The technique comes from Ancient China and dates back several thousand years. Due to its effectiveness, it is still actively used by modern beauty salons in Asian countries.
Translated from Chinese, Gua means “scrape” and Sha means “bad energy.”
It is performed with a special scraper, thanks to which the effect is deeper than with a regular massage. The smooth surface of the plate with rounded edges does not stretch or injure the skin.
Facial benefits:
- Improves blood circulation;
- rejuvenates and tones the skin;
- enhances collagen production;
- tightens the facial contour, creates a sculpting effect;
- reduces the severity of nasolabial folds and hollows under the eyes;
- eliminates swelling by stimulating lymph flow;
- accelerates metabolic processes;
- promotes the removal of toxins;
- relaxes muscles and relieves spasms.
Next, you will learn about how to massage correctly and in what sequence, as well as which scraper is best to use.
Description of the procedure
Those who have heard reviews from friends and seen “before and after” photos of the unusual procedure are trying to find answers to questions about gua sha. Its name is formed from two hieroglyphs (“gua sha”):
- "gua" is translated as "scraping movements in one direction";
- “sha” means disease, everything wrong that accumulates in the body.
Sha leaves the body through the skin during a special massage, which is carried out with scrapers and plates. There is a consistent impact on certain areas located on the human body and face. To put it simply, this is one of the effective ways to get rid of areas of stagnation in tissues . By the way, massage with a dry brush has a similar effect.
There are several types of gua sha:
- Cosmetic massage helps to cope with minor defects.
- Prophylactic is carried out in order to prevent the development of diseases.
- Therapeutic and diagnostic tests are performed when the disease has already been diagnosed in order to ease its course or completely get rid of health problems.
According to Chinese teachings, external negative factors affect the functioning of all organs and systems in the human body. Everything bad enters the body through the skin. It is logical that it should also come out through the skin.
While a person is sick, many decay products accumulate in his body, which over time begin to have a negative effect on the circulation of energy . With the help of massage, protective forces are activated and toxins are removed. All barriers to energy flows are destroyed, and then the body itself easily defeats diseases.
Experienced massage therapists even determine which organs are not functioning correctly. The impact is carried out with a special scraper. After the session, you may see red spots and bruises on the skin. In those areas where their accumulation is observed, a failure most likely occurred. Therefore, you need to work with them more carefully in order to normalize the functioning of the organs.
Mechanism of influence on the body
By influencing active points, synthesis processes are activated at the cellular level. Blood pressure on the vessels increases. Stagnation is eliminated. The central nervous system receives an impulse to relax a certain area of the body. Deep stimulation of reflex nodes stimulates the elimination of toxins, thereby releasing antioxidants. The blood is enriched with oxygen.
During any disease, pathological microorganisms accumulate in the body, which die off during life and form decay products, which negatively affects the condition of the body. At a certain point, the number of toxins reaches a critical point, stagnant processes appear, and organ systems cease to function properly.
Chinese massage technique helps eliminate these phenomena. Gua, sha - translated means “scraping off the unnecessary.”
History of Guasha
Guasha is a massage known for over 2000 years . Mention of this procedure is contained in the chronicle "Spring and Autumn", which was written in 550 BC. During excavations, stones and scrapers were discovered, which were most likely used specifically for massage.
Most of the devices found are made of jade, one of the favorite stones in China. Devices were also made from animal horns. Guasha massage was available to everyone - it is known that the masters who mastered it lived in different areas. Eastern medicine is not losing ground even today - it is becoming more popular every year. Her fame spread far beyond China.
Benefits of massage
An effective massage can be done not only in a specialist’s salon, but also at home. The main advantages of this procedure are as follows:
- Finding acupuncture points on your own is not difficult.
- It usually only takes a few lessons to learn how to use a scraper.
- The procedure has proven itself in the treatment of many diseases.
- The results are noticeable even after the first session.
Guasha triggers the body's self-healing mechanisms, so pleasant changes occur not only during the session, but also after it - for about 5 days. The epidermis is saturated with oxygen, metabolic processes in the body and blood circulation improve.
Regularity and first results
The first result of a gua sha massage will be noticeable immediately.
The complexion will become healthier, a light blush and radiance will appear. Life hack: do a ritual before an event or meeting to look rested and beautiful! For the first time, we recommend taking it as a course every day for two weeks. Then 2-3 times a week will be enough.
At first, the procedure will take about 10-15 minutes, then you can do it in 5 minutes.
Guasha massage does not act like plastic surgery, it is a gentle method of preserving youth. And it is most effective when we lead a healthy lifestyle: drink enough water, eat right, sleep well.
This ritual has a cumulative effect; if you massage regularly, you will notice that your skin is getting better. Of course, very deep age wrinkles will not go away completely, but facial wrinkles will definitely be smoothed out.
Indications
It is recommended to do massage for the following health problems:
- Headache. The blood vessels dilate, back spasms go away. Therefore, massage is useful for those who suffer from migraines.
- For joint problems. Blood circulation is restored, pain becomes less intense, and joint mobility increases.
