Will The Tool Pull My Skin?

The CJB Gua Sha and facial massage tools I use in treatments and stock are high quality, smooth and specifically designed for use on the chest, neck, face and around the eyes. It is very important for your skin to be hydrated with a facial mist and facial oil applied (when your skin is damp), to all areas you intend to work on. This will provide the necessary glide for the tool. For drier or more mature skin types you may find that you need to apply more oil during treatment.

Anchoring the skin as you work, using the index or ring finger of your non-working hand, avoids any unnecessary pulling of the skin and is essential when working around the eyes. When you have glide and anchor the skin mindfully, any slight stretch or ‘opposition’ of the skin becomes a connective tissue releasing movement that is beneficial rather than harmful.

How Much Pressure Do I use?

Pressure should always be light to light medium. The only time deeper (but not deep) pressure is used is on the thicker muscles of the back of the neck, upper shoulders and masseter muscle (TMJ region). For the lymphatic drainage work which forms an integral part of Gua Sha Facial Fusion, pressure is feather light. The kind of pressure you would use to stroke the cheek of a newborn baby.

More is not more in terms of pressure. Don’t be tempted to use deeper pressure for a perceived enhanced result. You risk raising Sha and as stone doesn’t yield you could also make your skin/muscles sore.

Can I Have/Do Gua Sha With Acne?

Yes, you can have a Gua Sha Facial Fusion treatment or use self-care if you have Acne or Rosacea. Self-care in fact is highly recommended. You cannot work with a Gua Sha over areas of open or active acne/rosacea. In this case, we would advise working below the affected area with lymphatic drainage techniques and specifically working regularly with Facial Gua Sha on the chest, neck and jawline, avoiding or working below any active lesions.

Working the neck helps to relieve tension that can impede circulation and lymph flow, opens up the lymphatic pathways encouraging drainage, oxygenation and nutrient exchange.

How Do I Clean My Tools?

Professional treatment follows enhanced sanitisation protocols for cleaning tools. For personal care, you should wipe the tool free of oil and then wash in hot (not boiling) soapy water after every use. Allow to air dry on kitchen paper. Tools can be rubbed over or lightly sprayed with an Isopropryl Alcohol spray as an addition before storage if required. Skin should be thoroughly cleansed, face mist and oil applied and hands freshly washed before beginning Facial Gua Sha treatment.

To clean roller heads use a clean cloth dipped in hot soapy water and wipe over with clean cold water. Sanitise the wire fixings thoroughly with a medical grade antibacterial wipe.

You can further cleanse your tools with Ytsara Purifying Mist for Jade & Gemstones. I use this spray on all of my tools including roller heads, fixings and handles.

Is My Skin Supposed To Go Red?

It is normal for skin to pinken/redden slightly during Facial Gua Sha especially if your skin has a tendency to redden during facial massage. However, more intense, brighter redness in the form of speckles or spots on the skin indicates Sha, the red rash that forms during a Body Gua Sha treatment using deeper pressure is very visible on white skin. On black and brown skin petechia appears as a reddish hue.

Whilst Sha is the goal of Gua Sha on the body, it is not the intent of Facial Gua Sha. If Sha is raised your pressure is too heavy. Stop working on the skin affected and lighten your pressure in other areas. Sha fades and resolves generally within 2-4 days and does not damage the skin.

How Often Should I Do Facial Gua Sha?

The benefits of Facial Gua Sha both in treatment and at home are cumulative. For self-care at home 10-30 minute sessions 3-4 times week are recommended either in the morning or evening.

Professional treatments are dependent on your goals and could range from once weekly for a short period, moving to once monthly maintenance.

Packages are available for working in advance of special occasions such as weddings.

I highly recommended taking a picture of yourself before and after treatment so that you can measure your progress. It’s also fun to work one side of your face first and then take a picture to compare the untreated side.