WHAT ARE GUASHA & FACIAL GUASHA?
GuaSha is a healing technique of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). “Gua” means scraping, and “Sha” is known as petechiae, it often appears as purple or red spots on the surface of the skin.
Two Types: Body GuaSha and Facial GuaSha.
Body Gua Sha is defined as instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of a lubricated area of the body’s surface to intentionally move blood, lymph or other fluids from the underlying tissues and channels (energy pathways). Raising “Sha” to the surface of the body facilitates the removal of stagnant blood and toxins through the vast network of capillaries in the skin.
Modern research shows that GuaSha also activates a response in the immune system that stimulates a protective anti-inflammatory reaction that persist for days following a single GuaSha treatment. Raising Sha on the body removes blood stagnation which is considered pathogenic in TCM. This accounts for the immediate relief that patients experience from pain, stiffness, fever, cough, nausea, etc.
Facial GuaSha incorporates special techniques that can clear the channels to create a therapeutic impact WITHOUT CREATING ANY SHA.
STEP-BY-STEP FACIAL GUASHA PROCEDURE:
Step 1. First the esthetician cleans your face thoroughly, then therapeutic, organic GuaSha oil is applied as a lubricant.
Step 2. Various sized and shaped GuaSha tools are selected to activate the acupuncture points on the face and open the channel pathways.
Step 3. Special techniques, designed to identify positive, reactive spots/areas responsible for local wrinkles, sagging, discoloration, or other
concerns, are selected and utilized to achieve lasting results. The goal is to reduce or eliminate areas of concern by sculpting with GuaSha tools to rejuvenate, regenerate and restore supple, vibrant and healthy skin. GuaSha tools are then used to relax facial muscles by lifting and smoothing the entire face.
Step 4. A therapeutic mask is then applied to soothe, nourish and thoroughly hydrate the skin.
Step 5. GuaSha can also be applied to the scalp as an Add-on service to accentuate the affects that are associated with any primary concerns on the face.
NOTE：
Please arrive for treatment with a CLEAN FACE, WITHOUT MAKE UP.
Since this is not a traditional esthetic facial, it is inappropriate to do extractions and steaming with this treatment.
We avoid areas of the face that have been treated with Botox or Fillers within 2 weeks.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER FACIAL GUASHA?
Some noticeable changes include an increase in muscle tone, a lifted appearance and an overall brighter skin complexion even after the initial session. However, to achieve optimum results, a series of 10 weekly or biweekly sessions is recommended. Biweekly and monthly treatments are suggested to achieve and maintain longer lasting results.
Since GuaSha Therapy ultimately improves and supports the healthy function of one’s skin and internal organs, there will be improvements with other concerns, such as undue muscular tension on the face and jaw, headaches, nasal/sinus, and vision acuity, to name a few.
BENEFITS OF FACIAL GUASHA：
- Increases skin hydration/dewiness
- Improves lymphatic drainage in skin tissue
- Invigorates the circulation of blood, lymph & body fluids
- Facilitates the shrinkage of enlarged pores
- Encourages the evening of skin tone and texture
- Improves the complexion
- Eliminates acne
- Reduces fine lines
- Softens deep wrinkles
- Lifts and tones sagging muscles
- Lightens age spots and other discolorations
- Improves the appearance of dark circles and bags under the eyes
GUASHA TREATMENT FREQUENCY:
Optimal results are achieved after an initial course of 10 treatments, either weekly or biweekly. More than one course of treatments may be required based on overall condition of each patient’s health, skin and age.
MAINTENANCE TREATMENTS:
- Biweekly or monthly treatments are recommended for optimum results
- The very minimum suggested is 2 treatments within 2 consecutive weeks, after about 6 months of completing the initial course of treatments.
- Information about TCM Food Therapy, nutritional supplements, skin care guidelines and exercises for the face may also be discussed to help you attain and maintain good results during and after treatments.
PRECAUTIONS OF FACIAL GUASHA
- Avoid over exfoliation of the skin:
- Do not have GuaSha treatment within 28 days after chemical peels or microdermabrasion treatment.
- Do not use any cosmetic products containing exfoliating agents at least 3 days before the service, such as AHA, BHA or Proteolytic enzymes.
2.Do not go outdoors immediately after a GuaSha treatment. Wait 10-15 minutes so the pores on the face will have a chance closed properly.
3. Drink a cup of warm or room temperature water after facial GuaSha in order to promote hydration and facilitate the elimination of metabolic toxins.
4. Inform the GuaSha Therapist if you have your menses, a fracture or acute soft tissue, tendon or ligament injury on any part of your body
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Anemia
- Pregnancy
- Uncontrolled Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Patients taking blood-thinning medications
- Patients with bleeding disorders, such as thrombocytopenia, leukemia, allergic purpura etc.
- Chemotherapy patients
- Individuals with severe cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular diseases, liver and kidney disorders, autoimmune or other serious diseases
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
•Diet
•Inadequate rest and exercise
•Excessive coffee drinking (1 pot/day) Caffeine is a diuretic that dehydrates the skin
THE TRUTH ABOUT BEAUTY OF OUR FACE:
According to Chinese Medicine theory, there are multiple Channels or pathways that circulate through the face and head (see illustrations below). The face is like a flower, the internal organs are like its roots, and the channels and collateral energy pathways are just like the stem that delivers nutrients to the plant. A delicate flower must have enough rain and dew for moisture and a sufficient supply of rich nutrients. In the pursuit of true beauty, we need to find the root to treat the condition of the “flowers, leaves stems and roots” simultaneously so that we can nourish the whole body to obtain vibrant healthy and beautiful skin.
