Gua Sha and Clean Beauty
The bottom line is we all want beautiful, healthy skin. As we get older this becomes even more of a priority. Luckily we have access to wonderful skincare products that are organic and promote a clean beauty regime. As my love of wellness has deepened over the years, finding a way to stay natural with my skincare routine has become increasingly important.
I LOVE the idea of getting a facial every week but let’s be realistic… it is not affordable for most of us. It would be amazing to have access to the newest skincare treatments but who has $500+ to spend at the drop of a hat?
That is why Gua Sha is such a wonderful mind body approach to beautiful, youthful skin. If you are just hearing about this technique - welcome! My fabulous esthetician Lili Mineni introduced me to this traditional Chinese technique last year and I fell in love. Lili specializes in working with the skin from a holistic approach. She believes deeply that not all skincare is created equal and that we should use natural products with as much care as we choose our organic food.
So what is Gua Sha?
This ancient technique is all about lymphatic drainage, circulation, and muscle contouring. Our face holds onto so many emotions and gua sha is a way to tap into every muscle and release the stress.. With a gentle gliding pressure, the muscle returns to its youthful position. Gua Sha brings life back to muscles that have been dormant.
The lymphatic system is maybe the most profoundly affected by the Gua Sha technique. The lymph system is our drainage system. Gua sha helps to restore the flow of life to our faces by helping to move stagnant and blocked energy. Often where we see the effects of aging in our jowls and our under eye is where the lymph system needs to be flushed.
Gua sha helps to restore the flow of life to our faces by helping to move stagnant and blocked energy.
This daily or weekly routine allows you to take time for yourself and helps you connect to what is happening in your face and therefore your life. Things to note, always start on your neck which opens up your lymph system and allows the lymph to drain once you get to your face. Feel free to use each edge of the tool to your advantage.
Steps for Gua Sha
Start with a clean face
Use a light layer of oil
Use a Gua Sha Tool - either jade or rose quartz - each holds a different property
Always start on your neck - then follow with the left side of our face first & finish with the right
5 min is all it takes
Use light, mindful strokes, be present
Gently wash your tool after your massage
Be gentle if you have breakouts or rosacea, go lighter or open up the inflammation around the area first to allow it to release
The amazing thing is you will see the results within a week! You may even see results immediately. From my experience, I can see the tension I hold around my mouth improve tremendously after Gua Sha massage. Instant face lift, yes please! Expect to also see improvement in pigmentation and rosacea from reduced inflammation.
Click here for this fabulous Gua Sha tutorial by Gothamista on Youtube.
Enjoy this moment you are giving to yourself with this wellness practice. Be present.
Please feel to reach out with any questions!