Gua Sha Treatment

What is Gua Sha? (pronounced gwa-shah)

Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese treatment (it’s over 2,000 years old!) that includes the use of a small jade stone to gently massage, manipulate and stimulate specific energy points along the face and neck using a scraping motion which helps break up blood stagnation, release toxins, and promote lymphatic drainage.

In Chinese, gua translates to scratch or scrape and sha means heat or rash. Put together, they describe the ancient Chinese treatment of scraping. As we scrape the gua sha tool across the skin over targeted locations called meridian points and in specific directions known as meridian lines or pathways, you’ll start to feel your face instantly relax. It is one of many tools Chinese medicine uses to rejuvenate the skin naturally.

Facial gua sha is all about bringing movement and circulation to the skin to reduce inflammation, clear congestion, improve fine lines, sculpt, and more! The roots of gua sha lie in meridian theory, the foundation of traditional Chinese medicine. Meridian theory is based on qi, which flows through 670 meridian points that are similar to those used in acupuncture. On the face, there are 60 meridian points that each correspond to another part of the body, including internal organs. Ten of these facial meridian points are fundamental to gua sha meridian facial massage. That's why Gua Sha is also known as meridian massage.

Facial gua sha massage can be also described as exercise for the face, since it increases oxygen uptake, keeping skin radiant, toned, and healthy-looking. Also, often referred to as a natural alternative to Botox.

What Gua Sha tools do we use?

We use Green Nephrite tool patented by Cecily J Braden. According to Chinese culture, jade, in particular, is known as a healing and energizing and contains many beneficial minerals and trace elements that include copper, cobalt, iron, manganese, and calcium. The ergonomic design is carved to adapt to the shape and contours of the face. This little unique tool helps to make facial features appear more youthful and well rested.

What’s the process ? Gua Sha massage starts at the neck and we work our way up to the forehead. We are creating a clear path for the fluids in your face to drain. This holistic treatment gives an almost immediate lift and a radiant glow. Research performed at Harvard University has shown a 400 percent increase in microcirculation within seven and a half minutes after gua sha has been performed.

Benefits of Facial Gua Sha

Gua Sha is a holistic treatment and basically a miracle worker! Firms up your sagging facial muscles Smoothens the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles Improves dark circles and bags under the eyes, lifts sagging eyelids, reduces crow's feet Eases expression lines Increases collagen production Skin gets rosier and more radiant Makes the skin more receptive to skin care products, enhancing their effectiveness

Is this Gua Sha treatment right for me?

This treatment suits everyone! It gives an overall radiant, youthful appearance. There are no contraindications for this facial, it’s safe for expecting and breastfeeding mothers.

How many sessions will I need?

This can be done as many times at your discretion. After one treatment, facial contours are more lifted and defined. Clients feel relaxed and energized at the same time. Based on an Eastern Medicine technique, results are immediate and leave your face, not just your skin, more youthful, lifted, toned and radiant. Although, a series of 8-10 weekly sessions is recommended for more lasting and dramatic results.

What if I have fillers or Botox?

If you have fillers, you must wait 6 weeks before your Gua Sha treatment.