Author: Georgina Monjaraz

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Acupuncture and Gua Sha

Acupuncture and gua sha are two traditional Chinese medical practices that have been used for centuries to promote healing and alleviate pain. Both practices are based on the belief that illness and pain are caused by an imbalance or blockage of qi, the body’s vital energy. By restoring the flow of qi, these practices are believed to allow the body to heal itself.

Acupuncture is a technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body known as acupoints. The needles are believed to stimulate the flow of qi and restore balance to the body. Acupuncture is commonly used to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, and stress.

Gua sha, on the other hand, is a technique that involves using a smooth, flat tool to apply firm pressure to the skin in a scraping motion. This practice is believed to improve circulation and release built-up toxins in the body, providing relief from a variety of ailments. Gua sha is commonly used to treat muscle pain, stiffness, and inflammation, as well as respiratory and digestive issues.

While acupuncture and gua sha are different techniques, they are often used together as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Both practices are believed to be safe and effective, and can provide a range of health benefits.

Overall, acupuncture and gua sha are important parts of the rich tradition of traditional Chinese medicine. These practices continue to be used by millions of people around the world for their many health benefits.

Acupressure for back pain

Acupressure i involves applying pressure to specific points on the body known as acupoints instead of the needles from Acupuncture. These points are believed to be connected to the flow of qi, the body’s vital energy, and can be used to promote healing and alleviate pain.

When it comes to treating muscle pain in the back, there are several acupressure points that can be used. These include:

1. B52: Also known as the “Huang Shu,” this point is located on the upper back, between the shoulder blades. Pressing on this point is believed to help relieve back pain, stiffness, and tension.
2. GB21: Also known as the “Jian Jing,” this point is located on the upper back, at the junction of the neck and the shoulders. Pressing on this point is believed to help relieve headaches, neck pain, and tension in the upper back.
3. BL23: Also known as the “Shen Shu,” this point is located on the lower back, about two inches below the bottom of the spine. Pressing on this point is believed to help relieve lower back pain, stiffness, and sciatica.
4. GB30: Also known as the “Huan Tiao,” this point is located on the back of the leg, just below the knee. Pressing on this point is believed to help relieve pain and stiffness in the lower back and legs.

To use these points for acupressure, simply apply gentle but firm pressure with your finger or gua sha tool such as a Suuruus Gua Sha stone. Hold the pressure for about 30 seconds and then release. Repeat this process several times for each point to help relieve muscle pain in the back.

It is important to consult with a trained practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine before undergoing any acupuncture or gua sha treatment.

How to use gua sha in back massage?

1. Begin by lying down on a comfortable surface, such as a massage table or a firm mattress. Make sure you are relaxed and comfortable.
2. Next, choose a smooth, flat tool to use for the gua sha treatment. This could be a jade or bone spoon, a coin, or a ceramic tile.
3. Apply a small amount of massage oil or lotion to the affected area of your body. This will help the tool glide smoothly over your skin and prevent irritation.
4. Hold the tool in your dominant hand and begin applying firm pressure to the skin in a scraping motion. Start at the base of the affected muscle and move upward in long, gentle strokes. Repeat this process several times until the entire muscle has been treated.
5. As you perform the gua sha treatment, you may notice the appearance of a red rash or bruising on the skin. This is known as sha, and is believed to be evidence of toxins being released from the body.
6. After the gua sha treatment is complete, it is important to keep the treated area warm and hydrated. You can do this by applying a warm compress or a soothing lotion to the skin.
7. It is recommended to repeat the gua sha treatment several times a week to help alleviate chronic muscle pain. Over time, you may notice an improvement in your symptoms and an overall reduction in pain and discomfort.

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Gua Sha applied on facial acupressure points

English translation of this word would mean ‘Gua Sha’, It means “Scratch” & “Sand”, Here, Scratch refers to ‘Stroke’ or ‘Press’ & The sand refers to the raised redness of the skin rather than the actual sand. The Gua Sha is a flat tool made from semi-precious stone to massage the face.

Even though Gua Sha has recently gained internet fame. It’s older than you think, The modern-day face- scrapping technique is actually based upon the traditional Chinese technique known as ‘Gua Sha’.

According to traditional practitioners, the redness gained through scrapping encourages our skin to heal but that was the traditional method nowadays Practice of Gua Sha is less intense but is equally effective.

Before you start massaging, Make sure to wash your Gua Sha tool so it’s clean. Wash/cleanse your face and apply oil, serum, or moisturizer of your choice. Make sure your skin is slippery otherwise use of the Gua Sha tool might irritate the skin.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there are different points that when applied acupressure can relief benefits. The following two points are located in the face and can be massage through Gua Sha.

