Gua Sha: what to think of this new anti-cellulite method?

Among the latest skincare trends, one small accessory is winning everyone over: the Gua Sha. Widely used for facial care, it now comes in a body version. But what exactly is it? And is the Gua Sha effective at tackling cellulite? A closer look at the technique, inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine, its possible benefits, how to choose one and how to use it at home.

What is the Gua Sha?

The Gua Sha, before being a tool, is a treatment method. It originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine, much like the cupping technique or acupuncture. Its name refers to “scraping” the skin: it involves scraping the skin with a flat, smooth-edged tool made of horn, brass or stone. In Chinese tradition, this is believed to free the Qi (vital energy). It is a firm massage, traditionally performed mainly on the back and used for various conditions, whether muscular, digestive or joint-related. The scraping can leave impressive red streaks, which TCM experts explain as the result of expelling “negative energies”.

Today, the Gua Sha has become more mainstream. But it is above all its applications that have changed:

• It is the tool itself that is now called Gua Sha, rather than the therapy.
• It is used as much for facial care as for body care.
• Different benefits are attributed to it: on the face, it is used for anti-wrinkle massage, promoting product absorption and cell renewal, while on the body, it is credited with anti-cellulite properties.

What are the benefits of Gua Sha massage on the body?

Few studies have been conducted on Gua Sha, and in any case, they focus more on the traditional technique (relieving the body of pain) than on aesthetic applications. But current Gua Sha enthusiasts, who use it to improve the appearance of their skin and overall wellbeing, claim that it allows:

• The feeling of smoother, softer skin through the massage.
• A feeling of lighter legs (see our article on the stimulation of circulatory flow).
• A moment of relaxation (provided the Gua Sha massage is performed in the correct direction, of course).
• Skin that looks less puffy towards the end of the day (see also our article on water retention).

These are users’ own accounts rather than demonstrated results: Gua Sha is first and foremost a pampering, feel-good ritual.

Superficial lipodystrophy, or cellulite, is a benign skin condition caused by a combination of three factors:

• Adipocyte hypertrophy, adipocytes being the subcutaneous fat cells. As they fill with fat, they swell and become misshapen, pushing against the skin wall and giving the skin a bumpy appearance. This is the phenomenon known as orange peel skin.
• Sluggish venous and lymphatic circulation, sometimes accompanied by a feeling of heavy legs, tingling or water retention. It can give cellulite a more swollen appearance (known as aqueous cellulite).
• Disorganisation of the subcutaneous elastic network. Hypertrophied adipocytes tend to alter the structure of connective tissue, which is partly made up of elastic collagen and elastin fibres. This disorganisation triggers a phenomenon: fibrosis, which is the cause of stubborn cellulite.

Gua Sha massage does not act on the components of cellulite, such as veno-lymphatic sluggishness. When performed correctly and regularly, using a specific methodology, it mainly helps provide:

• A pampering moment, to promote a feeling of lighter legs (the massage does not boost blood circulation or prevent water retention as such).
• A massage after which the skin looks smoother and feels more supple to the touch (it is not a lymphatic drainage treatment and does not rid tissues of toxins).

The skin, once massaged, appears smoother and more toned. If the discomforts associated with heavy legs or venous insufficiency persist, ask your GP for advice.

How to choose your Gua Sha?

There are different types of Gua Sha.

1- A different shape for each use

The best-known shape remains the “heart” shape: one edge is curved, the second is rounded and the last has two “bumps”. This type of Gua Sha is primarily used for facial massage.

The second shape is broadly similar, except that the rounded edge is replaced by a serrated one. This type of Gua Sha is also intended for facial massage.

Finally, the third most common shape is the “horn” shape. This Gua Sha has one rounded edge, a second that is curved and serrated, and a third that is flat and serrated. This shape allows for a comfortable, intuitive grip and makes it possible to massage different areas of the body.

2- A variety of materials

In addition to their varying shapes, Gua Sha tools can also be found in a range of materials. In TCM, accessories made from horn (buffalo, ox) or metal (mainly brass) were traditionally used. But today, with the renewed interest in crystal healing, Gua Sha tools are most commonly made from polished stone. This practice attributes properties to these stones that science has not demonstrated; they are mainly chosen for their cool touch and their beauty. You will therefore frequently find:

• Rose quartz: a pale pink stone, soft and cool to the touch. The stone is therefore considered particularly suitable for facial massage, and is commonly associated with gentle skin care rituals.
• Jade: a stone renowned for its coolness and for its smooth glide over the skin. It is also the most widely used stone for Gua Sha tools.
• Obsidian: this black, glossy stone is mainly chosen for its looks (see also our wellbeing tips).
• Mookaite: another crystal renowned for its many warm shades, from yellow to red. To look after your figure, nothing replaces a balanced diet and regular exercise (see our everyday tips, and our article on adipose cellulite).
• Amethyst: a purple stone particularly associated with women and femininity. See also our article on hormonal fluctuations – and cellulite is closely linked to these fluctuations.

