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Gua sha is an ancient Chinese practice that’s meant to improve circulation, relax your muscles, and improve blood flow. Think of it as a trifecta of skincare, massage, and self-care. Ta-fuckin-da!
At first you’re going to feel a little funny doing this, but just take 5 to 10 minutes out of your day to relax the sh*t you didn’t even KNOW needed to relax. You only need about 3-5 strokes per area!
To begin, you’re going to want to do some basic prep by cleaning your gua sha and washing your hands—make sure you are bare faced ready! Next, you need to apply a generous amount of an oil-based product of your choosing to your face, neck, and chest. We need that gua sha to SLIDE, baby! Finally, let’s f*ckin’ perform. There are multiple sides to the gua sha to fit all the different parts of your body as well. Ahhhh-mazing.
Jawline and Chin: Use the ‘heart-shape’ side and glide the tool upwards from the center of the chin out to the earlobe. Get that glass-cutting jawline!
Forehead: Start at the center of the forehead and divide into three sections. Glide the tool outward towards your hairline. Left side, middle, right side, repeat.
Cheeks: Using the longest side of the tool, begin by massaging the cheekbones. Start just above the mouth, to the side of the nose. Using medium pressure, drag the tool upwards, following the contours of the cheekbones, towards the hairline.
Under-Eye: Start in the inner corner of the eye and glide outwards to the temple. Use the longest curve of the ‘heart-shape’ to massage the under-eye area.
Brows: Glide upwards along the brow bone, going from the inside out. Use the smaller curve of the ‘heart-shape’ for underneath the eyebrow and the longer curve for above the eyebrow. Use gentle pressure.
Lips: Glide over your lips back and forth about five times for a plumping effect.
Neck: Section your neck into four areas and scrape each section from the bottom up to the jawline. You can use pressure on the parts that feel a bit more tense than others.
Back: Using the upper side, or the top of the ‘heart-shape,’ drag the tool up the back of the neck using firm pressure. Give that brainstem a massage! When you reach the hairline, use pressing motions on the areas of the neck that feel most tense.
Ahhhhhhh.
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