A facial massage with the Gua Sha: the benefits and how to do it
Meet the Gua Sha: the stone that’s ideal for facial massages. You’ve probably seen it before and perhaps wondered what this heart-shaped stone is actually for. Meanwhile, the use of the Gua Sha stone is becoming increasingly popular and we’re seeing some amazing results. We’ll tell you what the benefits are and how to use the Gua Sha.
The Gua Sha is also known as the ‘wrinkle eraser’. And indeed, when used regularly and correctly, the Gua Sha can reduce fine lines. However, there are many other benefits to using this centuries-old stone.
What is a Gua Sha?
The Gua Sha is a smooth, rounded stone that is perfect for stimulating blood circulation. First there was the jade roller, and now the Gua Sha is also becoming increasingly popular. Just like the jade roller, the Gua Sha is often made from gemstones, such as jade or rose quartz. This is because these stones conduct your energy well.The Gua Sha technique is 2,000 years old and originated in China. Ancient Chinese texts already referred to a scraping technique used to remove ailments and illnesses from the body. Nowadays, Gua Sha is mainly used in facial massages, which can serve various purposes. Whether it’s about defining contours, stimulating blood circulation or reducing fine lines: Gua Sha is your saviour.
What are the benefits?
If you’ve ever come across Gua Sha online, you’re probably already aware of its face-sculpting results. If we’re to believe the internet, anyone who uses Gua Sha regularly enjoys a defined jawline and a lifted appearance. And it does indeed lift the skin. The upward movements you make with the Gua Sha lift the skin, creating a tighter and firmer appearance. And that reduces the first signs of ageing, such as fine lines.This kind of stimulating facial massage is also good for blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. This has a positive effect on blemishes. By stimulating blood circulation, inflammation is less likely to occur.
Do you suffer from puffiness under the eyes? You can massage this away with the Gua Sha too. Below, you can see the movements you need to use to get your face in top shape with the Gua Sha. Define your jawline and cheekbones, and reduce puffiness.
As a finishing touch, skincare products are also absorbed more effectively when you use the Gua Sha. The massage has many benefits, but it also helps your skincare routine work to its full potential.
How do you use the Gua Sha?
Don’t just start scraping in circles; follow the correct direction with your Gua Sha. For the desired result, follow the lines shown in the image. A cleansed face works best, as this also allows the moisturisers you apply to penetrate the skin more effectively. Apply light pressure with the stone whilst massaging, but never apply too much pressure. It should feel comfortable. Repeat the movements about five times. - Apply a serum, oil or moisturising cream to your face. It’s fine if it feels a little ‘oily’, as this will help the Gua Sha glide easily over your face later on.
- Use the V-shaped side of the Gua Sha to massage your jawline. Work from your chin towards your ear, following the contour of your jawline. To add a little extra tension, use your other hand to hold the skin taut at the chin. Apply this technique to both sides.
- Use the flat side to massage your cheekbones. Work from the crease of your nose towards your ear, following the line of your cheekbone. To apply a little extra pressure, use your other hand to hold the skin taut near your nose. Apply this technique to both sides.
- Use the short, rounded edge to massage your under-eye bags. Work from the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) in a semi-circular motion towards your temples. Follow the shape of your eyes as you do so. Apply this technique to both sides, both above and below your eye.
- Run the same side along your brow bone. Again, do this from the inside out. Apply this technique to both sides.
- Use the flat side of the Gua Sha to massage your forehead. Work from the bottom up towards the hairline, applying a little extra pressure as you near the hairline.
The perfect Gua Sha routine
A good-quality Gua Sha stone and moisturiser are the powerhouse duo you need for your Gua Sha routine. The Gua Sha tools from The Coucou Club are our personal favourites. They fit comfortably in the hand, are beautifully rounded and therefore easy to use. There’s a Gua Sha made from 100% natural rose quartz; this stone symbolises empathy, calm, beauty and stimulates creativity and imagination. Or will you go for the Jade Gua Sha? Jade symbolises purification, protection and balance, and helps you let go of negative emotions and irritation.
And then, of course, you’ll need a moisturiser, oil or serum to make the exfoliation go smoothly. This could be one from your regular skincare routine. As far as we’re concerned, a facial oil with the properties of a serum is the ideal product for this. Take, for example, the Face Oils by Sunday Riley. For skin that’s a bit more prone to blemishes, there’s the U.F.O. Ultra Clarifying Treatment Oil, and for those who want to enjoy the benefits of vitamin C, the C.E.O. Face Oil is perfect. Do you use the Gua Sha before bed? Then combine it with your regular dose of retinol using the Luna Sleeping Night Oil.
Would you like to focus on the neck and jawline? If so, Dr. Brandt’s Neck Sculpting Cream is ideal; it comes with a rose quartz Gua Sha. Neck Sculpting Cream contains an innovative, groundbreaking formula that specifically targets loose skin under the chin.
Would you like to use it on your body as well? The Coucou Club has recently started selling a Gua Sha stone for your body. It’s the perfect tool for pampering your lower body, neck and shoulder muscles and helping you relax. It also treats cellulite, stimulates blood circulation, reduces swelling and relieves tension and muscle pain – plenty of reasons to give it a go. You use The Coucou Club’s Body Gua Sha in combination with a body oil or cream by making upward strokes across the body.
Are you looking for a lovely Body Oil? Then why not try Aesop’s Breathless Massage Oil, rich in vitamin E and nut oil to soften the skin. Or Le Labo’s Santal 33 Body Oil, which lets you scent your body with your favourite sandalwood fragrance.
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