About Face
Let’s face it, a cool gemstone face massage is as soothing and zen like as it gets. RU guests rave about the experience and are always pumping us for more information so we thought it would be an ideal topic to dig into. Let’s take a step back, way back to the stone age…
The ancient Chinese craft of gua sha translates to “scraping” and “redness” referring to the technique and results of the practice. In its infancy the approach was used to scrape away disease from the body. Many people believed that pain was caused by stagnant energy or qi throughout the body. Scraping with tools would improve the flow of qi and therefore improve overall health. Although not known by that name, the idea dates as far back as the Paleolithic Age where stones, hands or other items like coins or animal bones were used to massage the body to combat the effects of illnesses. As a massage therapist, it’s fascinating to realize that one of the early uses of stones was in bodywork therapy. Gua sha was first noted in medical records as a form of treatment during the Ming Dynasty, beginning in the 1300’s and has been a part of the Asian culture ever since.
In eastern countries, modern day gua sha is still considered a healing art, used frequently for heat stroke and to fight seasonal viruses. Techniques for the body utilize long strokes with moderate to firm pressure to relieve pain and tension, sometimes causing light bruising and redness in the process. It wasn’t until the 21st century that facial gua sha took hold in the beauty industry. Acupuncturists treating ailments throughout the body with facial pressure points stumbled upon the aesthetic benefits of the practice. Unlike body gua sha, facial protocols use a lighter pressure and shouldn’t cause visible signs with the exception of some occasional pinkness.
History lesson aside, how can using gemstones during your skin care routine help you? The benefits are plentiful. When done correctly it's a form of manual lymphatic drainage, helping to reduce bloating, puffiness and the appearance of dark circles and fine lines. It brightens skin tone, increases collagen production and aids in circulation. Some people have even noticed a significant relief in sinus pressure.
Gua Sha: Dos and Don’ts
Do use a moisturizer, serum or facial oil for glide and to aid in product absorption
Do use a combination of short and long featherlike strokes
Do use smooth strokes that go out from the center of the face in an upward motion
Do go in the direction of lymphatic flow to flush fluids
Do this 1-3 times a week
Don’t use a lot of pressure
Don’t forget about your neck
Don’t wash your face after
Don’t use if you have a rash, sunburn, rosacea, sever acne or breakouts or are on blood thinners
Using gemstones and rollers as a part of your beauty routine is highly recommended, but nothing beats having a professional work their magic in a facial massage. Schedule a Let’s Face It gemstone face massage at Recline & Unwind Social Spa today to find out what all the hype is about.