There is a constant flow of new treatments and new beauty hacks coming to the beauty world. But one thing I love to invest in is Chinese medicine.
One new technique to come about is a Gua Sha Tool. Although it is an ancient Chinese healing technique, it has recently become a popular beauty trend.
What is Gua Sha?
A gua sha is an ancient technique which involves sweeping your skin with a massage tool called a gua sha tool. This is done in a bid to improve your circulation. It is an ancient Chinese healing technique used for improving things like chronic pain.
In gua sha, a therapist sweeps your skin with strokes to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, and increasing blood flow. They make these strokes with a smooth-edged instrument known as a gua massage tool. The technician applies massage oil to your skin and then uses the tool to firmly sweep your skin in a downward motion.
Inflammation is the underlying cause of several symptoms associated with chronic pain. Gua sha is used to target stagnant energy in the body, called chi, which is believed to responsible for inflammation. Rubbing the skin’s surface is thought to help break up this energy, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
It is performed on a person’s back, buttocks, neck, arms, and legs. A gentle version of it is even used on the face as a popular facial technique.
What are the benefits of gua sha?
Gua sha is used to reduce inflammation in the body, so it’s generally used to treat ailments that cause chronic pain, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia, as well as those that trigger muscle and joint pain.
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But as well as that Gua Sha has also been shown to relieve symptoms of many other conditions:
Migraine headaches
If you suffer from migraine you will know that sometimes over the counter medication just doesn’t help. In this case, Gua Sha very well may help. It is thought if you use the technique on the temples it can reduce the symptoms of migraine.
Breast engorgement
Breast engorgement is experienced by many breastfeeding mums. It is when the breasts overfill with milk. It usually occurs in the first weeks of breastfeeding or if the mum is away from her baby for a period of time. Breasts can become swollen and painful, making it difficult for babies to latch. Gua Sha has been shown to help breastfeeding mums with engorgement, fullness and discomfort.
Neck pain
Gua sha has been shown to be a great relief for people who suffer from chronic neck pain. Again, reducing the inflammation in the neck thus relieving the symptoms.
Are there any side effects?
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Using Gua Sha in line with natural medicine is safe. It should not be painful but it can change the appearance of your skin. Because of the sweeping on your skin with the massage tool, small capillaries on the skin's surface can burst which may result in bruising and minor bleeding but should disappear within a few days.
