Gua sha for the face involves gently scraping the skin with a flat tool to promote circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Here's how to gua sha your face, incorporating techniques from the provided reference:
Gua Sha Technique for the Face
The general technique involves upward and outward strokes on the face and neck. The key is to use light pressure and plenty of lubrication.
- Preparation: Cleanse your face and apply a facial oil or serum to provide slip and prevent tugging.
- Tool Angle: Use the flat side of your gua sha tool.
- Neck: Start at the base of your neck and gently scrape upwards towards your jawline. Repeat several times on each side of the neck.
- Jawline: Using the flat side of the tool, drag it upwards from your chin towards your ear. This can help relax the jaw muscles. The reference mentions, "Using the flat side of the gacha. Tool you want to drag the tool upwards towards your ears... This part relaxes my jaws so much and I love it." Repeat this motion several times on each side.
- Cheeks: Starting at the side of your nose, scrape outwards towards your ear. Repeat several times, moving up towards your cheekbone.
- Under Eyes: Very gently, scrape outwards from the inner corner of your eye towards your temple. Use very light pressure in this area.
- Eyebrows: Scrape upwards from the inner corner of your eyebrow towards your hairline.
- Forehead: Scrape upwards from your eyebrow line towards your hairline. Repeat across your entire forehead.
- Finishing: Gently massage any remaining serum or oil into your skin.
Important Considerations:
- Pressure: Use light to medium pressure. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can cause bruising or irritation.
- Direction: Always scrape in an upward and outward direction.
- Frequency: You can gua sha your face daily or several times a week.
- Cleanliness: Clean your gua sha tool after each use.