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In a world filled with constant distractions and a never-ending stream of information, finding moments of focus and presence has become increasingly challenging. There is a soothing self-care practice that can help us reclaim our attention and cultivate mindfulness. Welcome to the world of Gua Sha — a centuries-old self-care ritual that not only improves skin health but also enhances our mental clarity, allowing us to savor the present moment and stay away from distractions.
In this article, we'll explore how incorporating a Gua Sha routine into our lives can bring about a deeper sense of focus, presence, and overall well-being.
| What is Gua Sha exactly?
Gua Sha is an ancient healing technique that originated in traditional Chinese medicine. The term "gua sha" translates to "scraping" or "press-stroking." It involves using a smooth-edged tool, typically made of jade, rose quartz, or other gemstones, to gently scrape or stroke the skin in a specific manner for targeted results.
During a Gua Sha session guided by a professional, the facialist applies light to moderate pressure with the tool on the skin, using long and sweeping strokes along the muscles and meridian pathways of the face. This scraping motion is believed to help stimulate blood circulation, release muscle tension, promote lymphatic drainage, and encourage the flow of qi, or vital energy, within the body.
Gua Sha is known for its wide range of benefits, including promoting relaxation, reducing inflammation, improving circulation, detoxifying the skin, and enhancing the overall health and vitality of the body. It is often used as a holistic approach to address various concerns, such as facial rejuvenation, muscle tension, headaches, and even respiratory issues.
While Gua Sha is deeply rooted in Chinese medicine, it has gained popularity worldwide as a natural and non-invasive method. Many people incorporate Gua Sha into their self-care routine or seek professional Gua Sha sessions to experience its rejuvenating and therapeutic effects.
| Creating Intentions and Embracing Mindfulness
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Incorporating Gua Sha adds intention and ritual to your routine. It becomes your personal oasis, a daily ritual infused with positivity. Whether you're a busy mom juggling multiple responsibilities or someone navigating the fast-paced demands of life setting aside time for Gua Sha allows you to declare, "This is my moment to prioritize myself." Each stroke becomes an expression of purpose, enhancing your focus and intention in all areas of life.
Gua Sha truly offers a refuge of mindful self-care. As the writer and mental health advocate Katie Reed wisely said, self-care means giving the world your best self. Through the art of Gua Sha, you nurture your physical and mental well-being, one soothing stroke at a time.
Gua Sha invites you to be the star of this sensory experience. Each stroke cultivates mindfulness, anchoring you in the present moment. As you embrace this act of self-care, the noise fades, and simplicity takes center stage.
| Releasing Tension and Reset
With each gentle stroke, tension dissipates, and balance is restored. It's like sipping a refreshing tropical drink that melts away stress, allowing your mind to find equilibrium. Distractions fade, mental clarity reigns and the present moment is embraced.
Turn off or mute notifications on your phone, computer, or other devices while doing your routine to prevent any interruption from incoming messages or social media updates.
Bonus tip: Explore specific chill Spotify playlist like Maison Ito's designed to create a calming ambiance and start your Gua Sha session.
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| Elevate Your Gua Sha Routine With Maison Ito
Photo credit: Maison Ito (Gua Sha Ritual with bian stone Gua Sha tool)
What works for someone might not be working for you, so we suggest that you seek guidance from a professional when you start using Gua Sha. Incorporate the scraping tool into your self-care routine with confidence by following these helpful tips from Maison Ito’s facialist:
Begin with a freshly cleansed face and apply 3-5 drops of facial oil or serum to ensure smooth gliding (don't forget your neck and upper chest in the process)
Hold your Gua Sha tool like you would hold an ice cream cone
Apply gentle pressure for lymphatic drainage, and if desired, increase the pressure to a medium or firm level to help release muscle tension
Use gentle, upward strokes following the natural contours of your face
Take your time, be present, and enjoy the mindful self-care experience
Remember, just as Rome wasn't built in a day, the same applies to your self-care journey. By incorporating Gua Sha techniques into your daily routine, you are taking small steps toward nurturing and improving your skin's health. Each gentle stroke, each moment of mindfulness, contributes to your overall well-being.
When distractions abound, Gua Sha empowers you to embrace the moment and conquer them with grace. Stimulating circulation, releasing facial and body tensions, and cultivating mindfulness, Gua Sha is your secret weapon for your all-year-round balance and focus. So, grab your precious tool, embark on a journey of self-care, and remember these words: "Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what's left."
Are you ready to elevate your self-care routine with Gua Sha? There's no reason why you shouldn't seize the opportunity to explore it further. Join our facialist, Emilie Céline, for a private online coaching session or for a facial massage at the Spa and unlock the secrets of Gua Sha. Whether you choose to incorporate it into your daily regimen or indulge in professional facial massages, the results will be remarkable and long-lasting.
BY EMILIE CELINE