UNFILTERED
WITH TEGAN FORD,
HEALTH COACH AND ESTHETICIAN
FROM
Q: What the hell is gua sha anyway?
A: Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese medicine technique meaning “to scrape (Gua) and bring blood flow to the area (Sha)”. It was developed by ancient practitioners for improving immune function, draining the lymphatic system, increasing circulation, and relieving muscle tension. The more traditional usage is done all over the body with repetitive scraping motions that create temporary bruising (sha) that we also see in other techniques such as cupping. While you can still receive that type of professional treatment, more modernly it’s been adapted to be used as an at-home tool for gently moving lymph fluid and easing tension in the face, neck, and chest.
Q: Is there a right or wrong way to do it?
A: Yes! The lymphatic vessels that run through the tissue of the skin flow in one direction so learning the basics is important. That said, I will note that if you were to massage in the wrong direction it would temporarily back-log the flow and accumulate in the tissue but would resume flowing in the right direction once you stop since it will always flow one way on its own. So don’t be too scared of messing up, just remember “middle of the face outwards towards the ears and down the neck to the collarbone” and you’ll be on the right track.
Q: Can I just use my hands or do I need a fancy tool?
A: Both are highly effective and I personally switch back and forth between the two. What is helpful about using tools such as Gua Sha stones, spoons, or brushes is that it takes the power out of your hands, making the technique of gentle pulsing and gliding more possible. It also sets your mind into a mode of completing the routine and actually spending time on it. I like to apply my skincare products with increasing lymph flow in mind, like a little microdose boost. Creating flow in the body is accumulative and every drop counts.
Q: Realistically, what results can someone expect after doing gua sha?
A: There’s both immediate and cumulative results that come with regular Gua Sha use. After massaging your face and neck for roughly 2-7 minutes you should see a decrease in puffiness primarily around the eyes and jawline which is where lymph fluid tends to stagnant. You can also expect increased product absorption and clearer sinuses. Overtime, you will improve your skin’s ability to detox, increase tonality, and release tension resulting in an overall more refreshed look to your skin and face structure.
Q: How often should you do this ritual for the best results?
A: Ideally once a day during your morning or evening skincare routine. If that doesn’t seem realistic, use it when you feel particularly dull, puffy, or stagnant. I often encourage my clients who menturate to focus on increasing flow and detox throughout their body in the Luteal Phase which is the 7-10 days leading up to their period since that is generally when we see an increase in hormone-related problems in the skin such as acne, inflammation, and water retention. Ask yourself “how could I fit this into my routine in a way that feels attainable and sustainable?”
Q: Is gua sha for everyone?
A: Mostly! Especially the gentle, westernized version demonstrated in most tutorials. The people who want to proceed with caution are those experiencing cystic acne, cancer, compromised immune function, and those taking blood thinners. If you fall into one or more of these categories consult your doctor or trained body worker to get personalized advice on best practices for you.
Q: With the rise of fillers and botox, why should we add gua sha to our routine?
A: I think there’s room for it all at the table. Whether you want to avoid injections all together or get them regularly, Gua Sha can improve the overall tone and health of your skin. I like to remind clients that the goal of cosmetic injections is to impact facial structure within the muscles and sub-dermis layers which does change how you look but doesn't improve skin health as a whole. I personally engage in both since that’s what works for me and I don’t believe you have to choose. Simply put, Gua Sha can never achieve what facial balancing injections can and vice versa. Using a Gua Sha goes beyond just looks, it improves the overall functionality of the skin and your lymphatic system. They may have cross over effects but are fundamentally doing different things.
*It’s important to note that for anyone who does get regular injections you want to be careful to not engage with Gua Sha or intense facial massage for roughly 10-14 days post-treatment. Additionally, increasing detox in the areas you received botox may cause you to metabolize it faster, shortening its time in effect. Everyone is different on that front but a notable PSA nonetheless. IMO a regular Gua Sha routine can be a nice complement to cosmetic injections.
Notes–
For extra tonality or deeper tension release, start with heavier handed movements for sculpting and then switch to the gentle draining. This will ensure that the blood and lymph fluid that was gathered with the deeper pressure is moved in the right direction afterwards. You can also use a Gua Sha stone on acupressure points for a gentle lift as well.
Find Tegan @theroutineservice
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