Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, facial Gua Sha has become widely popular in the beauty industry for it’s ability to de-puff, lift, and increase skin radiance.
For us glow-getters here at Project Skin, it was a no-brainer to incorporate this technique into our Customized Glow Facial. From the tool to the technique, we are so excited to have selected the Empress Stone by Wildling Beauty to bring your glow to the next level.
In our latest episode of IGTV, PS Brand Director Vanessa Grutman connected with Britta Plug, Holistic Esthetician and Co-founder of Wildling, to discuss the history, benefits, and technique of Gua Sha.
What are the origins of Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is an ancient technique used for healing in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Gua Sha, which literally translates to “scrape sand”, historically involved using a coin or stone to scrape the body and create red markings to reduce pain and fever, clear the lungs and move stagnant energy in the body.
It’s use as a modern beauty technique on the face involves a slow and gentle movement of a Gua Sha stone in patterns across the face to release facial tension, support lymphatic drainage, eliminate toxins and move energy (or “chi” as it is called in TCM) to refresh the skin and boost radiance.
What makes the Empress Stone unique and how do I use it?
The Empress Stone by Wildling is made from Bian stone, created when a meteor struck a mountain in ancient China, forming a stone that contains over 40+ minerals known for their healing properties. Wildling designed the Empress Stone with the goal of being user-friendly, approachable and to fit comfortably in your hand. It has an edge to hug every angle on the face as follows:
- U Edge for the jaw, cheekbone, brow bone and back of the neck
- Comb Edge to move energy on the flat surfaces of the face
- Short Edge for under the eye and around the sinuses
- Pointed Tip for acupressure points on the face
- Long Edge for the front and side of the neck and under the cheekbones
A 10-15 Gua Sha ritual carried out 3x times per week is all you need to reap the amazing benefits of Gua Sha. You can check out the below how-to videos to learn the basic technique:
Are their any contraindications to Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is a safe beauty technique for most individuals, however it should be avoided:
- Over inflamed skin such as active acne lesions or areas with rosacea (e.g. cheek area)
- For two weeks following injections with Neuromodulators or Dermal Fillers
- If you are pregnant
What are the benefits of Gua Sha?
By stimulating lymphatic drainage, circulating fluids and moving energy in the skin, Gua Sha has been credited with improving fine lines, plumping, lifting and brightening the skin. It is the perfect tool to elevate your skin outcomes and bring your glow to the next level.
Put simply, we love Gua Sha because FLOW is GLOW.
You can check out Wildling Beauty on Instagram @wildling_beauty for all the tips and tricks around your Gua Sha ritual.
We are here to support and empower you to feel your best in your skin. Contact us to book your complimentary consultation to tailor a treatment plan uniquely for you, that is aligned with your goals – and your budget!
