Gua Sha

Inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gua Sha has been used for over 2000 years. Gua Sha relieves the exterior layers by moving fluid and blood. The use of Gua sha helps target the superficial fascia as well as the underlying muscles. New circulation of blood helps relieve pain, spasm and tightness in the muscles. Tools are made out of a natural stone (Quartz, Jade) or porcelain. Typically offers different shapes/sides or teeth to contour to all the different shapes and angles of the face, neck and chest. Another common shape is a spoon or roller.

Used to

• Smooth fine lines

• Sculpt, lifts and plumps the skin

• Drains the lymph of the face, neck and chest

• Relieve tension of tight muscles (typically neck, upper traps, sub occipitals)

• Treat headaches, jaw pain and sinus pain

• Stimulate local circulation and blood flow

You will need to apply oil to the area, the tool is held at an appropriate angle (typically 15-45) and moved in smooth, soft strokes. With application, you want to make sure that you are just using the weight of the stone and that the pressure isn't too hard (especially while working the face, or you can leave some small red marks).

**Gua Sha is always performed in the same direction: You don't want to drag the tool back and forth, place the tool, drag and then lift. Reset and continue for 5-10 strides per area. You are looking for the skin to get a little bit of colour and warmth.

** When treating the face, you want to split the face in half, working from the center out (think up and out) and focus on the jaw, cheek, cheek bone, eyebrow and the forehead. Facial Gua Sha should be a two handed task - secure/hold the skin at the center with one hand and glide the tool with the other. This can be added into any skincare routine!

**The tools that have serrated teeth work fantastic for the scalp and temporalis muscles.

**Gua Sha is best used 1 - 2 times a week, like any skin care or technique, you want to make sure not to over use it. The body can adapt easily to treatment and you want to use this effectively.

For personal use: clean with warm water and soap after every use

Caution: Pregnancy and working over the upper traps, abdomen or low back - in Chinese Medicine these area's are contraindicated to treat. If you have a bleeding disorder, you should avoid the use of Gua Sha.

Plantology Gua Sha tools are what I use in practice and are available for purchase at the studio.

Tutorials: @Plantologyshop (instagram)