Gua Sha and GV26 facial point

GV-26 point is located between the upper lip and nose, It’s about one-third of the way down from the bottom of the nose. GV26 is also known as “Shin Gou”, and due to its effectiveness in restoring one’s consciousness and mental after a person has fainted, it is also used as a first-aid revival point. Practitioners regularly recommend GV26 as a point to apply pressure on for a minute. It will help you with mental awareness and physical energy.

Gua sha and Yintang facial point

Point Yintang is located between the eyebrows it is also known as The Third Eye. The Yintang point is in acupressure massage to calm the mind. Practitioners recommend this massage on this point for people suffering from anxiety, insomnia & overthinking. Massaging on this point with the Gua Sha precision tool can help calm your mind and Improve your sleep.

Other benefits of using Gua Sha

• Migraines – A study conducted with 14-day inpatient treatment showed that Gua Sha helped in easing the migraine pain but experts say further research needs to be conducted on this topic to prove this.
• Heals Acne scars – Gentle stroking of Gua Sha helps bring new blood to the surface of the skin that in turn rejuvenates skin cells that in turn helps in reducing the visibility of acne scars. To see fast results you can pair up the use of the Gua Sha tool with ‘Vitamin C serum’ or ‘Kumkumadi oil’.
• Reduces Puffiness – A slow lymph system can cause puffiness, swollen skin, and even acne. Improved Lymph circulation can be achieved through muscle movement or massage. The Gua Sha tool can be the best way to improve lymph circulation and reduce puffiness.

• Get rid of Dark circles or Dark complexion – Frequent massage with the Gua Sha tool can result in improved blood circulation that helps in disposing of dark dead cells and gives your skin a new & youthful glow.
• Improved Jawline – Constant use of the Gua Sha tool in a correct manner will help you get rid of a double chin and help develop a smooth jawline and cheekbones and as time passes your face will look naturally shaped.

Additional Tip – You can keep the Suuruus Jade Gua Sha tool in the refrigerator to get that additional cooling and soothing effect on your skin. If you don’t have a Gua Sha tool you can also use a Gua Sha alternative tool such as ‘Jade Facial roller’.

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Why using jade roller is good for you?

A jade roller is a small tool used for facial massage and skincare. It is typically made from a piece of jade, a smooth, cool stone that is believed to have many health benefits. The jade roller is typically used on the face to provide a gentle massage and promote healthy, radiant skin.

Jade rolling has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where it was believed to have many health benefits. In TCM, jade is thought to have a calming effect on the body and mind, and is believed to be helpful for a range of conditions. Jade rolling is thought to improve circulation, reduce puffiness, and promote overall wellness.

To use a jade roller, simply roll it over the face in an upward and outward motion. This gentle massage can help to improve blood flow to the face, reduce puffiness and swelling, and improve the elasticity of the skin. Jade rolling can also help to improve the absorption of skincare products, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin.

In addition to its many skincare benefits, jade rolling can also provide a relaxing and pampering experience. The cool, smooth stone feels soothing on the skin, and the gentle massage can help to reduce tension and stress. Many people enjoy incorporating jade rolling into their skincare routine as a way to pamper themselves and take a moment for self-care.

Overall, jade rolling is a safe and effective skincare practice that can provide a range of benefits for the skin and the body. It is an important part of the rich tradition of TCM, and continues to be used by millions of people around the world for its many health benefits.

Benefits of doing Jade Roller on the face

There are several potential benefits to using a jade roller on the face, including:

1. Improved circulation: The gentle massage provided by a jade roller can help to increase blood flow to the face, which can improve the appearance of the skin and give it a healthy, radiant glow.
2. Reduced puffiness: Jade rolling can help to reduce puffiness and swelling in the face, particularly around the eyes. This can help to minimize the appearance of dark circles and fine lines, giving the face a more youthful and refreshed look.
3. Improved elasticity: Regular jade rolling can help to improve the elasticity of the skin, which can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
4. Tighter pores: The gentle massage provided by a jade roller can help to tighten the pores and improve the overall texture of the skin. This can help to prevent the build-up of dirt and oil, which can lead to breakouts and other skin problems.
5. Improved absorption of skincare products: Jade rolling can help to improve the absorption of skincare products, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin. This can help to maximize the benefits of your skincare routine and give you better results.

Overall, using a jade roller on the face can provide a range of benefits for the skin, helping to improve its appearance and give it a healthy, radiant glow.

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What’s the story of Gua Sha in TCM?

Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medical treatment that has been used for centuries to alleviate pain and promote healing. The practice involves using a smooth, flat tool to apply firm pressure to the skin in a scraping motion. This treatment is believed to improve circulation and release built-up toxins in the body, providing relief from a variety of ailments.

