Gua Sha, or "scraping" of the skin, has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine with the aim of removing waste products, removing energetic blockages and stimulating blood circulation to the skin.
Benefits of the Gua Sha massage stone
- promotes blood circulation in the skin and the removal of waste products
- stimulates skin cell renewal and gives a firm and smooth skin
- helps the muscles relax
- removes energetic blockages
- counteracts the skin's aging process
- improves the moisture balance in your face
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How do you use the Gua Sha massage stone?
- Apply a small amount of skin oil to your face, neck and throat so that the stone can glide smoothly over the skin.
- Place the Gua Sha stone at an angle to the skin (approximately 45 degrees) and apply light pressure.
- Start at the bottom of your neck and move the "toes" of the Gua Sha stone in a flowing motion of about 15 cm. from bottom to top.
- Repeat this movement about 5 times.
- Then place the Gua Sha stone with the flat, curved side on the center of your chin and scrape in a smooth motion along your jawline towards your temples.
- Then move up a notch and scrape with the flat curved side of your nostrils, across your cheeks to your temples. Always work from the inside out.
- Use the ridges or "toes" of the stone to massage the skin around your eyes, moving from the inside out in a fluid motion toward your temples. Be a little more gentle in this area as the skin around your eyes is quite thin and sensitive.
- Next, place the ridges on your brow bone and scrape in a smooth motion across your eyebrows towards the hairline of your temples.
- For the forehead, use the flat side of the Gua Sha stone and scrape from your eyebrows upwards to the hairline, applying a little pressure at the hairline.
- Make sure you drink enough water after the facial massage to flush out toxins.
Cleaning the Gua Sha massage stone
It is important to clean the Gua Sha massage stone well after use. Use lukewarm water and possibly some mild detergent. These stones can withstand this very well. Dry the stone well afterwards. Also make sure that the Gua Sha stone is clean before use.
Do not use the Gua Sha massage stone if you have a rash or eczema or if you are burned. The massage with the stone can make the symptoms worse.
