Facial Guasha

A self-massage technique

This massage aims to stimulate facial tissues to improve their tone and circulation. It is also a massage that can bring relaxation, in a morning or bedtime routine.

Guasha is traditionally a carved jade stone, used to massage or rub the skin to trigger a skin reaction. Several forms of Guasha exist. The different curvatures and tips allow different areas of the face to be stimulated. Here is my favorite shape

Knowing one face

There are an array of Guasha self-massage routines and just as many homemade tutorials online. My main recommendation to untangle all this: take into account the lymphatic circulation.

The lymphatic system

The lymphatic system is mainly made up of the lymphatic vessels, tonsils, lymph nodes as well as the spleen, thymus and bone marrow. It is used for the circulation of excess fluid in the body, helps maintain blood pressure, and is central to the functioning of the immune system and participates in the evacuation of waste.

Unlike the blood circulation which is propulsed by the heart, the lymphatic circulation takes place mainly by a pumping effect induced by the movement of our muscles. It can also be increased by body massage.

Lymphatic massage is a gentle massage that aims, among other things, to accentuate the movement of the lymph towards the lymph nodes. A good Guasha self-massage technique will also go in this direction. The head is a very important area of the lymphatic system, with superficial and deep lymph node chains in many key places, especially near the ears, neck and near the collarbones. Here is a representation

The main principles of facial massage

1) Gently massage towards the lymph nodes

Massage towards the ganglionic chains, in the direction of the lymphatic circulation, in order to favor the drainage and the filtration of the lymph.

2) Start with the neck

The neck and the area above the collarbone are the first sections to work with Guasha. If you’re short on time, prioritize this section over the rest of the face in your Guasha routine, as this is where facial lymph drains. Then gradually lift the face: chin, cheek, temples, forehead. You can even repeat the downward movement from the ear to the subclavian ganglion to complete the massage.

3) Massage gently and « dry »

The lymph circulates under the skin and a gentle surface massage is sufficient to stimulate lymphatic circulation. Gently press the Guasha stone onto the skin to massage. Massage without the use of cream or oil is preferred to increase friction and maximize the effect on tissues and circulation. If you prefer, you can wash your face before you start, then perform the massage and finish by applying skin products. Some people prefer to use a little cream or oil to increase the comfort of the massage.

My favorite tutorial

Created by K from The Moments channel. K guides us well in learning his Guasha self-massage method