of many diseases and an improvement in the state of the body.

In the West, it has gained popularity primarily in the context of skincare, especially anti-aging.

What are gouache scrapers made of?

Gua sha scrapers are usually made from jade or rose quartz. There are products from amethyst or aventurine.

Natural stones have a beneficial effect on the skin upon contact. Improve condition. Depending on the choice of mineral, a different effect can be expected since, in the east, it is believed that stones differ in their energy.

Jade is said to deeply regenerate the skin, promote the elimination of toxins, and relieve pain. It is called the “stone of youth.”

Rose quartz has a beneficial effect on the skin, increasing elasticity and promoting detoxification. In addition, rose quartz cools the skin better than jade, which also causes different self-massage effects with this stone.

It is called the “stone of love,” causing positive emotions.

The scrapers have a different shape, often resembling a heart, since there is a recess between the two long sides. The plate should be flat with rounded edges.

Also made in the form of a triangle or comb.

The long side of the plate is used to massage the forehead, neck, and cheeks. The short one can also be used to rub the forehead, neck, back, arms, and abdomen.

The recess adapts perfectly to the shape of the nose, chin, eyebrows, and around eyes.

When buying, pay attention to the edges of the plate. Unfortunately, some massagers can have sharp edges that cause scratches and irritation.

How to make guasha massage – the main rules

Facial massage performed with gouache scrapers primarily stimulates blood and lymph flow, which eliminates swelling and swelling. It is also a way to relax tense muscles.

Massage can be carried out both in a professional office and at home.

The main principle is painless and pleasant. Therefore, when using a scraper, pay attention to the pressure applied during the procedure.

In some parts of the face, it will be stronger; in others, it will be weaker. It follows that the movements must be variable.

When performing massage at home, adhere to the following rules:

• When massaging, do not use force, do not press the scraper, and do not rub the skin. The pressure should not be too strong;
• Start with light pressure to see how the skin and muscles react, which should be slightly pink after the massage;
• You can not massage on dry skin; you can damage the epidermis and irritate it. Before the procedure, apply a light oil or moisturizing massage cream. Reapply as the cosmetic is absorbed;
• Perform from the center of the face and outward towards the lymph nodes;
• Do not move the scraper back and forth, as this can cause lymph stagnation and swelling, and blood vessels will burst. Separate movements should be performed in one direction, that is, start the movement and finish, and then, tearing the stone away from the face, return to the starting point and repeat;
• Repeat each movement smoothly at least ten times;
• The duration of one session should be at least 5 minutes. Optimal – 8-10 minutes;
• Do massage 2-3 times a week. Muscles must recover naturally.

You can massage the face, including the upper eyelids, the neck, and the décolleté area towards the collarbones.

Before performing a facial massage, massage the lymph in the right direction. To do this, place two fingers of both hands on the center of the forehead and draw down the face, through the temples, ear, and outer line of the neck to the collarbone. Repeat the action twice and finish the massage in the same way.

Home technique

In addition to regularity, the technique of performing massage is important.

Before the massage, thoroughly cleanse the face of the sebum and makeup using a gel or foam.

Apply oil, serum, or cream of your choice to the skin. This is an important stage; the slippery surface will improve the performance of the massage, and it will stimulate skin renewal. In addition, the oil will help to avoid unpleasant friction.

1. It is recommended to start the massage from the neck, making sliding movements towards the jaw to unblock the lymph flow.
2. Massage the cheeks from the inside out, placing the plate on the long side, starting from the nose and leading to the ear.
3. Jaw massage is performed with the end of the scraper with a recess from the center to the ear.
4. Massaging the mouth area with the short side.
5. Massage of the eyebrows and upper eyelid – with a recessed side.
6. The forehead massage is performed from the bottom up with the long side of the scraper.

You need to do it at regular intervals because only regularity will bring the expected effects.

Performed by a professional, it starts with relaxing the neck, shoulders, and head. Then the emphasis is placed on the precise re-drainage of the facial area, and movements are directed to the lymph nodes.

During the massage in the office, the movements vary in intensity, sometimes slow and sometimes energetic and strong.

Gua Sha also uses elements of acupressure. The movements in the lifting part are made upwards to work against gravity.

The benefits of gua sha massage

Gouache massage helps in general relaxation and improves the skin’s appearance. Stimulates circulation and increases blood flow.

• Proper procedure:
• Stimulates microcirculation;
• Improves lymph outflow;
• Increases firmness and elasticity of the skin;
• Evens out skin tone;
• May help in the fight against age spots;
• Improves skin tone;
• Reduces fine wrinkles;
• Narrows pores;
• Reduces puffiness, especially around the eyes;
• Eliminates dark circles under the eyes;
• Saturates the skin with oxygen;
• Promotes the elimination of toxins;
• Makes the oval of the face clear;
• Relieves tension in the muscles of the face, neck, and décolleté;
• Warms the skin;
• Reduces stress.

Contraindications for performing gua sha massage

Unfortunately, like other massage procedures, it has contraindications for implementation.

You should refuse if the skin has the following:

• burn marks;
• inflammation;
• Injuries in the form of wounds, scratches, etc.

Contraindicated in the presence of rosacea and sensitive skin.

You should consult a doctor in the presence of chronic diseases, as an exacerbation of the disease is possible.

What oil to use

The type of oil doesn’t matter. It can be an oil that is used in face and body care.

The main thing is that the product’s composition meets the skin type requirements.

An oil or serum with a high content of active ingredients penetrates deep into the skin during the procedure, leaving it smooth and nourished.

Commonly used oils include:

• Raspberry seeds;
• strawberry seeds;
• grape seeds;
• Jojoba.

Before the massage, if the product is used for the first time, check and test to minimize the risk of a possible allergic reaction or other undesirable effects on the skin of the face.

How often and when to do gua sha massage

It depends on preference. If the skin can withstand scraping pressure, you can do this type of care even daily.

The time of the procedure depends on what effects you expect and what approach.

Morning massage stimulates the skin, relieves puffiness, and improves the penetration of cream components into the skin.

The evening will allow the skin to prepare for the detoxification processes that occur during sleep.

How quickly the effect appears

It can give a quick result in eliminating puffiness and muscle tension.

Recommended to be done regularly to see benefits such as skin tightening.

It should also be remembered that anti-aging prophylaxis brings results only if it is carried out consistently and in the long term.

What is the difference between guasha stone and jade massager?

Gua sha and jade massagers promote lymphatic drainage. However, facial massage with a guasha plate focuses on the connective tissue, relaxes and stimulates the muscles, firms the skin, and prevents the formation of wrinkles caused by muscle tension.

The shape of the scraper is ideal for “sculpting” the facial muscles by pressing and stretching simultaneously.

Guasha massage is a method of prolonging the youthfulness of the skin. It is worth doing at home and included in the ritual of care.

Properly performed, it can give amazing results, especially if you struggle with problems such as swelling and tension headaches.

Gouache massage is also a way to relax at home after a hard day. No wonder inherited from traditional Chinese medicine and gained many supporters.

Those who do not dare to turn to professionals can use publicly available massage techniques, including massage with gouache scrapers.

Properly performed massage techniques, properly selected cosmetics, and regularity will achieve quick and satisfactory results.