Gua sha has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), dating back to the Neolithic era. In TCM, it is believed that illness and pain are caused by an imbalance or blockage of qi, the body’s vital energy. Gua sha is thought to restore the flow of qi, allowing the body to heal itself.

To perform gua sha, a practitioner will use a tool such as a jade or bone spoon, a coin, or a ceramic tile to apply pressure to the skin. The tool is rubbed or scraped over the affected area in a specific pattern, creating a reddened rash or bruising. This is known as sha, and is believed to be evidence of the release of toxins from the body.

Gua sha is commonly used to treat muscle pain, stiffness, and inflammation, as well as respiratory and digestive issues. It can also be used to boost the immune system and promote overall wellness.

While there is limited scientific research on the effectiveness of gua sha, many people swear by its benefits and report experiencing relief from a variety of conditions. It is important to consult with a trained TCM practitioner before undergoing any gua sha treatment.

Gua sha is just one of many techniques used in TCM, which also includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy. These practices aim to restore balance to the body and promote healing, and have been used by millions of people around the world for centuries.

Overall, gua sha is a safe and effective treatment that can provide relief from a variety of conditions. It is an important part of the rich tradition of TCM and continues to be used by practitioners and patients alike.

Benefits of doing Gua Sha and acupressure

Gua sha and acupressure are two ancient healing practices that have been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries. While they have some similarities, they also have some key differences.

Acupressure, involves applying pressure to specific points on the body known as acupoints. This technique is believed to stimulate the flow of qi, the body’s vital energy, and restore balance to the body. Acupressure is commonly used to treat a wide range of conditions, including headaches, stress, and chronic pain.

One key difference between gua sha and acupressure is the tools used. Gua sha is typically performed using a jade or bone spoon, while acupressure is performed using the fingers or a tool such as a massage ball or roller.

Another difference is the type of pressure applied. Gua sha involves a firm, scraping motion, while acupressure involves gentle but firm pressure applied to specific acupoints.

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Why using Gua Sha tool for body?

Endowed with the goodness of traditional Chinese medicine, Gua Sha promises a whole list of medical benefits to the users.

When used on the skin, lubricated with massage oil or balm, the therapeutic Gua Sha tool would bring the user that ‘exotic’ feeling of relaxation. It is a blessing for anyone with tensed muscles due to a tiring lifestyle or suffering from a whole range of problems related to skincare.

Do you want to feel your skin rejuvenating? Then experience an acupressure Gua Sha massage, on your back or your legs!!

This therapeutic treatment makes this best Gua Sha tool glide across the body, promoting blood circulation, specially in the tiny blood vessels supplying blood to the skin.

It helps the curing of swelling or puffiness.  It is a proven cure for cellulite as it functions as a catalyst in moving fluid away from swollen areas, thus providing immediate relief. This drainage is a renowned benefit of Gua Sha massage.

Benefits of doing Gua Sha body massage

1. Reduces pain due to bad postures

Long-term muscle pains due to work-related postures are so common in day-to-day life. Gua Sha offers relief for those complications. The endemic neck and shoulder pains suffered by regular computer users will get amazingly healed through a comfortable Gua Sha massage on the neck and the shoulders.

2. Helps with muscle recovery after sports

Gua Sha is a scraping technique that relieves muscle tension and pain. It would be good news for bodybuilders, weightlifters, and athletes, to know that Gua Sha massage largely helps the recovery of muscles. This tiny tool will bring in immense relief. Moreover, Gua Sha is used by thousands, over the world, to find relief for chronic pains from which they suffer.

While the Gua Sha tool can be effectively used on back, neck, arms, butt or legs, the tiny petechiae it leaves on the skin will help proper blood flow, ‘lift’ the skin and accelerate the healing processes, by removing the body toxics.

3. Releases tension and smooth knots

The Gua Sha tool, when used in skincare routine, will be used to impose a pressure on the skin, in downward movements. While the first round imposes mild pressure, the practitioner would gradually increase the pressure, up to the bearable level. Gua Sha in massage is an art!

While it is praised for its tension releasing property, Gua Sha helps smoothing the knots. Tourette’s syndrome, which causes the twitching of nerves would get definite beneficial reactions, through Gua Sha massages.

4. Provides relief while breastfeeding

Gua Sha’s benefit to ladies is not only facial beauty and wrinkle smoothing. Perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, sleeplessness and mood swings can largely improve when regular Gua Sha treatments are taken.

