If you have been following along for a while now, you know I try to introduce the best practices and techniques for healthy and radiant skin using natural remedies that I follow. The beauty industry has shifted in the last couple of years to showcase more ways on how we can prevent aging and protect our skin from damage and exposure, while prepping in a way that will have long-term benefits. Now, although this has been around for quite a while being used in traditional Chinese medicine, not many people are aware of what gua sha is and how it works.
So what is it exactly and how is it helpful?
Gua sha (gwa shah) is a treatment using a small smooth shaped tool that is applied and rubbed on the skin in strokes, applying enough pressure to feel the shift in your skin. Applying a serum first helps, trust me! This technique combats inflammation, improves blood circulation, and promotes drainage. Before implementing this into my day and night ritual, I would wake-up a bit puffy around my eyes. Who else can relate?
Recently, I came across Wilding Beauty that is not only informative on all things wellness but specifically helpful in learning more about personal care and effective skincare techniques. Their social media introduces topics that are inspired by Chinese medicine and how it can be used to detoxify the body, release tension, tighten and sculpt the skin with tools like the gua sha which inspires healing. After a short period, my skin began to reduce puffiness and overall swelling.
Gua Sha Usage & Benefits
1. Muscle Flow
Pressure and strokes gets rid of stagnation or blockage from the tissues. Removes flows that are blocked from within the body tissue.
2. Energy Flow
The motions and movements affect the flow of energy or qi (chi) throughout your whole body. The strokes in this technique affect our body’s state of energy and balance.
3. Blood Circulation
By stroking the tool in specific directions, you can improve blood flow, promote detoxification and stimulate the lymphatic system (organ system that is part of the circulatory & immune system)
4. Joint Health
This tool helps to break down scar tissue and connective tissue, improving movement in the joints. Decomposes scar tissue and improves skin state/texture.
5. Reduces Water Retention
Decomposes the fluid beneath our flesh. In turn, reduces puffiness & bloating appearance and feeling.
Take some time to enjoy the little things; specially, one’s that make a big impact.
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