What are the Benefits of Facial Gua Sha?
The facial skin serves as a mirror reflecting the functionality of the body’s internal organs. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), imbalances such as deficiencies, stagnation, and blockages manifest on the face through issues like blemishes, discoloration, wrinkles, dark spots, redness, and yellowing. These signs indicate the need for regulating the body’s organs. Achieving fundamental improvements in external appearance requires addressing internal health. Facial gua sha, although focusing on the face, holistically corresponds to the body’s organs and meridians. By clearing facial meridians, stimulating reflex points related to internal organs, and promoting Qi and blood circulation, gua sha aids in detoxification and restores the skin’s natural vitality.
Benefits of Facial Gua Sha
Promotes and Restores Cellular Self-Functioning
Facial gua sha stimulates the peripheral nerves in the epidermis, enhancing their conductivity. It activates damaged and weakened cells, promoting the restoration of cellular secretion, regeneration, and cleansing functions. This process accelerates the elimination of metabolic by-products through skin pores, ensuring a clear and clean complexion.
Shrinks Pores and Tightens Skin
By promoting blood circulation, clearing meridians, and enhancing skin metabolism, facial gua sha aids in expelling excess water and metabolic waste. This ensures an ample supply of nutrients to the skin, leading to natural pore contraction and skin tightening. The facial contours are consequently lifted and reshaped.
Indirectly Regulates Internal Organs
Facial gua sha also assists in the regulation of internal organs. The face contains numerous meridians, and the five senses correspond to the five internal organs. Stimulating these senses helps maintain the health of internal organs.
Addresses Various Skin Issues
Facial sagging and dry, rough skin.
Eliminates fine facial wrinkles and soothes deep wrinkles.
Targets fine lines, eye bags, dark circles, and prevents aging around the eyes.
Improves dull complexion and uneven skin tone.
Addresses yellow-brown spots.
Reduces pigmentation after acne.
Minimizes enlarged facial pores and controls excessive oil secretion.
Alleviates sensitive skin conditions.
Facial Gua Sha Technique
Forehead Scraping Keywords – Bottom to Top
Press the gua sha tool at the center of the forehead for 10 seconds. Then, scrape the entire forehead from bottom to top (until the hairline) for 2-3 minutes.
Eye Area Scraping Keywords – Inside to Outside
Scrape the upper and lower eye areas from the inner corner to the temple. Scrape each side of the eye for 2-3 minutes.
Cheek Scraping Keywords – Inside to Outside
Scrape from the nostrils along the cheekbones to the front of the ears. Extend the scraping down the neck for a well-defined jawline.
Jawline Scraping Keywords – Bottom to Top
Start scraping from the chin along the jawline to the front of the ears. Effectively lifts the jawline and facial muscles.
Common Queries about Facial Gua Sha
Precautions
If lacking gua sha oil, a moisturizing cream can be used as an alternative to ensure smooth scraping without damaging the skin.
Gently perform gua sha; avoid applying excessive force to prevent harm to delicate skin.
After gua sha, wait for half an hour before washing the face. Use warm water (not cold water) and apply skincare products for better absorption.
Facial gua sha is beneficial but should not be done daily. It is a purgative method that should be performed when the body’s Qi is abundant; otherwise, it may worsen complexion and result in sagging skin.
Individuals with severe skin conditions, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, kidney failure, and pregnant women should refrain from gua sha.
Embrace the advantages of facial gua sha not only for enhancing external beauty but also for profound holistic body regulation. Exercise caution in the process, prioritizing lubrication and gentleness, and ensure that gua sha aligns with your individual health conditions.