- During a cold. Swelling of the bronchial mucosa decreases, cough and shortness of breath disappear.
- For diseases of the nervous system. After several sessions, you will begin to fall asleep faster and feel more energetic in the morning, and you will notice that your appetite has improved.
- Guasha is also recommended for skin problems - it helps increase its elasticity and cope with acne.
Contraindications
It is important to consider contraindications. The procedure is prohibited if you have :
- injured or hypersensitive skin;
- second stage acne;
- rosacea;
- high blood pressure;
- poor blood clotting;
- neoplasms;
- heart failure.
The ancient Chinese procedure is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women. Allergy sufferers need to do it carefully - if you see irritation on the skin, try replacing the massage oil.
After the session, red marks often remain. Painful sensations may persist for about 4 hours. Redness sometimes disappears only after a week. This is a normal reaction, there is no need to be alarmed. The areas affected by the scraper can be treated three times a day with hydrogen peroxide and painkillers. Sometimes after a session, short-term dizziness, headache and fatigue are noted.
Red marks on the skin after the procedure
How to prepare for the procedure
Guasha is a body massage that is performed in different areas. Decide which areas you will work on, study the pictures and videos. Before the session begins, it is necessary to clean the pores and wipe the skin . This will promote better removal of toxins. Apply special massage oil to your body. It is important that the room temperature is comfortable.
On the day of the session, be sure to drink at least two liters of water. Since the body loses a lot of fluid during the elimination of toxins, the water balance must be restored. Massage with a gua sha scraper is done no earlier than an hour after eating . Experts recommend doing it on an empty stomach.
How to choose a scraper for gouache?
It is important not only to properly prepare for the procedure and carry it out, but also to choose a high-quality gua sha scraper for the face and body. It is made from:
- black buffalo horns;
- natural crystals (jade and rose quartz);
- copper;
- wood;
- turtle shell.
In China, they use a scraper for the procedure, which is made from black buffalo horns and boiled into potions. According to ancient teachings, such processing gives the object the ability to restore energy flows. Regular use of a scraper helps maintain youth and beauty.
Guasha scrapers
Gua sha scrapers for the body, which are made using stones, are also popular. For example, jade. This stone has a positive effect on the human body. The shape of the scraper does not matter - on sale you can see round, rectangular and triangular scrapers, as well as devices that resemble a hairbrush.
Choose one that is comfortable to hold in your hand and treat the required area . Be sure to carefully check the edges of the scraper - they must be perfectly smooth so as not to harm the skin in the process. Devices made of wood are suitable for home procedures, because the effect of this material on the skin is the most gentle.
To carry out the procedure yourself, you can purchase the Ixuetun device for gua sha massage. In the kit you will see a scraper and a set of necessary attachments. This device is easy to use and no special oil is required.
In addition to the scraper, you will also need oil. It is recommended to use olive or coconut. To make the effect even more noticeable, you can use additional ingredients. Try mixing the base with vitamin E, vanilla powder, rosehip oil, cocoa powder, cocoa butter. The base can be coconut oil. It is enough to take 1 tsp. remaining ingredients.
Choosing a massage scraper
Guasha facial massage involves the use of scrapers of different shapes. Regardless of whether the master will work with a bone or stone scraper, the main thing is that they do not have sharp corners or edges. There are various forms of instruments for influencing points on the body:
- For the face, the shape of the scrapers is complex, similar to a fish;
- The head is massaged with a comb that has massive, blunt teeth;
- Universal. The sides have different shapes;
- Square and triangular for the back, neck and limbs.
For a deeper impact, stone spoons are chosen for the session. They can be heated and combined with oils. Massage with Guasha stone does not provoke allergies, unlike cheaper materials.
Massage technique
Guasha of the face, abdomen, arms and legs can be done independently. An assistant is required to perform a back massage. Each zone is affected a certain number of times:
- 6 times required for young girls;
- 7 times for young men;
- 8 times for women;
- 9 times for older men.
The intensity of movements is selected individually. Gua sha is carried out using three types of influence:
- Se-gua are energetic and intense movements.
- Pin-bu pin-se - a slight impact at medium speed.
- Bu-gua - movements necessary for recovery; the massage therapist acts slowly and carefully.
During the procedure, tingling, burning and swelling are usually felt. Such uncomfortable sensations are normal and you should not be afraid of them . Sometimes strange sounds are noted - for example, a quiet creaking, which is called "shi" by the masters. According to Chinese teaching, an unusual sound occurs before toxic compounds begin to leave the human body.
To enhance the effectiveness of the procedure, gua sha courses (“gua shi” or “gua sha”, as this type of massage is sometimes also called) are recommended to be taken regularly - at least twice a year. One or two sessions per week is enough. The duration of the course is from 10 to 20 weeks. Scraping massage can be carried out in parallel with cupping.
Guasha facial massage
The most difficult technique to perform is gouache massage for the face. First you need to carefully cleanse the skin with milk. It is recommended to apply oil or cream to it. It is important that the movements are smooth. Otherwise, you may injure your skin . It is most convenient to hold the scraper at an angle of 15 degrees.
