Why the Gua Sha is the Way to Go

History

The name Gua sha — pronounced as gwa-sha — stems from the word scrape. The first records we have of this sculpting tool date back to around 700 years ago in ancient China during the Ming Dynasty.

Originally made from wood, the Gua sha was used as a remedy to release heat. Since then, all kinds of health benefits have been discovered as the Gua sha has been updated with different materials, some of the most popular which now include jade and rose quartz. These are both good options because they are naturally cooling which reduces puffiness. However, Gua shas that do not use these stones can be placed in cool areas such as refrigerators or a cup of cold water with ice to achieve that soothing cold relief.

In recent years the gua sha now comes in different shapes such as heart, concave and cleft. The shapes can be the most effective for different parts of the face, but no matter which one you choose, keep in mind that each shape will give you relatively the same results in the end.

What does it do?

The Gua sha has multiple benefits, such as increasing blood circulation, which is very good for smoothing out the skin. One of the most popular benefits of the Gua sha is that after use, it lifts and firms the skin, giving your face more sculpted features. The tool is also great for anti-aging by reducing wrinkles and dark circles.

In addition to its skin benefits, the Gua sha can also be used as a medical remedy. It improves blood flow and can reduce headaches. Another medical benefit is that it helps the immune system by reducing inflammation.

Gua sha prep

Before even beginning to use the Gua sha tool, prepping the skin is important. Using the Gua sha should be done at the end of your routine or at least after cleansing the face. On top of washing your face, make sure to use a facial oil or moisturizer that helps the Gua sha glide easier on your skin. This will prevent unnecessary and aggressive pulling on the skin that can cause irritation.

How to use

After prepping the skin, take your tool and from here, it is up to you where to start. For beginners, we recommend starting at the jaw and working your way up to the forehead for consistency. Always start at the inner or center of the area you're working on and scrape the tool in an upward motion. Repeat in each area a few times, and for the best results, we recommend aiming to use your Gua sha at least two to three times a week.

Do you use a Gua sha? Have you seen any differences? Let us know at the @theedgemag!