In This Article:
- What is a Gua Sha Scraper and Where Does it Come From
- Why Should You Use a Gua Sha Scraper: What Are Its Benefits
- Types of Gua Sha Scrapers by Material and Shape
- How to Choose the Best Gua Sha Scraper
- How to Use a Gua Sha Scraper at Home: A Few Tips
- How to Perform a Facial Massage with a Gua Sha Scraper
Caring for your body is an act of self-love, showing how much you value seeing it healthy and beautiful. Various techniques, approaches, and tools come into play, and the Gua Sha scraper is one such tool that helps maintain body beauty. Together with Herbzone, we’ll explore the following questions: What is a Gua Sha scraper, why is it used, what types are available, how to use it, and the TOP-5 scrapers from iHerb.
What is a Gua Sha Scraper and Where Does it Come From
Let’s start with the fact that a Gua Sha scraper is a traditional tool in Chinese medicine. In China, this tool has been used for millennia to treat various ailments and maintain overall health. In today’s world, where beauty and health are becoming increasingly important, Gua Sha is rapidly gaining popularity in the cosmetic field, particularly in facial skincare.
What does it look like? The Gua Sha scraper is a flat tool usually made from natural materials such as jade, quartz, carnelian, buffalo horn, or other stones. The name “Gua Sha” comes from the Chinese words “gua” (to scrape) and “sha” (bad blood), literally meaning “scraping away bad blood.”
Why Use a Gua Sha Scraper: What Are Its Benefits
In promotional videos, we see skilled hands of a cosmetologist gently gliding the scraper over a woman’s face. Let’s find out why they do this and what the function of the Gua Sha scraper is.
- Reducing Inflammation and Puffiness. Gua Sha improves blood and lymph circulation, which helps reduce facial puffiness and redness.
- Improving Skin Tone. Regular use of the scraper stimulates collagen production, enhancing skin elasticity.
- Relaxing Muscles. Gua Sha massage helps relax tense facial muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and promoting a more youthful look.
- Enhancing Mood and Reducing Stress. The Gua Sha massage procedure can be very relaxing, helping to lower stress levels and improve overall mental well-being.
Types of Gua Sha Scrapers by Material and Shape
There are several types of Gua Sha scrapers, distinguished by material, shape, and purpose:
Let’s start with the material. Specialists in natural stones will tell you that each stone has its properties and helps address specific issues.
- Jade Scraper. Jade is known for its soothing and harmonizing properties and is often used for facial massage.
- Quartz Scraper. Rose quartz is considered the stone of love and healing, and it also has a calming effect on the skin.
- Horn Scraper. Traditionally made from buffalo horn or other animals, it is used for deeper muscle and tissue impact.
- Metal Scraper. A more modern option that provides even pressure and is particularly good for body massage.
You’ve probably noticed that the Gua Sha scraper comes in different shapes. This is not just a designer’s idea or a marketing gimmick. The shape of the tool helps achieve different therapeutic and cosmetic effects.
- Anatomical Adaptation. Each part of the body and face has unique contours and shapes. Different scrapers are designed to effectively cover and treat these areas. For example, the S-shaped scraper is suitable for working on curved areas (like the neck or chin); the fish-shaped one effectively treats broader areas (forehead or cheeks); the heart-shaped one is ideal for working on facial corners and hard-to-reach areas (like around the eyes and chin).
- Functionality and Massage Goals. Different scraper shapes have specific advantages for achieving particular goals. The triangular shape is used for deeper massage to relieve muscle tension. The rectangular shape allows for even pressure distribution across the surface and is suitable for general facial and body massage. The crescent shape is used for spot massage and working on specific problem areas.
- Different Experience Levels. Scrapers of various shapes are also designed for users with different experience levels. Simple, flat shapes are ideal for beginners who are just starting with the Gua Sha technique. More complex shapes are suitable for experienced users who are already familiar with the technique and can effectively use complex shapes for maximum results.
- Combining Techniques. Many people use several scrapers of different shapes to achieve optimal results. For example, one scraper can be used to relax muscles, and another for lifting and toning the skin.
- Different Body Areas. Gua Sha scrapers can be used not only on the face but also on the body. Accordingly, the shapes vary to meet the needs of massaging the hands, legs, back, and even abdomen.
How to Choose the Best Gua Sha Scraper
Choosing a Gua Sha scraper depends on personal needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a facial massage scraper, jade or quartz options may be the best due to their natural soothing properties. Metal scrapers are suitable for deeper body massage, while horn options can be used for specific medical purposes.
For home care, quartz and jade scrapers are ideal.
How to Use a Gua Sha Scraper: A Few Tips
Before using the Gua Sha scraper, it’s important to prepare the skin, and only after that move on to the massage itself. Here’s the sequence of actions for a Gua Sha massage:
- Cleansing the Skin. Start with thoroughly cleansing your face: remove makeup, wash your face with a cleanser, and wipe the skin with a toner.
- Applying Oil or Serum. Apply a few drops of oil or serum to your face so that the scraper glides easily over the skin. Do not use the scraper on dry skin to avoid stretching and injuring it.
- Using the Scraper. Hold the scraper at a 15-45 degree angle to the skin and start making gentle movements from bottom to top, from the center of the face to the outer edges.
- Facial Massage. Move the scraper across all areas of the face, paying special attention to areas with expression lines, puffiness, and tense muscles. It’s important to move along the massage lines: from bottom to top and from the center to the periphery.
- Completing the Procedure. After the massage, leave the oil or serum on your face to fully absorb and enjoy the feeling of refreshed skin. If necessary, the remaining serum can be wiped off with a tissue.
How to Perform a Facial Massage with a Gua Sha Scraper
Facial massage with a Gua Sha scraper is a simple procedure that can be done at home by following a few basic rules. When performing a facial massage, don’t forget about the neck, as it reveals a woman’s age.
- Forehead. Start from the center of the forehead and move the scraper upward to the hairline. Repeat the movements from the middle of the forehead to the temples.
- Eyes. Use gentle movements under the eyes, from the inner corner to the outer, to reduce puffiness and dark circles.
- Cheeks. Move the scraper from the nose to the ears, using light but firm movements.
- Chin and Jawline. From the center of the chin, move along the jawline to the ears to emphasize the contours of the face.
- Neck. Don’t forget about the neck, moving the scraper from the bottom up to improve skin tone and firmness.
Below is a selection of Gua Sha scrapers from iHerb:
The iHerb promo code ANB8206 will give you a discount of 5% to 30% on your order.
You can use it with every purchase.
Summary:
What is a Gua Sha Scraper and How to Choose One?
The Gua Sha scraper is a simple but effective tool that Below is a selection of Gua Sha scrapers from iHerb:can significantly improve the condition of your facial skin and promote overall relaxation. Regular use of Gua Sha will help maintain healthy and youthful skin, reduce stress, and improve well-being. Regardless of which type of scraper you choose, it’s important to follow the massage technique rules and be consistent in your procedures to achieve the best results.
