Gua Sha, a traditional Chinese healing technique, has gained popularity in recent years for its potential benefits for both physical & mental health. The practice involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool following the application of an oil, to stimulate circulation & relieve tension in the muscles. If you're curious about trying Gua Sha but need to know if it's right for you, read on for some of the reasons why people choose to follow the practice.
- Pain relief: One of the most well-known benefits of Gua Sha is its ability to reduce pain. By increasing circulation & releasing tension in the muscles & fascia, Gua Sha can help alleviate discomfort in areas such as the neck, shoulders & back.
- Improved circulation: Gua Sha works by stimulating circulation & increasing blood flow to the treated area.
- Better sleep: Gua Sha can also be helpful for those who struggle with sleep. By promoting relaxation & reducing tension, it can help improve sleep quality and quantity.
- Hollistic Approach to Reduced stress: Gua Sha can be a great way to relieve stress & anxiety. Promoting relaxation & releasing tension in the muscles & fascia can help you feel more calm and centred. Additionally, taking the time to treat yourself can be a great form of self-care & a way to relieve stress & anxiety.
- Enhanced skin health: Gua Sha can also have benefits for the skin. By increasing circulation & promoting lymphatic drainage, it can help reduce puffiness & inflammation, as well as promote a healthy, radiant complexion.
Whether you're looking for pain relief, improved circulation, better sleep, reduced stress, or enhanced skin health, Gua Sha may be worth exploring. When practicing Gua Sha, I personally like to start with the Hark & Zander HempTonic Face Oil as a moisturising base & use a rose quartz gua sha tool in the dolphin shape. If I am practicing Gua Sha on my body, I opt to use our HempLavish Nourishing Body Oil in place of a facial oil.
As with any new health practice, it's important to consult with a qualified practitioner & to listen to your body to determine what works best for you!
If you would like to read more about holistic health practices that benefit your skin, check out our guide on giving yourself a lymphatic drainage massage.
