How To Use Facial Tools At Home

Gua Sha is the ancient Chinese practice of using a specialized tool to scrape the skin on the face or body, relieving musculoskeletal pain, improving circulation, reducing inflammation, draining the lymph, supporting the immune system, and releasing tensions. Gua means scraping, and sha refers to the petechiae, or reddened marks, on the skin that show stagnation. These marks are the result of the gua sha tool scraping the skin and breaking superficial capillaries, which promotes an anti-inflammatory and immune response to improve blood circulation. Stagnation occurs when the body fails to remove metabolic waste or toxins in the body that results in an impeded flow of Qi or vital energy in the body. This practice began in the Paleolithic Age, when people would use their hands and other tools to rub ill areas of the body to alleviate disease, and was written into medical records in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The tools used are commonly made from jade or other semi precious stones like rose quartz and amethyst. Gua sha is practiced by acupuncturists, massage therapists, Chinese medicine practitioners, chiropractors, and physical therapists.

Body Gua Sha

Body gua sha is the practice of scraping the gua sha tool hard and fast on the skin to produce a rash. This technique uses less oil than facial gua sha, and uses much harder pressure to break the capillaries in the fascia. Body gua sha can be done anywhere on the body where there is pain, tension, or stagnation. Practitioners work along the meridians, or channels, where Qi flows. TCM states that where there is pain, there is stagnation of blood and Qi. Working along these meridians and energy points increases blood and energy flow and decreases inflammation, aiding in healing the affected area. The most common areas of the body for gua sha are the neck, shoulders, back, and legs. It is important to work the neck and chest first before doing any gua sha on the face.

Facial Gua Sha

Facial gua sha uses featherlight pressure on the face to improve circulation, lift the skin, relieve tension, and drain the lymph. Pushing too hard can bypass the lymphatic system, which defeats the intended purpose behind the modality on the face. Unlike body gua sha, you do not want a rash to form.

To perform facial gua sha, first oil your skin so the tool can glide easily across the face. The proper order is chest, neck, jaw, cheeks, under the eyes, above the eyebrows, and then the forehead. Start with the chest, moving from the center out. Working the neck and chest first opens up the lymph nodes and prepares them for drainage. Now at the neck, start moving down to drain the lymph. At the jaw, start at the middle of the chin and work out and up towards the ear. For the cheeks and jaw, start at the nose and move the tool out towards the ear. For under the eye, start towards the corner of the eye and move out and up towards the top of the ear. Use the lightest pressure under the eye, much lighter than the rest of the face and neck. When working on the forehead and upper brow, move the tool up and out towards the hairline.

After working the face, working the neck and chest drains all the toxins and lymph that was mobilized to be dumped and excreted by the lymphatic system. It helps to divide the face into sections like lower, upper, left, and right. This ensures that the technique of aiming towards the lymph nodes is done equally. To do this, always start in the middle and go up and out on the face. Do 3-8 strokes in each area, and do not be alarmed at any pink you see, as increased circulation is a common effect of facial gua sha. Common tools to use for the face are facial roller, dolphin, and eye tool.

Tools and How to Use Them Properly:

Using the proper tools and techniques is key to reaping the full benefits of facial and body gua sha. As with any popular beauty trend, misuse and misinformation can spread like wildfire, particularly in the age of technology. Unfortunately, there are many bloggers and influencers that are using these tools in ways that do not support their skin. Along with this misinformation are misrepresented tools. Jade is a very common material for gua sha tools, but is very expensive. Any tools under $30 should be avoided, as they are most likely made of plastic that can have chips that can cut or scratch the skin. Semi precious tools are often a composite of jade, rose quartz, or amethyst and another material, but marketed as pure stone. The tools Amanda Gawrysz, our NCCAOM certified acupuncturist, uses are $60-$80, ensuring authentic materials that will not harm your skin. She offers 3 facial rejuvenation services- modalities only facial gua sha, facial rolling, or facial cupping starting at $130, just facial acupuncture for $150, or modalities and acupuncture for $185. Below are a few of her tips on how to practice gua sha while best supporting your skin, as well as the benefits of each tool.

