According to the best specialists in the field of oriental spa, massage with a guasha scraper, which is made from onyx or jade plates, can cure many diseases. This is due to the healing properties of the natural materials of the scraper, which can heal stress and affect cell regeneration. Perhaps not quite like the truth. However, there really is an effect after this massage. And there are several explanations for this.
Guasha: What is It?
This is a famous beauty gadget, with the help of which body and face massage is performed. Guasha is also a special ancient Chinese massage technique. The scraper is quite pleasant to the touch thanks to the smooth surface, which was previously made from natural materials such as stones, wood, bones. Nowadays, a face and body guasha scraper is more often found from materials such as: quartz, jade, onyx.
With this device, you can perform the following types of massages:
- general massage of the whole body;
- massage of the neck and collar zone;
- facial massage;
- Anticellulite massage.
What Is the Secret of Guasha?
Anti-cellulite massage with a guasha scraper has been famous for its healing properties for centuries. The mention of him first appeared in the ancient East. Both in those days and now, he is very popular among many girls.
The advantage of this massage is that anti-aging therapy at home is convenient and simple. After all, there is no need for additional, special tools and devices, as well as possession of special medical knowledge.
The secret of the guasha scraper lies in its wide range of actions and beneficial effects on the entire body:
- rejuvenation, lifting effect;
- improved blood flow;
- toning the skin of the body and face;
- fight against puffiness;
- lymphatic drainage of the skin;
- relaxation of muscles.
After the first session, you can see the results: the skin is more toned and less swollen. After all, guasha actively affects the lymphatic system of the body, thanks to which it is also possible to get rid of such a problem as cellulite. Another advantage of this massage technique is the elimination of toxins from the body. This effect is achieved through lymph drainage and blood flow. In general, gua sha massage has a beneficial effect on the whole body and general well-being.
The choice of the scraper shape depends on which parts of the body will be worked out:
- anti-cellulite massage: square or rectangular large;
- face massage: hearts, check marks, fish;
- body massage: hearts, square or rectangular T-shirts;
- head massage: combs, T-shirts, hearts.
The massage procedure involves special movements that should be performed strictly along the massage lines of the face and body. After such a massage, the appearance of red or scarlet marks on the skin is considered a completely natural phenomenon. They occur due to small hemorrhages, which do not pose a danger to the body and are beneficial.
How to Choose a Guasha Scraper: More about Shapes
For scrubbing massage of guasha, you can purchase special plates that have different shapes and are made of different materials. When choosing, you should adhere to the main rule – the edges of the plates should be extremely smooth, without defects, so as not to damage the skin.
Scallop
Scrapers in the form of scallops or small rectangular plates are used to massage the head. They have 2 to 4 ears. The plate with two ears is used to treat the spine. It was noticed that after the massage with scallop scrapers, the headache disappears, spasms are relieved, and hair growth increases.
Boomerang
The scraper is a L-shaped plate with one side slightly longer than the other. Convenient for massaging small areas (corners of lips or eyes).
Spoon
The spoon-shaped scraper is very easy to use. The massage is carried out both with the rounded end of the handle and with the concave part.
Foot
The scraper in the form of an irregularly shaped foot allows you to work on any area. All sides are functional here.
Heart
The square or heart-shaped plates are designed to massage large areas of the body, such as the back. It is also widely used to work out the areas under the eyes.
Small fish Guasha
The fish-shaped gouache scraper is not only used for small bends. It is widely used for large areas of the face and body.
How to Use Guasha Properly?
The main rule before starting the procedure is to cleanse the skin with makeup remover cleansing balm. In case you have dry skin, you need to use moisturizers:
- face cream;
- moisturizing serum;
- natural oil for face and body.
The main requirement when performing a massage is to carry out the scraper exclusively along the massage lines. For example, from the nose up to the middle of the forehead, from the corners of the mouth to the ears, from the middle of the forehead to the temporal part. When working on areas such as the neck and décolleté, it is necessary to scrape up to the chin.
During the procedure, two scrapers are often used at once: to work out the left and right sides of the face. One scraper can work both sides of the face in turn.
The duration of the procedure varies depending on the number of previously performed massages. Ten minutes will be enough for beginners. Further, it is recommended to increase the session time to forty minutes.
Features of the plates
Guasha plates are a godsend for those who wish to have a radiant, healthy and toned face and body. The advantage is their ease of use and subsequent care: after the massage, it will be enough to wash them with soap. However, it is important to note one drawback: due to the fact that they are made of natural materials, they are fragile and can easily break. Therefore, when working with them, accuracy is very important.
The Main Contraindications When Using Guasha Scrapers
Damage to the integrity of the skin
One of the main contraindications for the use of beauty devices is damage to the skin – abrasions, scratches, healing irritations on the skin, inflammation.
It is recommended to wait until the skin lesions “heal” and only then move on to using a beauty gadget.
Make-up and poorly cleansed skin
An important point of using any face gadget is skin cleansing. You can cleanse with any means suitable for the type of skin – milk, foam, gel, mousse for washing. And only after cleansing the skin, you can start working with the gadget. The idea of making an express massage with ready-made makeup, for example, using a cold roller, to reduce swelling and “refresh” the face will increase microcirculation and increase the likelihood of inflammatory processes in the skin.
Lack of a systematic approach
The use of devices for the face is one of the course procedures, so it is important to observe the frequency of beauty rituals. It is necessary to observe both the intervals between procedures and between courses, the number of procedures and their duration. This moment is especially important for beauty gadgets that use any kind of energy. Despite home use, as in any physiotherapy, periodicity is also important here, because you cannot constantly use, for example, microcurrents or ultrasonic cleansing gadgets.
Cosmetology procedures
Beauty gadgets cannot be used immediately after the procedures performed in the beautician’s office. Moreover, it can be both medical procedures – such as injections of botulinum toxin and correction with fillers, as well as peelings, cleansing. Earlier than two weeks after the cosmetic procedures, it is not recommended to start using any gadget. So, for example, with the help of a guasha massage, fillers that have recently been introduced during the procedure can be displaced.
Which Stone of Guasha to Choose ?
According to oriental medicine, each stone has a certain effectiveness:
Nephritis. Has a healing effect: soothes, increases energy, eliminates bags under the eyes, fights against age-related changes. The roller increases the tone, relieving puffiness, and the scraper works out the deep muscle structures of the body. Best suited for zodiac signs such as Aquarius, Libra and Gemini.
Rose quartz. Helps get rid of toxins and puffiness, as well as improves circulation and fights wrinkles. The heart-shaped plate works the muscles to improve circulation. The roller helps restore turgor and prevents ptosis (prolapse of soft tissues). Rose quartz is the stone of Aries, Sagittarius, Leo, Aquarius, Capricorns and Libra.
Aventurine. Used in the treatment of dermatitis, restores sleep and enhances self-esteem. A roller and a scraper are used for a comprehensive massage of the body, head and face, which helps to normalize the flow of lymph and eliminate edema. The complex effect allows you to smooth out wrinkles, sculpt the cheekbones and facial contours. In terms of energy, aventurine is suitable for Gemini, Scorpio, Pisces, Cancer, Virgo and Taurus.
Thanks for reading. More about skin care you can read here.