The gua sha tool is an ancient Chinese medical treatment that was used for centuries before it fell out of favor with the rise of Western medicine. Gua means 'to scrape' and sha means 'to remove.' The gua sha tool is a flat, rectangular piece of jade or bone that resembles a scraper. It has been used as both a beauty treatment and as a way to release toxins from the body. In this blog post, I will go into detail about how the tool works, what it's made from, and how you can use one for yourself at home!
Traditional Chinese Medicine Origin
Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that qi is energy that flows through the body. It’s believed to be necessary for balance and health, but some people believe stagnant qi can lead to inflammation—the root cause of many conditions associated with chronic pain in humans
In China, for generations, it has been a tradition to use Gua Sha on sick children. With the aim of removing dirt and germs from their childen's skin while soothing them at home or in the hospital with this traditional Chinese remedy is made from household items found around any house!
What material it made from?
Gua Sha tools are often made from jade, rose quartz, amethyst, metals or even bone. The material is chosen largely for its healing properties rather than the texture of how it feels against your skin. However! If you do not have a Gua sha tool in your house there are many other household items that can be used instead to get the same effect.
The shape of a Gua Sha Tool
If you're looking for a tool that will help to release tension in your body, then the Gua Sha is an excellent choice. They come in different shapes and sizes depending on what part of our bodies we would like them applied to!
A traditional double-faced winged tool is often used for hand and foot targeting. Some people prefer rod-like tools because they are more versatile, such as those with long handles that can be used on the back or shoulders of an individual to provide relief from tightness in these areas. Others opt instead for smaller spoons-shaped instruments which have been designed specifically around facial gua sha techniques making them the perfect choice if you're looking into learning how this type works best!
Dolphin shape Gua Sha Tool is probably one of the most popular, but you can get then in various other shapes, such as fin shape, S Shape, Spoon shape, and also a wave shape tool.
Benefits of Gua Sha
- Can get rid of cellulite
- Promotes local healing
- Relaxes tense muscles
- Tackles fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves blood circulation
- Promotes removal of toxins
- Improves lymphatic drainage
- Removes stagnate toxins
How to use it for your face
Depending on what area of the body you will use the tool on, you will adjust the pressure and change which edge of the tool. Hold the Gua Sha Tool at an angle on your skin. Always sweep it from the middle of the face towards the direction of the ears.
- Clean your face
- Apply some drops of oil on your skin.
- Make sweeping motions from your nose in the direction of the ears. Repeat a couple of times.
- Sweep from above the eyebrows towards the direction of the ears.
- Sweep from the middle of the chin over the jawline towards the direction of the ears.
The benefits of this ancient technique are endless and you can use it for almost anything! If you're looking for a way to relieve tension, pain, and discomfort in your body without drugs or surgery then Gua Sha might be just what the doctor ordered. The techniques are vast so it's easy to find one that suits your needs.