Tips:

• Apply oil- facial gua sha needs lubrication to move across the skin, rolling does not require oil

• Body gua sha does not require as much oil as facial gua sha

• Avoid coconut oil because it can clog pores

• Apply gentle pressure to the face, especially under the eyes, harder pressure elsewhere

• Keep passes light and consistent

• Gua sha tools are used primarily for manual lymphatic drainage, relieving facial and jaw tension, and lifting and contouring the skin

• Facial rollers are used for reducing inflammation on the face

• Consistency is key. This needs to be done regularly for results. You can set aside more or less time based on your schedule. Doing shorter sessions is better than not doing it at all

• Avoid direct contact with the cold- circulation is increased by gua sha, and the cold can constrict your blood vessels, defeating the benefits of the service

• Gua sha is not recommended for children, the elderly, those with thin skin, those who take a blood thinner, those with chronic skin condition like psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea, those with chronic migraines, those with uncontrolled high blood pressure, or pregnant women with a history of miscarriages

• If someone has had botox, it is recommended to wait 2 weeks to 1 month after for the treatment to settle

• Avoid gua sha over active acne breakouts as it will spread the bacteria and cause more irritation

• Be careful scraping over skin with moles

• Do not perform gua sha on sunburns, open wounds, rashes, or inflamed skin

• Clean your tools after each use with warm soap and water

Spoon: The original gua sha tool. The spoon has great pressure control while scraping. It can be used on the neck, shoulders, soles, and palms, and is great for deeply sculpting facial features and precision work. It encourages tension release through targeting acupressure points, and is best used on the cheeks and jawline.

Dolphin Tool: This is a very recognizable gua sha tool that comes in many materials like jade, rose quartz, and amethyst. The broad shape of this tool makes it easy to grip, allowing for firmer pressure while scraping. Use this tool on tougher flesh parts, like the thighs, glutes, or shoulders. Smaller versions of this tool can be used on the face for facial gua sha.

Roller: This tool was built to have a cooling and soothing effect on the skin, and is best used for reducing puffiness, applying serums or oils, and soothing the skin. To use this tool, start in the middle of the face and roll outwards across the cheeks. Then, move to the eyebrows and roll up across the forehead. Move down below the lower lip and down around the chin. Use the smaller end for harder to reach areas, and the larger end for broader areas. This can be done twice a day, in the morning and evening. This tool is great to use after using the gua sha tools to return your skin back to harmony.

Eye Tool: Pair this tool with an oil or serum to reduce puffiness and under eye bags and awaken and rejuvenate the eye area. The dome shape fits below the eye, and the rounded edge is great for hitting acupressure points. Use gentle pressure and movements. Move around the eyes, and then move down the neck to move lymphatic drainage. Make sure to move from the middle of the face out to draw any drainage away from the face.

Treatable Conditions and Benefits:

• Fine lines and wrinkles (aging) - stimulates collagen and elastin production, tissue regeneration, promotes skin cell renewal/cell turnover

• Dull complexion - brightens complexion by increasing blood flow and stimulating tissue regeneration

• Puffiness - draining lymphatic fluid

• Sagging - firms and tightens skin

• Diminishes redness and rosacea

• Headaches- relieves muscle tension

• Sinus congestion by reducing inflammation

• TMJ - reduces tension in the muscles of the face

• Under eye dark circles and puffiness by moving lymphatic fluid

• Acne - draining trapped lymph

Bonus: Putting the tools in the refrigerator for 30 mins before treatment can reduce even more puffiness and inflammation.

To learn more and to book a facial rejuvenation session, visit this link.

Resources

“Gua sha: What you need to know”. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320397#tools-and-technique.

“How to Use Gua Sha for Tension, Puffiness, and Lymphatic Drainage”. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-to-use-gua-sha#research.

“Introduction to Gua Sha Therapy”. Retrieved from https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/pdf/10.1142/9789811209062_0001.

“Mount Lai”. Retrieved from https://www.mountlai.com/.

“Types of gua sha tools: What to consider when choosing a gua sha tool”. Retrieved from https://www.binomassage.com/blog/gua-sha-tools/.

“Wildling”. Retrieved from https://wildling.com/pages/origins.

Bedosky, Lauren. “What Is Gua Sha? A Guide to This Traditional Chinese Medicine Wellness Practice”. Retrieved from https://www.everydayhealth.com/wellness/what-is-gua-sha/guide/.

Goluboff, Sally. “The Benefits of Jade Rolling”. Retrieved from https://www.taoofwellness.com/newsletters-blog/2018/11/29/the-benefits-of-jade-rolling.

Sultana, Meghan. “The Beginner’s Guide to Gua Sha”. Retrieved from https://www.yinovacenter.com/blog/the-beginners-guide-to-gua-sha/.

How Moxa Can Support You

Moxibustion is the ancient practice of burning mugwort on acupressure points to increase blood flow to that area,. It is based on the principle that where there is stuck energy and stagnation, there is pain. The process of moxibustion generates heat, which improves circulation of energy and blood, reducing pain and promoting healing to the affected area.

