New bae in town! If you are here, you must have already spotted the new millennial to the minimal trend which is blowing the internet. This centuries-old technique is bringing euphoria to your favorite celebrities, influencers, and YouTubers.
After being spammed by this trend, you must want to know more about GUA SHA stone. You have chosen the right place. What? How? Why? We are going to answer it all for you. You might confuse Chinese treatment with Japanese skin therapy.
What is a Gua Sha?
A Gua Sha is made out of semi-precious stone, that is used to massage the face. Gua Sha originated from mainland China. Gua sha, the literal translation being “to scrape petechia” which refers to the sand-like bruising after the treatment, spread from China to Vietnam, where it became very popular.
Gua sha involves repeated pressed strokes over lubricated skin with a smooth-edged and blunt instrument. You might have come to know about this massaging method just a year back or so, but it is a lot older than you think. Gua sha is also known as a healing stone, intended to address stagnant energy, called chi. During the olden times, practitioners believe Inflammation is the underlying cause of several conditions associated with chronic pain. Rubbing the skin’s surface is thought to help break up this energy, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
How Does The Gua Sha Work?
Farmers thousands of years ago discovered that gently dragging a piece of coin over their sunstroke can help them clear sunburns. Such ancient uses of Gua Sha may have first emerged in Yuan Dynasty documentation but Western researchers today have found new efficacy of the method. The Gua Sha is best used over a well-lubricated face with the help of facial oil or serum
Apply some serum then gently stroke the skin in an upward motion from your neck, shoulder, jawline and onto your face and as per your needs use it every day or as many times a week. And gently manoeuvred over the curves and creases and focusing on acupressure points. The sudden interests of the Gua Sha are part of a progressive movement, a more holistic anti-ageing regimen and of course, revive the past.
Jade Roller Or Gua Sha? Which Is Better?
There was another traditional Chinese way of skincare that rose to the spotlight- THE JADE ROLLER. Jade roller has actually been around for a really long time, since the 7th century A.D. In ancient Chinese medicine, jade was used as a means to cast out negative energy, combat pain and bring revitalizing energy, or ‘chi’, to certain areas that are ailing.
Using Jade Roller: The key to getting 100% effects out of the jade roller is applying long, even strokes with gentle pressure. Jade rolling has many benefits, such as LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE, IMPROVED CIRCULATION, REDUCES UNDER-EYE PUFFINESS, ASSISTS SERUMS WITH SKIN PENETRATION & ABSORPTION.
Benefits of Gua Sha
Regularly using the Gua Sha reduces early signs of ageing, clears up blemishes and soothes the skin gradually to give you a glowing and flawless finish over time. Unlike your relationship, you will actually see the result of your time investment. While we can’t guarantee the efficacy of a chiselled jawline in two weeks since we are mere writers and not skincare specialists, but people have claimed to get a more chiselled jawline after frequent use for sure. Your skin will glow and make you look alive hiding your scarred heart.
Do consult a dermatologist for more accurate information and how to properly use gua sha.
Types of gua sha tools
Different shapes of gua sha tools are required for different purposes as used by professionals. Let’s have a look too.
‘S’ shaped tool
It is a medium-sized tool. Though the practitioners of Gua Sha do not much appreciate its effectiveness. This tool is multipurpose as it works for hands, feet, laterals, back, neck, and shoulders. It has limited efficacy on the face and small parts of the body.
Fin type
The name is self-explanatory. Another multipurpose tool but of a little smaller size than the S type tool. It has 3 sides, and all three sides are actively used for scrapping. The grip of the tool is comfortable, as it is broad in shape, and reasonably good pressure gets exerted on the tissues.
Dolphin shaped
It is broader than the wing type tool and hence is easy to grip. The firmer grip allows better digging into the muscles and tissue and is very useful for deep muscle massage. This shaped gua sha could also be considered for facial massage.
Fish-shaped tool
Self-explanatory! It is shaped like a fish, though thinner in the middle; it is a small tool for working on small areas. It is excellent to relieve the cramps in the calves and localized deep Gua Sha on the shoulder and back.
The crescent-shaped tool
Gua sha that’s formed in a crescent moon shape. Professionals prefer this type of tool, because of its versatility and option to sterilize it. The ends dig deep for better stimulation.
The Wave Tool
The purpose of design is to aid better grip and scrapping, with multiple sides featuring different applications. It is made up of particular plastic, whose components are nylon and glass. One can use this on a range of small muscle groups like the biceps, triceps, neck, shoulders, localized part of the back and legs.
Factors to consider when choosing a gua sha tool
This tool is supposed to scrape the body henceforth it must be chosen carefully and according to needs.
- Material of construction
- The shape of the tool
- Length of the tool
- Type of Use
- Grip/Thickness for holding it
- The shape of the edge
- The durability of the tool
- Ease of disinfection
We hope you liked our article, write us in the comment section down below and let us know which of these you used to show off on the reels. Thank you.
