introducing Gua Sha!

If you follow the latest beauty trends you’ve no doubt seen that Gua Sha is having its moment in the spotlight…and for good reason. But, you probably still have NO IDEA what it is or why you should be doing it!

Gua Sha is a rejuvenating facial therapy with roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is by no means ‘new’ but has become popular as people continue to seek a more wholistic approach to skincare and self-care. As with most Asian-based bodywork it is passed down through family members, friends, and communities, often referred to as “the people’s medicine”. Gua Sha can be applied to the body, and while the concept is similar, the intention and the technique are different for the face. The goal, for the body, is to “gua” which means to scrape or rub the skin to create “sha” which represents ‘toxic wind’ aka stagnant energy. Sha is seen on the skin as redness (much like a hickey) which is blood rising to the surface as that stagnant energy is released. I find it to be effective and serve a purpose in some massage sessions (I offer cupping which is similar), but while releasing sha (aka stuck fluids and/or energy) is the goal, creating ‘petichiae’, that hickey effect, is NOT what we strive for on the face!

Gua Sha on the face and neck does create a healthy glow but through gentle press-stroking techniques which stimulate pathways that feed the skin, unwind and soften muscle restrictions, open energy blocks, and clear blood and lymph congestion. These facial massage techniques create space and movement, two things your skin needs to function optimally. Just as massage breaks up restrictions elsewhere in your body, Gua Sha relaxes soft-tissue tension, promoting a flow of energy and nutrients that result in that sought after glow.

Aside from feeling incredibly relaxing, noticeable, immediate results are often seen after a Gua Sha session. It feels smooth and fluid on the skin as it drains congested lymph (reducing inflammation, puffiness, and dark under-eye circles), enhances circulation (brightening skin tone), lifts and sculpts the soft-tissue, melts muscles tension, and essentially irons out fine lines and deep-set wrinkles. Gua Sha not only provides beauty benefits but also helps relieve sinus congestion, headaches, and tension from TMJ. The best part, other than the treatment itself, is that YOU can do daily maintenance to continue reaping the benefits! There are slews of ‘how to’ videos online and I will be offering videos on my instagram feed shortly. You can buy high quality Gua Sha tools here! After your session I will show you a quick and easy routine you can do until your next appointment.

See below for details about this new service! While I do have extensive knowledge in skincare treatments, I am not a legally trained esthetician and this is not a typical facial. This is all massage (which frankly, is MY favorite part of a facial). There will be no cleansing, exfoliation, or mask.

 

The beautiful stones pictured above can be purchased from Cecily Braden.

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE NOW!

Feel Good Face Massage
This 90m in-depth healing session includes a focused upper back and neck massage followed by extensive face massage featuring gemstone Gua Sha tools as well as acupressure, lymph drainage, and lifting hands-on techniques. I also incorporate scalp massage and Healing Touch to redirect and balance energy, encouraging even deeper rest and relaxation.

Gua Sha creates a vibrant, healthy complexion with gentle press-stroking techniques which stimulate pathways that feed the skin, unwind and soften muscle restrictions, open energy blocks, and clear lymph congestion, promoting a flow of energy and nutrients that result in that sought after glow. Noticeable, immediate results are often seen after a Gua Sha session.

Please prepare for your session by cleansing your skin.

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