So, what do the different shades of petechiae mean? Use the following gua sha color chart as reference: Pink

Jeaneen Chappell, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Chappell Dermatology in Dallas, TX, who specializes in skin of color. If you're a fan of skincare rollers and tools, there's no doubt that you've heard of gua sha, the little flat pebble loved for its ability to chisel out cheekbones you didn't know existed. Pronounced "gwah-sha," it's an ancient Chinese practice that's meant to improve circulation, relax your muscles, and improve blood flow. In that sense, you can think of it as a trifecta of skincare, massage, and self-care—not unlike using a scalp massager for hair care.

Should You Prep Your Skin Before Using A Gua Sha?

To finish the routine, I used the smaller roller once more down my nose, moving it in a horizontal motion.

No matter the tool, all feature softly rounded edges that won't damage skin. In addition to the varying shapes, you'll notice gua sha tools are made from an assortment of material types, including rose quartz, turquoise, jade, obsidian, glass, or even wood. The idea is that each stone serves a unique healing purpose. Physical therapists sometimes incorporate muscle scraping to stretch and relax muscles or scar tissue. While this is pretty much gua sha, it’s known as the Graston Technique® in the industry. In 1990, David Graston, an amateur athlete, introduced his version of gua sha to the United States. Sobo says that while qi is associated more with gua sha, both muscle scraping methods are about the same. By kneading the skin in a carefully mapped out fashion, gua sha stimulates microcirculation in all soft tissue it encounters. In Chinese medicine, inflammation is believed to be a result of stagnant chi in the body. Chi is a word meaning life force energy and its flow pattern. How to Pronounce Gua Sha Many ancient civilizations practiced some sort of rolling of the face using egg-shaped crystals. Their technique wasn’t necessary gua sha specific, but the goal was the same: move out unwanted lymphatic build up.But here's what jade rollers can't do: They can’t help define or sharpen your jawline, they can't eliminate fine lines, and they can't stop breakouts. Womp. "Jade-rolling won’t do anything for fat protrusion,” says Dr. Chapell (meaning, they won't change or sculpt your face structure like clay), and despite what you've heard about their magical abilities to transform the texture of your skin, “it's unlikely that a jade roller would have the ability to increase collagen or unclog pores," she adds. Jawline and chin: Glide your tool upwards from the center of the chin out to the earlobe to contour the jaw. The main difference between jade rollers and gua sha tools is that jade rolling is mainly a lymphatic drainage massage, and gua sha is a fascial [i.e., fibrous tissue] release massage," says Hamdan. "Think foam rolling, but for your face. My own Fasha Tool is designed with different edges because fascia is multidirectional, so to properly release tightness, you need to use it a little differently from the jade roller."

We’re just promoting that flow of qi through the body. We’re helping to ensure a better blood supply and proper nerve conduction so that everything is moving through your body as it should. In doing gua sha, the hope is that any symptoms you’re experiencing will subside. That’s the overall goal.” Regular massage has, for a long time, been considered a beneficial practice for anyone struggling with cellulite. Massage is a non-invasive way of breaking down fat deposits in the skin, and in the process, stretching skin tissue to reduce the appearance of cellulite scarring. The Healing Crystals Co. Rose Quartz Gua Sha Tool is a beautiful and affordable tool that is handcrafted in the perfect shape to move across the delicate contours of the face.Regular gua sha sessions can also improve firmness. According to Plug, her clients are amazed at how after fifteen minutes, one side of their face will be drastically tighter than the other. What’s the best technique? Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this article, you might also like the following articles: Jade Rollers and Other Facial Rollers: Complete Guide and 12 Top Crystals For Weight Loss The bruises usually take a few days or a week to heal and can be tender while healing. People can take an over-the-counter painkiller, such as ibuprofen, to help with pain and reduce swelling. Helps produce collagen: Anecdotal evidence has found that gua sha can help decrease puffiness and soften fine lines and wrinkles by helping the body produce more collagen—thereby brightening the complexion. Gua Sha stones are typically cool to the touch, this cooling action helps with brightening your complexion, reducing puffiness and stimulating lymphatic drainage. When to use Gua Sha