What is gua sha?

By: Sara M Moniuszko

And why is everyone
talking about it?

Your Page!

Gua sha is a skincare and wellness technique that originate form Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

When practiced correctly, facial gua sha "stimulates and improves circulation
of blood, fluids and
energy (qi) in the skin and
underlying tissue."  

- Sandra Lanshin Chiu,
an acupuncturist who founded a healing studio, Lanshin

Gua sha has gone viral on TikTok after users showed off a range of positive results from decreased puffiness to newly
chiseled features.

"Many of the benefits are immediate, making it an ideal DIY technique for jaw pain (like TMJ), headaches, seasonal allergies, and
sinus congestion."

- Angela Chau Gray,
co-founder of skincare line Yina, which is rooted in TCM

The hashtag #guasha has been used on TikTok more than 379 million times
and Google Trends
 shows a spike in
searches last month.

Tips for beginner 
gua sha users

Prep your skin

"Use a hydrating mist (or alcohol-free toner) followed by a facial oil formulated for your skin type. You need enough to get the necessary glide," Chiu suggests.

Avoid chilled tools

"Don't store your facial
gua sha tools in the fridge or freezer," Chiu says.
"In TCM we generally avoid using cold tools on the skin
and body because cold constricts circulation."

For more tips on how to use a gua sha,
visit USATODAY.COM

Read the full
story here