How to Use Gua Sha Tools to Sculpt and De-Puff Your Face
It seems like every day there's a new beauty tool to invest in, but before you write off gua sha as another fleeting skincare fad, consider its history.
This ancient facial and body sculpting ritual dates back to traditional Chinese medicine as early as 200 CE and is used to move energy, also known as qi, throughout the face and body. Our lymphatic system, which is responsible for flushing out toxins, runs throughout our entire body, including our face—and these small stone tools help facilitate the drainage.
You're probably wondering how this actually helps your skin, but rest assured, the benefits of consistent gua sha are incredible, and include de-puffing the face, reducing facial and sinus tension, stimulating collagen production and helping diminish acne. Although there are many similarities between a gua sha and a jade roller, there are also differences.
The main difference is obviously the shape and usage of the tool. Jade rollers have a handle to roll gently on the skin, and the gua sha is shaped to be held in the hand to be more targeted as it massages along the skin's surface. And although a jade roller can be a quicker option to stimulate blood flow and drain puffiness, the gua sha, thanks to its unique shape, can help go deeper for more noticeable results.
As with anything of this nature, there's definitely a technique that's relatively similar to jade rolling. To start, place the jagged end of the gua sha near the apple of your cheek and press firmly, moving it back towards the hairline. Then, move the gua sha tool to just above the inner part of your eyebrow and in a half moon shape, dragging it across your forehead towards your temple. Repeat these two motions for about a minute, and then switch to the other side.
After that, work on the lower part of the face, focusing on the jawline and just below the cheek bone with the same firm, outer sweeping motions. The gua sha works wonders on the neck, too, and can also be used to relieve tensions and soothe muscles in the body, especially the neck and arms. After using your tool, make sure to rinse clean with warm water and a mild soap and store in a dry cool place.
Besides hormones and diet, many skincare conditions can be rooted back to a stagnant lymphatic flow, so by using the gua sha tool, you're stimulating lymph movement, riding your body of waste and flushing out important passageways, ultimately delivering healthy skin that glows.
Another thing that affects your skin? Gut health. HERE's everything you need to know about probiotics!