Often used in conjunction with acupuncture, moxibustion has its own health benefits. This practice treats along meridians and acu-points using moxa and fire. The meridians are a system of internal pathways that connect limbs to organs, run qi-blood, and regulate the whole body. Acu-points are external, and are stimulated to treat specific diseases internally. In the moxibustion treatment process, acu-points are stimulated by heat, and the stimulation travels along the meridians to the specific part of the body that is being treated. This is the basic principle of acupuncture as well, though TCM states that diseases that can not be cured by drugs or acupuncture need to be treated by moxibustion.

Fire is important in moxibustion because the heat is the element that heals. The heat from burning moxa can expel dampness, warm the Yang and eliminate the cold of Yin, can remove pain or numbness, eliminates stagnation, and warms the meridians, which activates blood flow and qi. There are different techniques to this practice, including placing moxa directly on the skin, burning the moxa slightly away from the treated area, naval moxa, or moxa patches.

Direct moxibustion is the technique of placing the mugwort, or moxa, directly on an acu-point on the skin when burning, and can either be left there until the cone stops burning, or is extinguished. This technique feels like a pleasant warming sensation penetrating deep into the skin, and should not be painful if done right.

Indirect moxibustion is the more common practice, and involves burning the moxa, but holding it away from the skin, but close enough to still feel the warmth. Another way to practice indirect moxibustion is to place moxa on the tip of an acupuncture needle in an acu-point, light the moxa, and then the heat radiates down the needle into the skin.

Navel Moxibustion

In TCM, the belly button holds a significant acupressure point called shen que, or Spirit Gate. This point is considered to be a human’s first mouth, and the focal point for all meridians. During navel moxibustion, mugwort is burned right above the belly button. Moxibustion on this area stimulates stomach gas, clears the meridians, regulates the body’s organ functions, and stimulates healing defenses against various diseases. Because the navel is densely populated by blood vessels, TCM believes that administering medicine via the navel will quickly spread to the meridians and internal organs, and is likely to be gentler on the gastrointestinal system compared to taking medicine orally.

Moxa Patches

Moxa patches are different from moxibustion because while they still produce heat and contain mugwort, they do not use fire. Moxa patches are a safe alternative to moxibustion for people who want the benefits from home. Mugwort, angelica root, and ginger are the medicinal herbs used, and the heat is produced from a layer of iron oxide particles that are activated when exposed to oxygen.

How to use:

• To apply, remove the adhesive flaps on either side

• Place the patch over the desired treatment area

• Once the iron oxide begins oxidizing, heat is produced, which stimulates the herbs

• Heat can be felt for around 8 hours

• Use overnight to aid sleep, or use during the day for pain relief

• Treats sciatica, muscle injuries, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, ankle sprains, bakers cysts, ganglions, rheumatic joints, menstrual pain, fertility issues

Mugwort

Mugwort, or Artemesia vulgaris, is a flowering plant native to Asia, Europe, and parts of North America. While commonly used for beer-making, mugwort is also used to treat various health conditions, and is also used to make medicinal tinctures, extracts, tonics, teas, powders, and essential oils. Mugwort produces a chemical called artemisinin, which is found in the roots, stem, leaves, and blossoms of the plant. This chemical causes gentle contractions of the uterus, which promotes regular periods, and is also used in TCM to induce labor. When used in the TCM practice of moxibustion, dried mugwort, or moxa, is rolled into cones or balls, and is burned above acupuncture points to increase blood flow to that area and clear stagnation.

Benefits:

• Relieves stress and headaches

• Boosts energy

• Improves sleep

• Promotes blood circulation

• Supports liver health

• Normalizes menstrual cycles

• Eases digestive issues

• Relieves muscle aches

• Repells insects

• Relieves an itch

• Increases urine output

Treatments:

• Anxiety and depression

• Amenorrhea- irregular or absent periods

• Chronic fatigue and insomnia

• Constipation and diarrhea

• Eczema

• Headaches and migraines

• Nausea and vomiting

• Strengthens the immune system

Contraindications

• Though mugwort is safe to use while pregnant, use with caution as it can induce labor or a miscarriage

• Mugwort is related to ragweed, so if you are allergic to ragweed, chances are you could be allergic to mugwort as well

• If you are allergic to celery, birch, or carrot, also proceed with caution, as there is an allergy connection with plants that fall in the Apaiceae family

Products

Make sure to ask your acupuncturist if foot or navel patches are right for you and you can pick up at your next visit!

Wormwood Foot Patches

Qi Ai Warm Foot Patch Box

Mugwort Navel Patches

References

Christiansen, Sherry. What Is Mugwort?” Retrieved from https://www.verywellhealth.com/mugwort-benefits-side-effects-dosage-and-interactions-4767226.

Deng, Hongyong and Shen, Xueyong. "The Mechanism of Moxibustion: Ancient Theory and Modern Research”. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3789413/.

