Get Your Gua Sha On!
At b theory aesthetics we believe in the body's innate ability to heal and repair itself. This belief is the foundation of our approach to the skin and why we choose to work in a holistic way that brings the best of science, nature and human connection together during our treatments.
One of our favorite modalities for working with the skin is Gua Sha facial massage. Based upon the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gua Sha is an ancient healing tradition that is a scraping technique utilized on the body to relieve tension, stagnation of fluid and energy, and pain. When Qi (energy) flows freely in the body we experience feelings of balance, harmony and rejuvenation. By decreasing stagnation, tension and tightness, we increase the flow of blood and vital energy in the body to support the conditions for tissue repair and vitality.
In recent years practitioners around the world have developed techniques and training for estheticians for working with Gua Sha on the face and neck. The movements we use on the face and neck use far less pressure than that of scraping and releasing trapped Qi on the body. We use specialized techniques and tools that help us to boost the overall health of the skin all while providing our clients with a deeply relaxing and healing experience. Research shows that as we age the blood flow to the skin in our face reduces by as much as 40% between the ages of 20 to 70 years. Gua Sha has been shown to provide a fourfold increase in microcirculation in the treated area, boosting the skin’s overall health with an increased flow of nutrient rich oxygenated blood that supplies essential collagen and elastin for firmness, plumpness and smoothness. Microcirculation also helps to detoxify the skin by increasing lymphatic drainage, resulting in the reduction of redness and inflammation.
The major benefits of Gua Sha facial massage include:
Relieves facial tension by releasing the loose connective tissue, fascia and muscles in the neck and face resulting in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles
Increases circulation to the skin bringing in oxygen and nutrients to feed and nourish the skin resulting in increased collagen and elastin production to improve firmness and tone of the skin
Reduces pore size and uneven or dark pigmentation
Reduces inflammation, especially redness
Promotes lifting, toning and sculpting of the muscles in the face and neck
Reduces puffiness while increasing the plumpness of the skin
Increases glow, radiance and vitality
Stimulates movement of lymphatic fluid to decongest and clear the skin
Rhythmic flow of gua sha facial massage eases the body into a deep state of relaxation by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing the body to rest and heal
Releases blockages of Qi, Prana or energy flow to bring the body into a state of balance
We have done extensive training with Cecily J. Braden, founder of CJB Spa and Wellness, an internationally renowned Gua Sha Facial Fusion educator. Both Brooke and Leigh have their certifications in Gua Sha Facial Fusion and continue to do training in this amazing modality to ensure their techniques are bringing the biggest benefits to their clients. Be sure to look for certifications from your practitioner to ensure that they are knowledgeable about any contraindications for this modality and that they are utilizing the safest and most effective techniques.
In addition to working with Gua Sha on our clients during treatments, we also teach our clients how to work with their own tools at home. Doing Gua Sha 3-5 times a week for 10-15 minutes will help provide the best and most consistent results. Clients who purchase a tool from us have access to our online library of Gua Sha tutorials to help them develop their technique and achieve their skincare goals.
Ready to experience the numerous benefits of Gua Sha? Book a 60- or 90-minute custom facial with us and ask for a Gua Sha treatment!