The Traditional Chinese Medicine practice has promoted well-being for centuries, but now more than ever before, is trending for its endless physical and mental benefits. We spoke with spa pros on their favorite uses of gua sha and why it's the perfect add-on to their spa services.
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The Traditional Chinese Medicine practice has promoted well-being for centuries, but now more than ever before, is trending for its endless physical and mental benefits. We spoke with spa pros on their favorite uses of gua sha and why it's the perfect add-on to their spa services.
1. What are your favorite uses of gua sha for the face and body?
-Aimee Raupp, MS, LAc, advisor of Chinese Medicine, THE WELL: Gua sha is a versatile practice that bridges both beauty and wellness. Rooted in Chinese Medicine, it is a natural therapy that involves the gentle scraping of the skin with a jade massage tool to boost circulation. For the face, gua sha effectively improves blood flow, promotes lymphatic drainage, and alleviates muscle tension, contributing to a visibly brighter and more sculpted appearance. On the body, gua sha is equally impactful, helping to relieve muscle tightness and enhance circulation. It’s an excellent tool for addressing areas prone to stiffness or soreness, offering both therapeutic and restorative benefits.
-Natalie Pergar, lead skin care trainer, Éminence Organic Skin Care: Before using a facial gua sha, I like to chill it in the fridge for a refreshing, cooling effect. Once it’s chilled, I apply a hydrating facial oil to ensure the tool glides smoothly across the skin without tugging. Using medium, gentle pressure, I start with the neck, then move to the jawline, nasolabial folds, undereye area, eyebrows, and forehead, focusing on boosting microcirculation and relieving muscle tension. For the body, I like to use a larger, curved gua sha to target areas like the thighs, legs, and buttocks, paired with a nourishing body oil or lotion to enhance the glide and effectiveness. The gentle friction of the gua sha can help stimulate and break down fascia adhesions, release tension, and increase blood flow to the skin which can be excellent for minimizing the appearance of cellulite.
-Shawna Rocha, director or education, Hale & Hush: My favorite use for gua sha is during facial treatments, particularly during the masking step. For optimal results, I recommend using a thin, gel-based, aloe-based, or water-based mask, as these provide the ideal glide for the tool while nourishing the skin. Gua sha massage offers numerous benefits for the face, including:
- Reducing inflammation and soothing redness, making it ideal for sensitive or compromised skin.
- Enhancing circulation, which promotes a radiant and healthy complexion.
- Supporting lymphatic drainage, helping to move toxins and reduce puffiness.
- Softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin elasticity.
- Enhancing facial contours, such as defining the cheekbones and jawline, for a naturally sculpted look.
Integrating gua sha into facial treatments not only amplifies the therapeutic benefits, but also offers clients a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Related: Gua Sha Is the Latest Social Media Skin Care Trend
2. What are some of the physical and mental benefits of gua sha?
-Raupp: Gua sha offers both physical and mental benefits. Physically, it enhances circulation, reduces inflammation and relieves muscular tension. By stimulating lymphatic drainage, it helps to minimize puffiness and supports the body’s natural detoxification processes. Mentally, the gentle, soothing movements of gua sha help calm the nervous system, making it an effective tool for stress relief. This practice is particularly beneficial for those dealing with anxiety, as it encourages mindfulness and promotes a positive mood.
-Pergar: I love using gua sha both at home and during facial treatments because it’s so relaxing and restorative. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, gua sha is believed to help qi energy flow more freely through the body, which can bring a sense of mental balance. Physically, it’s amazing for boosting circulation, promoting lymphatic drainage and releasing muscle tension, leaving your skin looking healthier and more sculpted.
-Rocha: Physical Benefits:
- Promotes Metabolic Waste and Lymphatic Drainage: Encourages the removal of toxins and reduces puffiness.
- Improves Circulation: Boosts blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients for a healthy, radiant complexion.
- Reduces Inflammation: Soothes redness and calms irritation, making it suitable for sensitive or stressed skin.
- Relieves Muscle Tension: Eases tightness in the face, neck, and jaw, often linked to stress or clenching.
- Smooths Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Enhances skin elasticity and promotes a firmer, more youthful appearance.
- Contours Facial Features: Highlights natural structures like the cheekbones and jawline.
Mental Benefits:
- Promotes Relaxation: The gentle, rhythmic movements create a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety.
- Improves Mind-Body Connection: Encourages mindfulness, helping individuals tune into their body and breath.
- Eases Emotional Tension: Releases built-up stress stored in facial muscles, offering a sense of emotional release.
- Enhances Overall Well-Being: The soothing ritual of gua sha can help improve mood and provide a sense of renewal.
Gua sha facial massage offers a holistic approach, benefiting both the body and mind for a more balanced and rejuvenating experience.
3. How do you incorporate gua sha into your spa services and retail offerings?
-Raupp: At THE WELL New York, our Chinese Medicine team operates within a structured clinical framework to identify patterns of imbalance in the body and deliver personalized treatments tailored to each individual's unique wellness needs. Our comprehensive, full-body acupuncture sessions include a thorough assessment to create a customized plan that integrates the best practices of Chinese Medicine. Gua sha is often incorporated as a key therapy, guiding members and guests on their journey toward holistic health through the principles of Eastern medicine.
-Pergar: Gua sha is a great tool to incorporate into facial services, especially those focused on firming and sculpting. I like to include it during my massage step for added sculpting and muscle relaxation, as well as product absorption. I start by applying two to three drops of facial oil to the face and neck to create a smooth glide. Then I work in sections, placing the gua sha at the center of the face and gliding outward, repeating 10-20 strokes on each area. For retail offerings, I recommend pairing gua sha tools with facial oil, teaching clients how to use them at home to maintain their results between treatments.
-Rocha: I incorporate gua sha into spa services by adding it to any facial treatment for enhanced results, such as improved circulation and reducing inflammation. For retail, I offer gua sha tools and facial rollers, paired with an instructional video to empower clients to continue the benefits at home.
