Gua sha is a body and face “scraping” technique part of the system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The ancient healing technique is mentioned in the Shanghan Lun, a Chinese medical text on illness from BC 220.
In TCM, Gua Sha is believed to move blood and qi, the vital energy that guides us physically and mentally. Initially used as a body treatment, the most common conditions and symptoms treated with Gua Sha include:
- Back pain
- Shoulder and neck tension
- Poor circulation
- Scar tissue
Early practitioners wanted to obtain “Sha,” redness that encourages skin healing. Gua Sha has since been adapted to facial therapies and promotes lymphatic drainage, eliminating bloating caused by stagnant fluid that causes puffiness. Additionally, the “scraping” motion has evolved into a more gentle gliding movement, offering benefits such as better product absorption.
With Gua Sha, you can experience the following:
- A skin-lifting effect
- Depuffing for a more even skin tone and texture
- Facial sculpting results
While you’ll notice impressive results with only one treatment, a series of Gua Sha facials are recommended for the best results.