This is why Gua Sha tools designed for body and skin care are often crafted from these stones.

What does a Gua Sha session involve?

It all depends on what you are referring to! Are we talking about Traditional Chinese Medicine or the anti-cellulite technique?

1- A Gua Sha session in TCM

In this context, Gua Sha is primarily aimed at people dealing with physical tension or stress. Before the session, it is recommended to have had a good night’s sleep, to be well hydrated and relaxed. The session involves “scraping” the back, which has been pre-coated with massage oil. The rhythm and pressure are adapted to the individual’s sensitivity. Throughout the session, it is customary to drink warm water. After the session, it is advisable to keep the back covered, rest, eat lightly and continue drinking warm water. The day after the session, several things are to be avoided: swimming, all kinds of excess (alcohol, tobacco, rich meals, parties…), applying cream or oil to the massaged area, and other treatments.

The back, after a Gua Sha session, is heavily marked. The red streaks can look striking, but they generally fade quickly.

2- Gua Sha body sculpting in a salon

This has little in common with the ancestral technique, either in its procedure or its purpose. Gua Sha body sculpting is a wellbeing ritual inspired by traditional Gua Sha, offering a relaxing moment. The movements are inspired by the traditional method, but the scraping is far less intense and leaves very few marks.

The session will treat all or part of the body, depending on individual needs. The sculpting is performed on skin that has been pre-coated with natural plant-based oil. The Gua Sha is then used to massage areas affected by cellulite, following a specific direction:

• For cellulite on the arms, the skin is “scraped” with the tool from the wrist up to the armpit, then up to the neck and even the chest.
• For cellulite on the stomach, scraping begins from the navel upwards towards the heart, then from the navel towards the lower abdomen.
• For cellulite on the thighs and legs, the Gua Sha is moved from the ankle to the knee, then from the knee to the groin, always working upwards.

The different edges of the Gua Sha are used depending on whether the area being worked on is convex, flat or concave.

A sculpting session typically lasts 1 hour.

A few precautions apply to every session, whether in a salon or at home: avoid irritated areas, cuts, inflamed spots, varicose veins and skin that has had too much sun. If your skin is very reactive, if you are pregnant or if you are undergoing medical treatment, it is best to ask your GP or a dermatologist for advice before you start.

Can you perform your own Gua Sha massage at home?

It is perfectly possible to perform your own Gua Sha massage right in your bathroom! All you need is the right equipment: a Gua Sha and a massage oil. And of course, we have thought of everything, as we keep a close eye on the latest trends! We are therefore delighted to introduce our new Body Gua Sha, made from jade stone. Its shape is designed for sculpting, offering a comfortable and intuitive grip. Its three sides allow you to massage all areas of the body affected by cellulite: limbs, stomach, buttocks and hips. Using it couldn’t be simpler:

• Apply massage oil all over your body, such as our Anti-Cellulite Oil with grapefruit and ivy.
• Gently warm up the area to be massaged with your hands.
• Then use the Gua Sha following the massage protocol provided with the tool.
• Once the massage is complete, finish with a few light strokes of your hands.
• Stay hydrated (drink water) after the session, and take time to relax.

The recommended frequency of use is once to twice a week maximum. Combined with a balanced lifestyle, this ritual offers, above all, a relaxing moment just for you, and after just a few sessions your skin may look not only smoother but also softer. If the discomforts associated with heavy legs, water retention or swelling persist, speak to your GP.

References

Nielsen A, Knoblauch NT, Dobos GJ, Michalsen A, Kaptchuk TJ. The effect of Gua Sha treatment on the microcirculation of surface tissue: a pilot study in healthy subjects. Explore (NY). 2007 Sep-Oct;3(5):456-66. doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2007.06.001. PMID: 17905355.

Braun M, Schwickert M, Nielsen A, Brunnhuber S, Dobos G, Musial F, Lüdtke R, Michalsen A. Effectiveness of traditional Chinese “gua sha” therapy in patients with chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. Pain Med. 2011 Mar;12(3):362-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2011.01053.x. Epub 2011 Jan 28. PMID: 21276190.

The science of gua sha, Arya Nielsen, PhD, Pacific College of health and science; https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/press-releases/2015/05/05/the-science-of-gua-sha

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Useful categories: Anti-Cellulite Care, Anti-Cellulite Solutions.