‘How To’ Gua Sha

Suggested Use

• Start by setting an intention for your treatment.
• Then apply a thin layer of oil to clean skin, on your face and neck.
• Work bottom to top to reinforce lifting action. You can perform passes in an upward direction on the front of the neck, however all passes on the side of the neck should always be down towards your clavicle (collar bone) area beginning directly below the earlobe.
• Use 3-5 Gua Sha strokes on each area.
• Use tool at a 30 degree angle to skin, with medium pressure. The flatter the gua sha tool is to the skin, the more contact the stones surface has on the skin, which will increase the benefits.
• Don’t force your way through the tissue, allow the tissue to glide you through each section. Use light pressure on the delicate skin around eyes.
• Use your free hand to gently secure the skin in the opposite direction that the tool is moving.
• Safe for daily use, however it is suggested to use ~15 minutes or less.
• Wash tool with hot soapy water after use.

Notes

• When time allows and for best practice. Begin by using light pressure for opening lymph areas, then medium to firm pressure for lifting and contouring and then ending again with light pressure to stimulate lymph drainage.
  • Light-medium pressure= Enhancing lymphatic drainage
  • Medium-firm pressure= Lifting, contouring, and minimizing facial tension and tight fascia
• The most important thing to note when working with lymphatic system is to always open the channels to increase flow before sending more fluid towards that area. Always start below and work your way up.
• Our main collection areas, the site where we work on moving waste to be eliminated, when working on the face will be to first open the décolleté area, by lightly gliding from midline of the body out to under arm area. 3-6 passes.
• Next, open the neck by working down the side of the neck, starting right below the ear lobe, sending fluid down towards the clavicle area (collar bone). Repeat 3-6 passes.
• Once the décolleté and neck are opened on both sides you can begin working up the face. Starting again, midline of the face, always sliding tool outwards towards ear. Lastly, working upward and then out on forehead. Generally, 3-6 passes in each area is good practice.
• If you would like to then focus on lifting and contouring, you can now repeat those steps using more of a medium to firm pressure. Starting in the middle of the faces, working out towards ear, following the natural contours of the face with a little hold and jiggle at the end of each pass.

Benefits

• Helps clear, smooth, plump, tighten and rejuvenate skin.
• Stimulates circulation, bringing a rosy pink glow to the skin.
• Reduces under-eye circles and puffiness.
• Works with the muscle fascia and lymphatic system to encourage circulation and detoxification.