How Does Gua Sha improve Anti-ageing?
Stop ageing in its tracks with a natural treatment.
Anti-ageing products are everywhere, and they all claim to accomplish the exact same task which is, slowing the process of ageing. However, many of these products are unhealthy, possibly dangerous or simply do not work or last. Botox is one of the most common plumping and anti-ageing techniques used in western culture however, it is temporary, expensive, and requires you to willingly agree to injecting toxins into your body.
If scientists have pinpointed the exact cause of ageing skin, why haven’t they figured out how to treat it and reverse it?
The ancient East Asian treatment of Gua Sha, translated to, “scratching” or “scraping” has been used for centuries to treat ageing in the skin through the use of Gua Sha stones for face massages.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is a treatment which originated in the East Asian countries. It is performed by vigorous rubbing to treat injured or sprained muscles. However, the face treatment that has gained more wide spread popularity, particularly in western cultures, is a gentler version of the original Gua Sha treatment that is showing to improve microcirculation to the area treated by up to 400%.
The firm and smooth movements used in a Gua Sha face massage boosts circulation. Gua Sha can also lift the contours of your face, correct asymmetry, and even break down blockages. Studies have shown that many skin conditions can be traced back to a stagnant lymphatic flow which allows toxins to remain trapped in blocked passageways of the skin and body. This can result in skin infections and even breakouts. Getting fresh blood and oxygen pumping through these blocked areas flushes these toxins away, paving the way to healthier skin.
What is microcirculation?
According to Wikipedia, microcirculation is the circulation of the blood in the smallest blood vessels, the micro vessels of the microvasculature present within organ tissues. The micro vessels include terminal arterioles, metarterioles, capillaries, and venules. In addition to these blood vessels, the microcirculation also includes lymphatic capillaries and collecting ducts. The main functions of the microcirculation are the delivery of oxygen and nutrients as well as the removal of carbon dioxide. It also regulates blood flow and tissue perfusion which, in turn, affects blood pressure and the body’s responses to inflammation, which, if not responded to in a timely manner, can lead to swelling.
Most vessels of the microcirculation are lined by flattened cells and many of them are surrounded by pericytes which are contractile cells. The vessels provide a smooth surface for blood flow and regulates water movement and the movement of dissolved materials between the blood and the tissues of the body. The process of microcirculation contrasts with process of macrocirculation, which is the circulation of blood to and from the organs.
The decrease and absence of microcirculation has shown to be linked to the ageing process of the skin which is why finding ways to increase microcirculation are the key to more natural anti-ageing techniques.
A healthy and natural way to slow or stall the naturally occurring ageing process of the skin is Gua Sha face massages using certain stones sourced from the Earth. The pressure that a Gua Sha stone face massage applies to the skin causes a level of friction that improves circulation and blood flow. A 2007 study entitled, the effect of Gua Sha treatment on the microcirculation of surface tissue: A pilot study in healthy subjects, was conducted by the Department of Nephrology, Unit of Circulation Research, University Hospital of Essen, Germany. Researchers aimed to discover whether the supposed microcirculatory effects of Gua Sha were accurate. This study did in fact show that Gua Sha stone massages increase microcirculation to the treated area.
There are many methods out there to keep your skin looking younger ranging from Botox, to plastic surgery, to different supplements. All of these methods are not only riddled with side effects but contain a lot of chemicals and effects that are not healthy for the body to endure. Gua Sha is the perfect, healthy, and safe option for your anti-ageing needs. No needles or doctors’ appointments are required. All you need is yourself, your regular skin care routine, and the perfect Gua Sha stone for your specific skin needs. What is stopping you from giving this amazing treatment a try? You can’t lose.