Gua Sha is the ancient Chinese practice using a flat gemstone tool to “scrape” the skin to stimulate the circulatory & lymphatic system which, in turn, smooths fine lines & wrinkles, decreases under-eye puffiness and plumps, tightens and brightens the skin.
Like its close cousin, the jade roller, facial gua sha is a massage technique designed to relieve tension in the muscles of the face, boost blood circulation and encourage lymphatic drainage to banish bloat. It helps break up fascia — the connective tissue that hugs muscles but can sometimes interfere with optimal circulation — and can even help to make your face look slimmer (albeit temporarily).
As with jade rollers, gua sha is best performed on clean skin that’s been primed with a serum or moisturizer to fend off excess friction. Angling the gua sha tool as close to parallel with your skin as possible (you don’t want to dig the edge straight in like you’re chopping), place the fingers of your free hand close to the tool’s edge to provide some resistance, and then gently sweep the tool up and out toward the perimeter of your face. At the end of each stroke, give the tool a little extra wiggle to help release the tension (the edges of the face are chock-full of overworked muscle and ligament connections). Repeat each stroke three times — you can build up to more once you’ve learned your skin’s tolerance, but do not exceed 10— concentrating on puff-prone areas, like the cheeks and under-eyes.
When it comes to choosing the right tool, the sheer array of shapes, sizes and materials can be daunting, but it all really comes down to personal preference. For maximum versatility, you want a tool with at least one longer straight or slightly curved edge, one small curve to use around the eye area, and a divot or "V" shape that can fit against the angle of the jaw. Beyond that, you merely want to choose a tool that feels comfortable in your hand.
Last year, we added gua sha to our Enhancement Menu (have you tried it yet?) and our clients have been loving the natural anti-aging results. This January we’re incorporating the powerful effects of gua sha with our *NEW* Anti-Gravity Facial that features Eminence Organic Biodynamic® products. This facial a new L+H staff favorite to receive!
*NEW*
The Anti-Gravity Facial
An Ultimate Facial – $139 | Members – $119
Try this seasons newest facial that combines Eminence Organic’s new Biodynamic® products that are loaded with powerful nutrients (due to the strictest of organic farming standards) and combines them with the ancient Chinese practice of gua sha massage using a gemstone tool to dramatically increase elasticity, lifting and brightness. Enjoy this unique combination of holistic technique and unusually high nutrients and active ingredients that deliver powerful anti-gravity results that are the ultimate in pureness and performance!
