How to get clear skin with gua sha

Please note that we do NOT recommend gua sha massage on inflamed skin, acne or active spots, as these can rupture with pressure, thereby spreading the bacteria. But we can easily work on clogged pores and help clear minor spots.


How to get clear skin

It is a myth that problem skin only belongs to teenagers; in many people, the problem actually arises much later in life.

Although we may get tired of the eternal battle against pimples and oily skin, people with this skin type are so lucky that their skin does not age as fast as others because it has a protective layer of sebum. On the other hand, the naturally oily skin must be well cared for in order to be kept in check. Oily skin can lead to problem skin, often related to an imbalance in the body. Therefore, it is very important that we eat right as a first step to clear skin.

Problem skin can be the body's way of signaling that a lifestyle change is needed. When foods with a high sugar content are consumed, it leads to an increased content of sugar in the blood, which causes the body to produce high levels of the hormone insulin. An elevated insulin level creates a vicious cycle by producing an excess of male hormones (testosterone), which causes the pores of the skin to secrete sebum in excessive amounts. In severe cases, this can attract, accelerate and activate the acne-causing bacteria.


How gua sha promotes clear skin

With correctly performed gua sha massage, we stimulate the lymphatic system of the skin, which we can call our “skin’s inner cleanser”.                   

During absorption of nutrients from the blood capillaries to the body, excess fluid is released into the body ́s tissue. This is called lymph; in Latin, Lympha means ”clear water”. 

Lymphatic fluid is a clear liquid, which consists of a variety of waste products from cells in the body’s tissues. It can also contain foreign microorganisms or particles such as bacteria, viruses, etc. 

Lymphatic capillaries are thin vessels that absorb the fluid. Each lymphatic capillary carries lymph into a lymphatic vessel, which in turn connects to a lymph node. When the lymphatic fluid reaches the lymph nodes, it is cleansed and returned to the venous circulation. Our lymph nodes really are our body ́s detoxification plant. 

When working with lymphatic drainage, we always work in the direction of the lymphatic pathways. If the lymphatic system is damaged or its function somehow impaired, the fluid will accumulate in the skin. This can result in lymphedema which causes swelling, pain and increased risk of infection. The lymph ́s primary task is to remove the excess fluid from the skin and rid the body of foreign microorganisms and toxins. You can see the lymphatic pathways in the illustration by Oriol Angrill below.

 

With the help of lymphatic drainage, we can stimulate the lymphatic circulation and clear puffiness and inflammation. By stimulating the lymph, we can also treat many different skin conditions such as pimples, cellulite and redness. 

We have about 900 lymph nodes in the body, 200 of which are in the neck (!) which is why we always always always have to start our gua sha facial on the neck and shoulders before moving up to the face. Think about lymphatic drainage like this: we always want to work with gravity, which means that we have to clear “roadblocks” from the neck and upwards, so that the lymph can flow freely down.

The Sculpt Gua Sha has a special lymphatic drainage edge (Edge 4 on the photo below) , which creates a small vacuum when it is pulled across the skin. This vacuum gently draws excess lymph fluid away from the skin.

Remember to use ultra gentle pressure, just like a feather touching the skin. If we press too hard we block the lymph rather than stimulate it. When using the sculpting edge of the gua sha, keep skin contact always and move at a slow mindful pace. It helps to imagine that you are pulling a tiny water balloon under the skin that you don’t want to let go off.

You can learn more about the Calmlish SCULPT Gua Sha® HERE 

 

 

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