Gua Sha Facial Lymphatic Detox
Gua Sha Benefits:
1. Relax facial tension
The friction as you glide the gua sha tool over your skin is thought to “help break up the adhesions between the connective tissue of the muscle and skin, and help relieve muscle tension.” If you have a tendency to hold tension in your brow or jaw when you’re stressed, the relaxing nature of gua sha may help prevent future wrinkles (along with headaches and jaw pain) from setting up shop in these areas.
2. Reduce puffiness
The lymphatic system is the body’s very own bouncer. It’s a part of your immune system, which helps distribute good nutrients and white blood cells (infection fighters) throughout the body, while also filtering out waste products like bacteria, proteins, and excess water via lymph fluid.
Because the lymphatic system doesn’t have a built-in pump the way the circulatory system does, it relies on muscle movement, respiration, and gravity to ship these fluids from one area of the body to another to be filtered. As you age, this filtration system can become compromised by things like lack of sleep, hormonal changes, high blood pressure, and skin issues like acne, eczema, and allergies, and can leave your complexion looking a tad inflated.
The sweeping directional movements of the gua sha tool, combined with the pressure used as the tool is pressed against the skin, may act as the missing pump necessary to improve lymphatic drainage, reducing puffy skin and under-eye bags in the process.
3. Improve skin’s appearance
Because improved lymph drainage and circulation means less waste products hanging around under the surface, gua sha could also translate into a clearer, brighter complexion. Plus, “stimulating the muscles with this type of technique helps bring oxygen to that area.”Anything that stimulates blood flow and oxygen to the skin can help with collagen production.” This could be helpful with minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin elasticity, and maybe reducing breakouts and hyperpigmentation.
4. Boost efficacy of skincare products
Gua sha may enhance the absorption of creams, serums, and facial oils by pressing the oil or product deeper into your skin. Theoretically, by giving your circulation a boost, it may give the efficacy of your skincare products a boost too.