When it comes to self care, the little things can go a long way. One of our favourite little tools, which you can carry in even the smallest of handbags, is our Rose Quartz Gua Sha Beauty Tool. Gua sha tools and techniques have actually been around for a long time, quite literally ancient. Although gua sha is an old technique utilised in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, used correctly, it can have some seriously renewing benefits. Gua sha and Acupressure are age old friends that can have a long line of benefits, and the best part about it - you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home to have it done or reap the benefits.
By massaging and applying pressure on the face with your gua sha, it can help to smooth out wrinkles, relieve stress and tension, relieve sinus pressure, stimulate lymphatic drainage (which can cause puffiness), increase energy and promote a brighter complexion - yes to all the above please! Gua sha tools come in many different shapes, sizes and materials. We've chosen rose quartz, which has been said to encourage healing, compassion, peace and tenderness. The stone also has a cooling effect on our skin; one our puffy eyes will feel invigorated by first thing in the morning.
When you see the facial anatomy underneath the skin, like lymphatic glands and muscles, you can see why gua sha tools are so effective when utilised. Before using your gua sha, it helps to apply an oil or hydrating mist (such as our Glow Mist) to ensure it can slide with ease across the skin. We’ve included a facial map with some directional tips for gliding and dancing your gua sha across your face for optimal glowy benefits below.
We also caught up with stress management + women’s hormone specialist and teacher of all things ‘accu’ at Endeavor College, Rebecca Hill. Outlined below are her favourite uses of gua sha.
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Gua sha is a method used to move stagnant old blood or invigorate blood circulation. While this ancient method has risen to fame recently for beauty therapy and use on the face, it’s also a very handy tool to achieve many different health outcomes.
This massaging movement stimulates our lymphatic system, helping our organs function optimally by breaking up any stagnation and toxins trapped within the body.
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Gua sha used over acupoint GB21 (which is located in the centre of the trapezius muscle) releases tension in the shoulders and draws out stagnant blood, otherwise known as a knot, to increase circulation to the head and neck. Guasha can also be used on the neck with long strokes from the occiput (base of the skull) all the way down to the shoulder blade. This is a great method to reduce stress build up in the muscles.
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Another tip to aid in digestion is using gua sha at acupoint ST 36 (lateral from the tibia on the knee) and stroking it down towards the foot repetitively. This method is particularly helpful if you are feeling nauseous, as in chinese medicine nausea can be caused by "rebellious qi' or energy heading upwards, instead of downwards. By using the gua sha tool you are encouraging the "qi" to move down and not upwards, which can upset the stomach.
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Gua sha is also amazing for loosening the muscles in the jaw, which tend to get tight with stress and a typical spot where tension gathers when we feel a little anxious.
- Gua sha is something you can even do whilst watching your favourite Netflix series, relaxing on multiple levels right there.
As you can see, when it comes to self care, Gua sha is not only smoothing and beautifying, but so great for our entire body and muscle tension caused by stress. We recommend using your gua sha in the mornings for a calm start to your day and at night for a relaxing muscular release before sleep. For an even bigger self love + care hit, use in combination with Glow Mist or Collagen Balm, your gua sha will be moving as smooth as a Michael Jackson moonwalk on top of these glossy foundations too!
Happy contouring!