Facial massage - Gua Sha stone massage

Facial massage - why is it worth doing?

We certainly don't often think about the fact that our face is composed of, among other things, muscles. These are so-called mimic muscles, or muscles of facial expression, and they are located on the front and sides of the head. Their names clearly illustrate their functions, such as the depressor anguli oris, depressor labii inferioris, risorius, or levator anguli oris.

Facial muscles are responsible not only for facial expressions but also for maintaining the proper contour of the face and even for skin tension. These are the same muscles as those found in other parts of our body, so it is worth taking care of them and exercising them as well.

An excellent form of facial muscle training is massage. When performed regularly, it strengthens them, helps maintain skin elasticity and a taut facial contour for longer. It also stimulates cutaneous microcirculation and, consequently, natural regenerative processes and the production of collagen and elastin, the production of which slows down in the skin aging process.

Massage performed during skincare routines supports the absorption of active ingredients from cosmetics and helps reduce the negative effects of stress – it relaxes the muscles and relieves tension.

There are many facial massage techniques - Tanaka massage, sonic brush massage, or jade roller massage, but today we want to tell you about facial scraping massage, i.e., Gua Sha massage.

Gua Sha - an ancient massage technique

Gua Sha is no ordinary cosmetic treatment. It is a Chinese therapeutic massage performed using one of the oldest and rarest techniques, consisting of scraping, i.e., rubbing the entire body with a special stone. The skin is rubbed until red spots appear, which are the result of blood vessel dilation. Marks on the skin can last for up to several hours after the massage, after which they disappear.

Gua Sha holds an important place in Far Eastern culture because the practice of skin scraping for therapeutic and conditioning purposes is closely related to the Chinese philosophy of vital energy, yin and yang, and the relationships occurring between these two elements. According to Chinese philosophy, a disturbance in the balance between them leads to an energy leak and the occurrence of health problems. Gua Sha massage contributes to restoring the balance between the yin and yang elements, causing the flow of vital energy (qi) to become unblocked.

In Casada healthcare massage devices, Gua Sha massage is most often used for foot massage - it is performed by the footrests of massage chairs and the Canoo V leg and foot massager.

Gua Sha tool

The Gua Sha tool, which we use to perform a facial massage, is a flat plate with rounded edges. It most often has a somewhat heart-like shape, although it can also be triangular or have a comb shape. It is usually made of jade or rose quartz, although plates made of amethyst or aventurine also occur. However, it is always a natural mineral, as these have a beneficial effect on the skin.
Jade is called the "stone of youth" - it deeply regenerates the skin, supports toxin removal, and acts as a pain reliever. Rose quartz, on the other hand, has a cooling effect, relieves stress, and adds energy.

What are the effects of a Gua Sha facial massage?

We perform facial massage primarily to improve the condition of the face and rejuvenate it. Gua Sha is perfect for this:

• stimulates microcirculation and oxygenation of the skin,
• improves lymph flow,
• supports toxin removal,
• improves the facial contour,
• eliminates dark circles under the eyes,
• smooths out wrinkles,
• improves skin firmness and elasticity,
• reduces tension and relaxes facial muscles,
• reduces puffiness and swelling,
• improves skin tone,
• warms the skin,
• brings relaxation and relief, also on a mental level.

The Gua Sha tool can be kept in the refrigerator to bring extra relief to the skin in moments of fatigue, and we always perform the massage with a glide, on moisturized skin - preferably with your favorite oil, tailored to the needs of your complexion.

Gua Sha facial massage can be performed daily or several times a week. Remember that the treatment should be pleasant and must not be painful.