FACIAL GUA SHA
Gua Sha stones were traditionally only made from Jade, but there are now many other crystals/gemstones to choose from that have their own unique therapeutic properties and benefits. Chinese philosophy is that gemstones support Jing Qi (life essence), blood circulation and lymphatic drainage Jade and Rose Quartz stones are most common today.
TYPE OF GUA SHA STONES
Jade represents wisdom, balance and peace. It is a highly calming stone, which makes it great for irritated skin conditions as well as warding off stress and anxiety. It helps improve skin elasticity, encourages lymphatic drainage and helps prevent wrinkles. It is naturally cooling which helps counter the heat generated by Gua Sha. It is thought to balance yin and yang and is a great all-purpose stone that is good for contouring, lifting, and improving skin clarity.
Rose Quartz is a calming stone that is ideal for reactive or sensitive skin, along with skin conditions such as rosacea and acne. It’s also believed to open up the heart chakra. Optimum use of Rose Quartz is thought to enhance the natural energy patterns of the day.
White/Clear Quartz is considered a master healer benefiting all systems of the body. It absorbs, stores, releases and regulates energy and is useful for unblocking it. Stimulates the immune system and brings the body back into balance. Suitable for sensitive skin, a master healer crystal. It is believed to benefit every chakra in the body. It is used to amplify positive energy and intentions, useful if you are dealing with negative energy.
Amethyst stone has many detoxifying skincare benefits. This protective stone will amplify the flow of harmony while relieving stress and promoting relaxation. The Amethyst stone will rid your skin of free radicals and toxins while providing your skin with a clean, refreshed feel and appearance.
Black Obsidian stone is known “The Stone Of Self-Acceptance” and helps you embrace all aspects of your physical and emotional self. It is a powerful grounding stone that quickly blocks all forms of negativity. Black Obsidian naturally retains warmth and is great to use on congested, blemish prone skin. It is known to increase the absorption of Vitamins C and D.
You can find various shapes and sizes of Gua Sha tools that have various benefits for the face and body.
BENEFITS OF GUA SHA:
- Relieve tension headaches and migraines – Gua Sha breaks up muscle adhesions to relieve tension and pain
- Reduce puffiness in the face by increasing lymphatic drainage – This helps get rid of toxins from the body
- Loosen tight jaw muscles to help with TMJ
- Help with fine lines, sagging skin, and cellulite by helping collagen production – It does not give dramatic results and is not considered a replacement for Botox, fillers, laser, or surgery
- Alleviate sinus pressure
- Increase blood circulation and flow to improve complexion and skin tone (acne and dermatitis) – This helps bring oxygen and nutrients to the skin
- Enhance the immune system
- Alleviate anxiety
- Help combat fatigue
- Reduce insomnia
- Perimenopausal symptoms – Women in one study found it helped with mood changes, sleep issues, and hot flashes
WHO SHOULDN’T BE USING GUA SHA TOOLS
There are clients with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications who may not be able to have Gua Sha and should check with their doctors first.
- Bleeding disorders
- Blood thinners
- Circulatory problems
- Diabetes
- Elderly patients with thin skin
- Recent surgery
- Pregnancy or nursing
- Active bacterial or viral infection in the treatment area
- Stroke
- Seizures
- Kidney problems
- Cystic acne
- Skin type prone to scarring or hyperpigmentation
FACIAL ROLLERS
Most commonly made from Jade or Rose Quartz. Some have two roller balls, and some look like a tiny rolling pin with rollers of varying sizes fixed to both ends of the handle. The simple act of massaging your face with a face roller has a ton of benefits for your skin. It may even reduce stress and release tension, just like a body massage would. You’ll also find face rollers made of amethyst, obsidian, metal
BENEFITS OF FACIAL ROLLERS
- Improves blood circulation in your face. Using a face roller can stimulate blood flow to your face, which may help make your skin look brighter
- Decreases puffiness. Rolling may also decrease puffiness (like under-eye bags) by stimulating lymphatic drainage, decreases in swelling
- Facial massage can improve your mood
- Facial massage may enhance the look of skin
- Cools and soothes your skin
- Distributes skin care product
FACIAL CUPPING
Facial Cupping is an alternative therapy that uses suction cups to stimulate your skin and muscles. The suction promotes increased blood circulation, which may help relieve muscle tension, promote cell repair, and aid in other regeneration. It’s also sai improves the flow of your “qi” (pronounced “chee”). Qi is a Chinese word meaning life force. Body cupping is slightly differint then facial cupping, facial cups are typically smaller and softer. They’re used to gently pull the skin away from deeper layers of fascia. This increases blood flow to the area and rejuvenates the skin without leaving cup marks behind such as the body cups do.
TYPES OF FACIAL CUPPINGS
There are 3 types of cups that are used in facial cupping: Silicone, Plastic and Glass.
SILICONE CUPPING:
Cups that are unbreakable, flexible, soft material, silicone cupping set is a good option. Great option for flexibility and for massages that involve more motions, can adapt to the contours of your face and won’t fall off easily. the downsides of silicone cups are that it can be harder to get an intense degree of suction.
PLASTIC CUPPING:
They are more flexible, a wide variety of compression forces and manipulation techniques can be used with them without the risk of cracking or shattering as with glass. Their rubbery material makes them easy to grip and move around the body surface without slipping unintentionally.durable and easy to disinfect. They are easier to get intense suction with them than with silicone cups, and they’re more durable than glass cups.
GLASS CUPPING:
They offer a smooth gliding experience over the skin, easiest cups to use, the cups have a soft rubber bulb that allows you to achieve an intense degree of suction easily. As opposed to plastic cups, they’re also the smoothest, coolest cups to the touch, which makes them particularly good at relieving pouches under the eyes, relaxing muscles and soothing skin. Tightest seal, being more rigid and less likely to have any small air leaks around the edges. However, the rigid material means the potential for scratching, nicking on edges, or even full breakage if dropped or improperly handled.
BENEFITS OF FACIAL CUPPING
Facial cupping has been shown to:
- increase oxygen-rich blood circulation
- strengthen skin and connective tissues
- stimulate cells responsible for collagen production
- relax muscle tension
Because of this, the practice is said to:
- brighten skin
- minimize the appearance of scars, fine lines, and wrinkles
- tone chin, jawline, neck, and décolletage
- decrease puffiness
- regulate oil production
- improve nutrient delivery and product absorption