Sha gua is an ancient healing practice that has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which has actually evolved from a modality of healing. Today, we’re all chatting and rolling jade sha gua, and if two things, the difference between work and the worth within the beauty community, it has really gained traction in the last 10 years.
Is gua sha truly effective and what exactly is gua sha? Being one of the numerous instruments in Traditional Chinese Medicine, gua sha has been utilized for millennia and is not a recent technique. Its literal meaning is stroking and is occasionally known as “stroking”. TCM specialists employ it to promote blood circulation and the flow of “qi” or vital energy throughout the body by utilizing gentle strokes. Historically, it has been employed to alleviate pain and relieve tension in tissues and muscles, as well as to dissolve scar tissue. Its applications are extensive.
There are many benefits of skincare for sha gua. Specifically, the beauty community has started seeing its own benefits and has jumped onto the sha gua training tool in the last few years.
What About Jade Rolling?
Okay, so now let’s understand what’s sha and gua, which is a type of rolling jade. It is a specific tool that makes doing gua on yourself easier. The nifty tool allows for stimulation and rolling of the lymphatic system without having to stare into your mirror while doing it.
So what are the benefits of facial gua sha treatment?
Enhanced lymphatic drainage in the face (improved blood flow)-reduced inflammation and acne scars-relief from tension in facial muscles-decreased
My face looked less red and puffy, and appeared firmer. I usually book 48 hours off to let my face recover. I had never left a facial without my face looking red and puffy before. When I walked out, I immediately saw the results, but I had no idea what was going on. The first time my esthetician gave me a sha gua facial, I learned about the incredible skincare ritual from Katie.
Does Gua Sha actually work?
Personally, I’m not 100% convinced that sha gua skincare will solve all your woes, but I have found that it can make you feel nice and help relieve headache and jaw tension. It certainly doesn’t hurt, but I’m not entirely convinced that it can prevent signs of aging or reduce wrinkles and fine lines as People swear it does. The jury is still out on whether Botox, a natural alternative, can do the same. Having a sha gua tool and using it on your face (or hands) can help stimulate your lymphatic system and reduce redness and inflammation, thus aiding in healing your skin. Anecdotally, practitioners claim it does help.
Does jade rolling work?
When it comes to the end of the day, whether you use rolling jade or sha gua, consistency is the key. Making consistent practice easier is actually a matter of personal perspective, but rolling jade is not as effective as sha gua in my opinion. The benefits of sha gua, like rolling jade, include potentially reducing signs of aging, relieving muscle pain, and reducing scarring and redness.
You also need to understand how to use them. You just need the right tools. You can absolutely practice sha gua at home. What I would have to do is to do this on my face every day (while there is nothing that compares to having a professional sha gua performed on you, Katie).
There are tons of different types of tools out there, such as rollers, combs, and jade made from amethyst, rose quartz, or others, which are important for you to learn more about the benefits of crystals. It’s less important that you have the perfect tool and more important that you have the technique down.
Before I show you how to use your gua sha tools, including a jade roller (one of the best things about facial tools), I want to quickly mention a few things below!
Don’t stress too much about what your tool is made of, as it is perfectly fine – just make sure it glides easily across your skin, like a smooth surface made of porcelain or stone, similar to jade.
You do not need to spend an arm and a leg on tools. Just order one from Amazon. Mom and everyone will tell you that sha gua is the best tool.
THIS is the gua sha implement I utilize.
Here are some important aspects you should be aware of when it comes to gua sha:
1) Always proceed in the direction of your lymph nodes:
Start your gua sha ritual for a minimum of 5 minutes or more once the oil has been applied to your face and continue with your usual skincare routine (cleanse, tone, serum, oil). Ensure that the skin is adequately hydrated.
Apply gentle pressure while using this edge to scrape along the chin in case your tool has a depression. Excessive force could lead to bruising or worsen inflammation. It is unnecessary to apply excessive pressure when using the tool on your face since the lymphatic system is activated by gentle strokes. Use light pressure and avoid exerting too much force.
4) If desired, store your tool in the refrigerator or freezer. The cooling effect of the stone can help minimize redness.
It is normal for your face to be a little red after using these tools, as they increase blood flow to this area. After using your tools, your face may be a bit red for a little while. I like to do this routine in the morning, so my face is back to normal by night.
6) Clean your tools after use to prevent bacteria build-up -pretty self explanatory. 
How to use a Jade Roller
THIS is the jade rolling device I possess.
Now let’s discuss the process of jade rolling.Output: Now
1) Always travel towards the direction of your lymph nodes.
Start using a jade roller for a minimum of 5 minutes or more once the oil is applied to your face and continue with your regular skincare routine (cleanse, tone, apply serum, moisturize) as the 4th step.
Apply gentle pressure while using the jade roller on your face, in order to stimulate the lymphatic system without exerting too much force.
4) Store your jade roller in the fridge or freezer, if desired. The cool touch of the stone can help decrease redness.
Your face may appear a little red after using your roller jade for a short period of time. My face returns to normal in the morning, so I like to do it at night.
6) Clean your jade roller after use to prevent bacteria build-up
Do you feel encouraged to try out jade rolling or sha gua practices? As a holistic esthetician who specializes in lymphatic drainage facial, I can assure you that these practices can lead to drastic improvement in scarring acne, reducing redness and making your skin smoother.
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