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Introducing Gua Sha.

Introducing Gua Sha.

So the word sounds a little bit like a sneeze, but I can assure you that the results are nothing to cough at. It’s called guasha, from the Chinese word Gua (to rub or scrape) and Sha (red), and it is the number one thing that you should be including in your regular beauty routine. I’ve been using this technique on my clients for a little while and have had the pleasure of seeing great results in their skin’s overall texture and glow.. Still not convinced? Then it’s time to take a moment to get acquainted with the ancient practice of guasha. 

What is Guasha?
Practiced for thousands of years, guasha is the tricky-to-say but easy-to-love healing technique works by stimulating blood circulation beneath the top layer of your skin. Sometimes referred to as spooning or coining, it’s a technique that we incorporate into every ritual as way to encourage lymphatic drainage and plump up tired skin. The massage technique works by reducing tension in the facial muscles and softening wrinkles which gives an overall younger complexion. As the guasha is pulled across the surface of the skin, it releases built up toxins and allows them to drain away, giving an overall lifted appearance.

How is it performed?
You should always begin by preparing your skin by giving it a thorough cleanse followed by a gentle massage with a facial oil like the 24 kt gold MOHI oil . I call this one 'liquid gold' . This step is crucial to ensuring your safety and comfort during the treatment. If you don’t prepare your skin properly you’re going to have a bad time. Once your skin is prepped and ready to go you begin by firmly but gently (!) rolling the curved edge of the guasha scraper across your skin. For added lymphatic draining benefits try starting in the centre of your face and work your way outwards in long, quick strokes. You might notice your skin starts to look a little bit red or irritated but don’t panic! The redness will go down within a few minutes as your face begins to cool down. While there are a lot of products out there that are designed to perform guasha, I cannot live without mine. I love it so much that I have created a new facia, which includes your very own rose quartz gua sha to take home and use! 

Check out my simple nightly at home gua sha ritual in this video we recently filmed

How to use Gua Sha with Natalie Sellars, Kindred Toxin Free Facials from Deane and Co on Vimeo.

 

What are the benefits?
Studies have shown that the practice of guasha triggers the release of a hormone called heme-oxygenase-1. It’s not exactly catchy but it sets of a chemical reaction that stimulates the production of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecules in our body to work more efficiently.

The process of massaging your skin with a guasha tool encourages blood to rise to the surface of the skin.This kick starts your body’s natural healing process which leads to increased collagen production, more even skin tone and firmer skin all round - think of it as a pilates class for your face. After regular use you’ll begin to notice that your skin is plumper and brighter and with far less visible lines.  Some of my clients have even noticed results after just one use!

How often should I do it?
For long lasting results, I recommend maintaining regular ritual. However don’t get carried away! 2-3 times a week is plenty. After all, you don’t want to end up doing more harm than good.