What is the principle behind facial gua sha?
Facial gua sha involves using a special scraping tool to gently scrape the skin on the face, aiming to promote blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, and improve skin texture. The detailed explanation is as follows:
According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, meridians are energy channels that run throughout the body. Gua sha stimulates the facial meridians, promoting the flow of qi (vital energy) and blood. The scraping action activates the facial meridians, regulates the circulation of qi and blood, and thereby enhances facial blood circulation and metabolism. Additionally, facial gua sha stimulates microcirculation in the skin, increasing blood flow velocity, improving the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, accelerating metabolism, and facilitating the removal of waste products and toxins from the body. Moreover, gua sha helps clear blockages in the lymphatic system, promoting lymphatic circulation, aiding in toxin elimination, and reducing facial puffiness and edema.
However, it should be noted that facial gua sha is not suitable for everyone. Individuals with certain skin conditions, bleeding tendencies, or skin injuries should avoid this therapy.