The Art of Using a Gua Sha Board

In recent years, the beauty and health industry has suddenly embraced natural beauty treatments, and hence gua sha therapy has emerged! This is an ancient therapy that requires a tool called a gua sha board. It involves applying pressure and scraping the skin to relieve tension, promote blood circulation, and facilitate healing. So, how should one use the gua sha board?

Gua Sha scrapers are usually made of natural materials such as jade or rose quartz, but they can also be made of stainless steel or from the horns of water buffaloes or cows. They come in various shapes and sizes to fit different parts of the body. The most common types include comb-shaped, triangular, wing-shaped/fish-shaped, and heart-shaped.

Gua sha therapy is known for its ability to relieve muscle tension, reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation, and stimulate lymphatic drainage. It can help reduce puffiness, smooth out wrinkles, brighten complexion and even enhance product absorption.

There are some preparations you need to make before start your gua sha session:

1. Cleanse your skin to prevent any dirt or bacteria from being pushed deeper into your pores during the session.

2. Apply oil or serum to prevent the scraper from causing any damage to the skin.

3. Depending on which area of your body you're working on, select an appropriate scraper.

Using Your Gua Sha Scraping Board

Now that you're prepared, it's time to start your gua sha session.

1. Grip the gua sha scraper firmly but gently, ensuring that you hold it at a 15-45 degree angle to your skin.

2. Apply medium pressure and start scraping in an outward direction. For the face, begin from the neck and work your way up to the forehead. The direction of the strokes should always be outward. For the body, work in long strokes towards the heart.

3.Each stroke should be repeated about 5-10 times before moving on to the next area.

4. Once you've covered all areas, finish off with some light strokes all over to soothe the skin.

After completing your gua sha session, it's crucial to take care of your skin and tool:

1. Drink plenty of water after a session to help flush out any toxins that have been released.

2. Clean your gua sha scraper with warm soapy water and dry it thoroughly before storing it away.

3.If you notice any redness or sensitivity after a session (which is normal), apply a soothing serum or moisturizer.

Using a gua sha board can be an excellent addition to your daily skincare and overall health maintenance routine. However, to see the effects of guasha therapy, consistency is key. Therefore, make sure to incorporate this practice into your regular self-care routine to achieve the best results.