It is recommended to use a specific part of the scraper to work with each zone:
- with the lower one .
- The curved top is used to massage the neck and forehead.
- The side part , in which the recess is located, goes along the contours of the face, areas near the eyes and around the nose.
It is important that each movement is along massage lines from the center of the face in different directions . Since the procedure does not stretch the skin, it can be done even if you have sensitive skin. There are no restrictions on the frequency of gua sha facial massage - you are allowed to do it daily.
- First, place the scraper vertically in the center of the forehead and begin to gently move it up and down. Then from the middle to the right. From the side of the eyebrows, massage the skin towards the hairline.
- The nose is treated from the back to the tip. The scraper is carefully moved along the brow ridges from the inner corners of the eyes to the eyebrows. From the nose they go down to the upper lip, gently affecting the entire skin between the nasolabial folds. They go through the folds themselves with gentle smoothing movements.
- Movements along the chin are made towards the earlobes. The scraper should be held at an angle of 45 degrees. The session ends with a neck massage, working on the sides and back.
The second massage technique is also known. Specialists often start working on the right half of the face, performing 3-5 “sweeping” movements, choosing their number depending on the skin type. Then the impact is repeated, but now in the opposite direction. After this, work is carried out in a similar way with the left half of the face. Press the scraper lightly; there should be no painful sensations.
After the procedure, try to drink more warm water during the day so that toxins are removed from the body even more intensively. Don't be surprised if you feel very tired - this is a natural reaction. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out a massage before the weekend so that you have enough time to rest.
If you carry out a scraping massage yourself, strictly following the rules, you will soon notice pleasant changes:
- swelling and dark circles under the eyes will disappear;
- complexion will improve;
- black dots will disappear;
- the pores will narrow;
- the sebaceous glands will normalize their work, you will use mattifying products less often;
- wrinkles will become less pronounced.
Back massage
Back gua sha massage follows the same rules. First, movements are carried out from the legs towards the head. Then the anteromedial and posteromedial meridians are processed with a scraper. Further movements pass through the client's problem areas from the center of the back in different directions .
Guasha scraping massage for excess weight
Guasha massage for cellulite has become one of the favorite treatments for women who like to take care of themselves at home. It is recommended for excessive fat deposits and stretch marks that appeared after pregnancy. It is most convenient to massage the skin with an oval or round scraper. We also have an article by Oleg Liokumovich, which describes in detail the technique of performing gouache.
Apply a thick layer of the selected oil or cream to the treated area. The plate is held at an angle of 40 degrees, treating the surface until the skin turns red and discomfort appears. The duration of the procedure is about 30 minutes . Afterwards, it is recommended to take a shower with a scrub to remove dead cells and help the pores open.
Abdominal massage begins with light scraping movements in the area below the navel from bottom to top . Then the skin above the navel and on both sides of it is treated in the same way. It is important to avoid moles so as not to inadvertently injure them.
Please note that after surgical interventions and for pathologies of internal organs, the procedure is prohibited.
Video
Chinese gua sha massage is great for reducing swelling . Facial massage helps to make facial contours neater - cheekbones become defined, skin tone improves, even deep wrinkles are smoothed out.
Massage for excess weight in combination with other measures (adjusting nutrition and regular exercise) can change your figure beyond recognition. The manifestations of cellulite become less pronounced, the skin in problem areas is noticeably tightened, metabolism improves, and weight is reduced .
Reviews from doctors confirm that scraping massage, performed according to the rules, has a positive effect on the entire body. If you have no contraindications, be sure to try this oriental procedure to improve your health and appearance.
Read further:
- Facial massage with cups at home: contraindications, technique and reviews
- Effective cosmetic vacuum massage of face and body at home
- Vacuum therapy, fundamentals and principles of disease treatment
- Cupping abdominal massage for weight loss and health
- Hiruduvacuum therapy, history and application of the method
- Mat - Lyapko applicator - quick help for the back and whole body
- Guidelines for the use of plastic massage cups
Sha spots: what do they indicate?
After a Guasha massage session, patterns of hemorrhages appear on the body; they are called “Sha” spots. Each client's bruises vary in color intensity and area.
They resemble spots that appear during vacuum therapy; these two methods are often combined to achieve greater results. Experts examined what microhemorrhages are and established the presence of:
- blood cells
- blood plasma
- biologically active substances, enzymes, hormones
All of them have a stimulating effect and the body itself begins to fight ailments, this process is called autohemotherapy. While spots are visible on the body, the self-healing process continues using the body’s internal resources. After a few days, the “sha” spots practically disappear, and you can continue your wellness massage sessions again.
In addition to beneficial substances with a stimulating effect, harmful compounds leave the body through “sha” spots. Where bruises appear, there is a diseased organ. After 5-7 sessions, bloody spots stop appearing on the body after the next massage, or they become almost invisible.
Even after the first sessions of Guasha massage, people's reviews are positive. At the end of the course, they feel a surge of energy, their mood and well-being improve.
