Gua Sha what is it?

If you are even a little interested in skin care or alternative medicine, then you have probably already heard about Gua Sha. This facial and body massage technique using special plates literally flooded social networks – bloggers, cosmetologists and even celebrities actively advertise it, promising rejuvenation, radiant skin and improved well-being. But is Gua Sha really as effective as it's described? Let's figure it out!

Technique Gua Sha (Gua Sha) it came to us from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has a centuries-old history. Translated from Chinese "Gua" means "scrap" and "Sha" – "bad, stagnant", that is, the meaning of the procedure is to remove stagnant energy and toxins from the body through massage.

Gua Sha was originally used to treat colds, muscle pain and improve circulation. It was performed on the body using horn plates, jade or ceramic scrapers, as well as spoons and even coins. After the massage, red marks could remain on the skin, which indicated the activation of blood circulation –, it was believed that this is how the body gets rid of diseases.

The modern popularity of Gua Sha began when the technique was adapted for cosmetic purposes. Now it is most often used for facial massage, using special plates made of jade, rose quartz or amethyst.

The Gua Sha principle is quite simple: by light pressure and scraping movements along the facial or body massage lines, blood circulation, lymphatic drainage and muscle tone are stimulated. It helps:

✔ Reduce swelling <TAG1> is especially relevant in the morning when the face looks "swollen".✔ Improve skin color <TAG1> blood flow gives a healthy glow.✔ Relax facial muscles <TAG1> is especially useful for those who have a habit of frowning or clenching their jaw.✔ Reduce small wrinkles <TAG1> due to skin toning.✔ Tighten the contours of the face <TAG1> especially in the cheekbones and chin area.

To get the maximum effect, it is important to perform the massage correctly:

1️⃣ Prepare the skin. Make sure to clean your face and apply oil or serum to make the plate slide easily.2️⃣ Take Gua Sha Scraper. It should be smooth, without sharp edges.3️⃣ Move in the right direction. Massage movements are always directed up and out, not chaotically.4️⃣ The pressure should be light. No need to press hard – light movements stimulate lymph flow.5️⃣ Repeat movements 5–10 times in each area.

Main massage areas:🔹 Neck <TAG1> moves up to the chin.🔹 Jaw line <TAG1> from the center of the chin to the ears.🔹 Cheekbones <TAG1> from nose to temples.🔹 Area under the eyes <TAG1> very soft movements from the inner corner of the eye to the temples.🔹 Lob <TAG1> from eyebrows up to hairline.

💚 Jade <TAG1> symbol of youth and energy, keeps cool, relaxes muscles well.

💖 Pink quartz <TAG1> is a stone of love, promotes peace and harmony.💜 Amethyst <TAG1> is believed to have a calming effect.

Scientific research on the effectiveness of Gua Sha for the face is limited so far, but some studies support its benefit in improving circulation and relieving muscle tension. Many cosmetologists recommend this technique as part of comprehensive skin care, because it really improves lymphatic drainage and tones the face.

However, it is important to remember that Gua Sha – is not a panacea. If you have serious skin problems, massage alone will not solve them, and you should consult a dermatologist.

❌ Inflammation on the skin (acne, eczema, dermatitis).❌ Couperosis (fragile vessels).❌ Fresh stitches or scars.❌ Infectious diseases or fever.