Dharmananda, Subhuti. “Moxibustion: Practical Considerations for Modern Use of an Ancient Technique”. Retrieved from http://www.itmonline.org/arts/moxibustion.htm.

Lade, Heiko. “What is a Moxa Patch?” Retrieved from https://www.theacupunctureclinic.co.nz/what-is-a-moxa-patch/.

Nowakowski, Rachel. “The Healing Power of Moxa”. Retrieved from https://daoisttraditions.edu/healing-power-moxa/.

“Moxibustion in Acupuncture: What You Should Know”. Retrieved from https://www.aiam.edu/acupuncture/moxibustion/.

“Navel Moxibustion, and What It Can Do for You”. Retrieved from https://www.nspirement.com/2017/08/14/navel-moxibustion-and-what-it-can-do-for-you.html.

Benefits of Chinese Foot Baths

Foot Baths are an Ancient Chinese practice of soaking your feet in hot water and herbs before bed each night. It is believed to have many health benefits, that of which change with the seasons. In Spring, foot baths tone the Yang (energy), and prevent the depletion of Qi (life force).

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaches that if the human body were a tree, the head is the branches, the body is the trunk, and the feet are the roots, so in order to treat our illnesses, we must water our roots. Seeing as how one quarter of the body’s bones are in the feet, as well as 72,000 nerve endings and 6 meridians, it is important to consider and take care of our feet for overall well being.

Foot baths also increase circulation, which is highly beneficial in colder regions. Soaking your feet increases the heart rate the same way as exercising, which is helpful for those who are physically inhibited. Cardiovascular activity is essential for our body to process efficiently, so foot baths are highly effective for those with more sedentary lifestyles.

How to do at home:

There are several stages to the foot bath process, and the real healing begins after several baths. If one struggles with poor circulation, the first few baths might only warm the feet. After several baths, if circulation improves, one will feel the heat from the bath rising up the legs, through the body where one might feel an increase in heart rate, to the head. At this point, one may start sweating, and this signals the end of the bath session. To do this at home, follow the steps below.

1. Boil water to 104℉, or a comfortable temperature, with desired herbs

2. Pour liquid into foot bath- use any container that holds water and that your feet can fit in

3. Soak feet before bed for 20 minutes, or until you break a sweat

4. After soak, dry your feet and keep them warm

Common foot bath herbs:

Herbs, salts, and oils enter the bloodstream through the skin and affect our systems with their terpenes, alkaloids, and volatile oils. Their medicinal properties are only effective if there is significant blood circulation, which comes from the warmth of the bath opening the pores. Below is a list of herbs and salts to use for a soothing Spring bath soak:

• Epsom Salt: alleviates constipation, relieves pain, reduces fatigue, improves sleep

• Himalayan Salt: relieves pain

• Ginger and Dandelion: good for flu relief

• Mugwort: promotes blood circulation, relieves pain, soothes menstrual cramps, regulates qi

• Chrysanthemum: anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, relieves stress, sadness, anger

• Skullcap: relieves tension headaches

Conditions foot baths can treat:

• Insomnia

• Bunions and athlete’s foot

• Colds

• Eczema and other skin allergies

• Joint pain

• Heart disease

• Menstruation

• Alzheimer’s

• Gastrointestinal disease

• Kidney disease

• Constipation

• Sexual appetite

Long-term health benefits:

• Reduce fatigue

• Calm the mind and improve sleep quality

• Lower blood pressure

• Improve skin condition and beauty

• Strengthen muscles and bones

• Increase blood circulation

Do NOT do foot baths if:

• You are pregnant

• Have metastatic cancer

• Have an active infection

• Have a disease made worse with increasing circulation

• Have had recent surgery/have an open wound

References:

“Benefits of a TCM Foot Bath”. Retrieved from https://www.susannekaufmann.com/blogs/journal/benefits-of-a-tcm-foot-bath.

“DIY Chinese herbal foot soak”. Retrieved from https://acupuncturefitzroy.com/2019/06/02/herbal-foot-soak/.

“History of the Foot Soak”. Retrieved from https://naturallylondon.com/blogs/from-feet-to-face/92107590-first-post.

“How Chinese Foot Baths Can Improve Your Health”. Retrieved from https://daoistgate.com/how-chinese-foot-baths-can-improve-your-health/.

“Treating Chronic Pain with Tibetan Foot Soaks”. Retrieved from https://valleyhealthclinic.com/tibetan-herbal-foot-soaks/.

“Why do Chinese people love foot bath?” Retrieved from https://wuhealing.com/blog/2020/9/16/why-do-chinese-people-love-foot-bath.