The Power of Gua Sha & Sustainable Self Care

When we think of self care and beauty, it often carries a surface-level or even superficial connotation. Bubble baths, face masks, and pedicures are lovely and can certainly contribute to our overall wellness, but what about self care practices that go deeper? One such practice is Gua Sha - an ancient healing technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been used for thousands of years to support both health and wellbeing.

Most people associate Gua Sha with its cosmetic benefits - lifting and sculpting the face, smoothing the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and boosting microcirculation to support collagen and elastin production. But for me, the love and reverence I have for this practice go far beyond the aesthetic results.

I was immediately drawn to how Gua Sha helps release tension and stress from the facial muscles, offering relief - especially for those who experience discomfort or tightness. It also supports lymphatic drainage, moving excess fluid and toxins through the body while promoting healthy blood flow and releasing stagnant energy, known as Qi (pronounced ‘chee’) in TCM. The result? Healthy, plump, and radiant skin that reflects the wellness happening beneath the surface.

Just as we exercise our bodies to increase blood flow and boost energy, I believe we should do the same for our face and neck. We carry so much stress and tension in these areas - particularly around the jaw, brows, forehead, and eyes. Incorporating Gua Sha and acupressure into our routine is a beautiful way to release this tension while creating energetic balance and promoting a deep sense of relaxation.

How to Make Gua Sha Part of Your Self Care Routine

Here are some simple ways to make Gua Sha a sustainable part of your self care ritual:

• Keep it visible: Out of sight, out of mind! I leave my Gua Sha tool somewhere I can easily see it, like on my bedside table or coffee table. This small reminder helps me stay consistent.
  
  
• Prep your skin: Never perform Gua Sha on dry skin. Start with a hydrating facial mist, then apply a few drops of your favourite face oil or serum. This creates the necessary slip for smooth gliding and prevents tugging or friction.
  
  
• Practice your technique: If you’re new to Gua Sha, try practising on your forearm using gentle, sweeping motions - like icing a cake. Hold the tool at a 15-45 degree angle and adjust the pressure to what feels best for you, especially around the delicate eye area.
  
  
• Listen to your body: Gua Sha is a personal practice, and what feels good for someone else might not feel right for you. Always be guided by your own intuition and adjust pressure and techniques accordingly.
  
  
• Understand the process: The word ‘Gua’ means scrape, and ‘Sha’ means redness, so it’s normal for your skin to become slightly pink, flushed, or warm. This is a sign of healthy blood circulation.
  
  
• Follow the correct flow: When performing Gua Sha on the face, start from the centre and move outward. Always begin on the right side and repeat each stroke 6-8 times before switching to the left. When working on the neck, use light, soothing strokes and avoid the front of the throat, as this is a delicate area with important lymph nodes and muscles.
  
  
• Clean and store your tool: After each session, wipe down your Gua Sha tool with a damp cloth and store it in a safe place (or a cotton dust bag) to prevent scratches and energy build-up.

Creating a Sustainable Self Care Routine

So how do we honour sustainable self care? I believe it’s about making your rituals work for you - being honest about how much time you can commit while also prioritising your own wellbeing (which is something many women struggle with as we give so much to others).

For me, morning Gua Sha practice has become a deeply nourishing ritual. I rise with the sun, make a cup of tea, and sink into this supportive self care moment. My mornings weren’t always like this - there was a time when I would wake up and immediately reach for my phone, scrolling through emails or Instagram. But by swapping the scroll for self care, I’ve cultivated a sustainable ritual that fills my cup and allows me to show up as my best self.

The key to sustainable self care is consistency, but it doesn’t have to be perfect or fit a specific aesthetic (despite what social media often portrays). If mornings aren’t practical for you, maybe an evening practice while watching TV or winding down before bed is a better fit. There is no right or wrong - only what feels good for you.

So next time you find yourself about to mindlessly scroll, ask yourself:
Could I swap this for a moment of self care?
Chances are, the answer will be a resounding yes.

Learn More

If you’d like to learn more about Gua Sha or join an in-person or online class, you can find details here.

Alternatively, if you’d like to purchase ethical Gua Sha tools, skincare, or self care essentials, you can shop online at Wild & Cruelty Free, your online destination for vegan and cruelty free beauty and wellness products.