While the modern, high-tech section of the beauty world is experimenting with chemicals, micro-currents and creating complex new skin care mixtures, many are also returning to traditional beauty secrets. With origins in the ancient medical traditions of China and Southeast Asia, Gua Sha is a method of facial massage using crystal tools. You may have seen images or videos all over social media recently, but really this technique has been around for thousands of years.
Facial Gua Sha massage releases tension in the face muscles, increases blood circulation and encourages lymphatic drainage to get rid of puffiness. It helps break up fascia — the connective tissue around muscles and can even be considered as a Botox alternative.
Holistic Aesthetic specialists explain: ”Imagine you have a leg injury: The muscles are all knotted up from the trauma and there is scar tissue restricting circulation. You’d be sent for physical therapy to help release the muscles and break down the scar tissue, so that your leg could heal. The chronic stress of our day-to-day lives plays out on our faces as a furrowed brow or a clenched jaw. Facial Gua Sha is a therapy we can apply to uncoil the daily buildup of stress we experience in the face, and restore health, vitality and glow.”
This may sound very similar to jade rollers which some of you might already have at home. While the jade rollers are great to simulate and release superficial puffiness, the facial Gua Sha is much more powerful. It gets a lot deeper into the skin tissue and really works on lifting the face, de-bloating and even removing wrinkles.
One thing to keep in mind is that using this technique aggressively or without proper understanding of our lymph nodes and facial anatomy can cause some unnecessary bruising. There is a specific technique in order to experience all the wonderful benefits and so we recommend Gua Sha facials and lymphatic drainage massages by a professional.
Our Holistic Aesthetics specialist is trained in this technique by Traditional Chinese masters that have brought this incredible beauty secret to the West. If you are looking for a natural approach to your facials and skin care, seeking out a Holistic expert will take your beauty to the next level.