gua sha routine

Gua Sha Facial: Benefits & Express Routine Tutorial

A Gua Sha Facial is an ancient beauty ritual that has recently gained immense popularity in the skincare world.

At Qi Medicine Acupuncture, we incorporate Gua Sha Facial massage as part of our cosmetic acupuncture treatment. Cosmetic acupuncture is an ancient technique used to stimulate and enhance the skin and muscles of the face, whilst being gentle, with zero downtime!

See some cosmetic acupuncture before and after images here.

 

Benefits of a Gua Sha Facial

This traditional Chinese technique, using a smooth-edged tool to massage the face, offers numerous benefits for the skin and overall well-being. If you’re looking to enhance your skincare routine with a natural, non-invasive treatment, gua sha might be the perfect addition!

  1. Boosts Circulation & Glow
    Gua sha promotes blood flow, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the skin, resulting in a brighter, more radiant complexion.

  2. Encourages Lymphatic Drainage
    By gently massaging the skin, gua sha helps move stagnant lymphatic fluid, reducing puffiness and detoxifying the skin.

  3. Reduces Muscle Tension
    Many of us hold tension in our facial muscles, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. Gua sha helps relax these muscles, giving the skin a smoother appearance.

  4. Contours & Lifts the Face
    Regular use of gua sha can help sculpt the jawline and cheekbones by stimulating circulation and reducing fluid retention.

  5. Enhances Product Absorption
    Using gua sha after applying a facial oil or serum helps these products penetrate deeper into the skin, maximizing their effectiveness.


Step-by-Step Guide to a Gua Sha Facial

Gua Sha FacialBefore starting, ensure your face is clean and apply a generous amount of facial oil to allow the gua sha tool to glide smoothly over your skin. We use green tea serum in the clinic, however, you can use whatever rich moisturiser works for you. 

1. Begin with the Neck

  • Start at the base of your neck and gently glide the gua sha tool upwards towards your jawline. Repeat this motion on both sides.

  • This helps clear blockages and create a path for lymphatic drainage.

2. Define the Jawline

  • Place the gua sha tool at the center of your chin and move it along the jawline towards the ear.

  • Use medium pressure and repeat on both sides to sculpt and tone the jawline.

3. Lift the Cheeks

  • Begin at the side of your nose and glide the tool upwards along the cheekbone towards the temple.

  • This motion helps depuff the face and promote circulation.

4. Reduce Under-Eye Puffiness

  • Using the smoothest edge of the tool, gently glide it from the inner corner of your under-eye area towards the temple.

  • Use light pressure, as the under-eye area is delicate.

5. Smooth the Forehead

  • Start at the center of your forehead and glide the tool upwards towards the hairline.

  • This technique can help relax forehead muscles and minimize the appearance of fine lines. Don’t be afraid to really rub into those lines, this smooths out the facia underneath the skin!

6. Final Neck Sweep

  • Conclude by gliding the gua sha tool down the sides of your neck to encourage full lymphatic drainage.

Final Tips for Gua Sha Success

  • Use gentle, upward strokes to avoid unnecessary pulling on the skin.

  • Clean your gua sha tool after each use to prevent bacteria buildup.

  • Perform this routine 3-5 times a week for the best results.

By incorporating gua sha into your skincare routine, you’ll not only achieve a more sculpted and radiant complexion but also experience a calming and meditative ritual that benefits your overall well-being. Give it a try, and let the natural glow begin!

If you would like to purchase a gua- sha stone from the clinic, drop us a line at (03) 8394 7665, or [email protected].

 

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Our location.

Qi Medicine acupuncture in Moonee Ponds: Find us on Google maps here:

Qi Medicine Acupuncture Moonee PondsThe clinic is located at Suite 4, Level 1, 151 Pascoe Vale Rd, Moonee Ponds. (Please ensure you take the ground floor elevator to reach us or level one.)

We provide gua sha treatment in Melbourne to the North Western suburbs of Melbourne and are close to Highpoint. Qi Medicine acupuncture is minutes away from Ascot Vale, Essendon, Avondale Heights, Maribyrnong, and Brunswick West. We also service many clients with acupuncture and Chinese medicine in Travancore, Flemington, Aberfeldie, Maidstone, and we are just 10 km from Melbourne city.

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About the author
Dr Sheena Vaughan

Dr. Sheena Vaughan, founder of Qi Medicine in Melbourne, has nearly two decades of experience in traditional Chinese medicine. She is dedicated to helping clients overcome pain and stress, empowering them to take control of their health with compassionate, personalised care.