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Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art. Let's just say nature isn't working in our favor and we need a little non-invasive pick me up. While I'm not against plastic surgry, I'm no fan of going under the knife. Gua Sha face massage is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves using a smooth-edged tool to scrape the skin to improve circulation and promote lymphatic drainage. It has been used for centuries as a way to relieve tension, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall skin health. The term "Gua Sha" translates to "scraping" in Chinese. Here's a basic guide to performing a Gua Sha face massage that has been deemed an instant facelift with consisitancy:
1. Gua Sha Tool: Typically made of jade or rose quartz, these tools have smooth, rounded edges.
2. Face Oil: The face oil will assist in the Gua Sha gliding against your skin with any tension.
Steps:
1. Prepare Your Skin:
Cleanse your face to remove any makeup or impurities.
Apply a facial oil or a moisturizing serum to provide slip for the Gua Sha tool.
2. Start at the Neck:
Begin by gently scraping the Gua Sha tool along the neck in an upward motion. This helps stimulate lymphatic drainage.
3. Move to the Jawline:
Use upward strokes along the jawline from the center of the chin towards the ears. Repeat several times on each side.
4. Cheeks:
Gently move the tool along the cheeks in an upward and outward motion. Start from the nose and move towards the hairline.
5. Under the Eyes:
Be very gentle around the delicate under-eye area. Use the curved part of the Gua Sha tool to gently scrape from the inner corner of the eye towards the temples.
6. Forehead:
Scrape the forehead horizontally, moving from the center towards the hairline. You can also use upward strokes in the center of the forehead.
7. Brows:
Use the curved part of the tool to trace along the eyebrows, promoting circulation in this area.
8. Finish with a Downward Stroke:
End the massage with a gentle downward stroke from the forehead down to the neck. This helps guide any released toxins towards the lymph nodes.
9. Cleanse the Tool:
Clean the Gua Sha tool with warm, soapy water after each use.
Tips:
- Pressure: Apply gentle pressure. The goal is to stimulate, not to cause discomfort or bruising.
- Frequency: A few times a week is usually sufficient. You can adjust based on your skin's sensitivity.
- Consistency: Consistency is key for seeing results. Regular use can help improve skin tone, reduce puffiness, and enhance the overall appearance of the skin.
Before starting any facial massage or skincare routine, it's always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional, especially if you have any skin conditions or concerns.