Apart from that, swelling and discomfort due to breast fullness in breastfeeding moms can be reduced through Gua Sha treatments. These situations witnessed by Gua Sha lovers show hoe the massage treatment has both healing and beautifying benefits.

5. Helps with migraine

You will be surprised to learn that Gua Sha massages on the neck and face help reducing the pain in migraine conditions. Studies have shown that Gua Sha can reduce the liver inflammation caused by the Hepatitis B viral infection. The soothing effect of a Gua Sha massage is primary, and the uncountable health benefits accompanied with it are the best.

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How Does Turmeric Benefit Your Skin?

For hundreds of years, people have been using turmeric for its healing properties. The bright yellow-orange spice belongs to the ginger family and is available in the form of ground spice or present in skincare products.

Benefits of Using Turmeric

1. Treatment of Acne

Turmeric is the safest natural ingredient for acne. It has Anti-bacterial, anti-septic, and anti-inflammatory properties that inhibit the bacterial growth responsible for acne. In addition, Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, heals the acne lesions and prevents them from forming again.

2. Anti-aging Properties

You cannot stop the natural aging process. The harmful UV rays and environmental pollutants stimulate the process of cellular aging. The free radicals from the environment break down the collagen, resulting in wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.

3. Brightens the Skin

Congested, damaged, or inflamed skin never looks smooth and radiant. However, turmeric’s antioxidizing and purifying properties are glow-inducing.

It boosts the microcirculation of the skin and leaves your complexion feeling supple and brighter. In addition, turmeric suppresses melanin production and clears hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

4. Fades Scars

The scars from hormonal acne provide you with so much emotional pain. Turmeric in turmeric accelerates the cell renewal process. It repairs and replaces the damaged and pigmented cells with new and healthy cells. In addition, it minimizes the appearance of acne scars.

5. Moisturizes Skin

Dryness makes your complexion dull and lifeless. The moisturizer or serum with turmeric proves a lot beneficial for your skin. It alleviates the symptoms of dryness, deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin, and removes the dead skin cells.

Turmeric infused face mask can also act as a treat for a dry and dull complexion. It leaves your skin soft, hydrated, and healthy. Curcumin replenishes the skin moisture and removes the dead skin cells.

6. Soothes Skin

Turmeric is helpful for severe skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. In addition, the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can do wonders even for the trickiest of skins. The soothing properties of turmeric reduce redness caused by blemishes and calm inflamed and irritated skin.

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The Skincare Benefits of a Jade Roller

You have probably seen a beauty blogger or a celebrity using a jade roller on social media. But, does this pretty little tool actually work or benefit the skin? Yes, the simple act of massaging the jade roller has many skincare benefits. Read on to learn what jade roller is, how it works, and the skincare benefits you obtain from it.

What is a Jade Roller?

The Skincare Benefits of a Jade Roller

Jade roller has skin purifying and detoxifying properties. Here are some skincare benefits you get from adding it to your regular skincare routine.

Boosts Lymphatic Drainage

You can consider the lymphatic system is something that holds all the junk of your body. It collects wastes, toxins, bacteria, and viruses and transports them to the lymph nodes, where they get destroyed.

Jade roller works amazingly by boosting lymphatic drainage. It prevents fluid build-up and reduces inflammation. The lymph nodes are located in your neck and behind the ears. Rolling the jade roller in the direction of lymph nodes eliminates toxins and makes your skin feel refreshed.

Soothes the Skin

The jade rollers feel pleasant on the skin. It glides smoothly without pulling and tugging. People who experience redness and irritation can benefit from using the jade roller. It soothes skin irritation, inflammation, and redness.

Brightens the Skin

The jade roller increases blood circulation, and the oxygen-rich blood reaches the skin surface, which helps brighten the skin complexion. A daily 5-minute massage of the jade roller effectively evens out the skin tone. Just be sure to massage towards the lymph nodes.

Reduces Eye Puffiness

An unhealthy diet, poor sleeping patterns, drinking alcohol and caffeine, and salty food causes your under-eye area to get inflamed. A simple massage by the jade roller can help. The smaller stone is ideal to use on under eye area. You can keep the jade roller tool in a refrigerator fr 3 minutes before use. The cold temperature constricts the blood vessels and prevents fluid from accumulating in skin tissues.

Enhance Product Absorption

One of the biggest perks you get from using a jade roller is it increases the effectiveness of skincare products. No product can benefit till it is fully absorbed into your skin. Simply apply the facial oil, serum, or moisturizer to the face and massage the skin with a jade roller. It distributes the product evenly and allows the better penetration of skincare ingredients.

Suitable for All Skin Types

Jade roller is safe to use on all skin types. People with sensitive skin always find it difficult to choose a product suitable for their skin type. The good news is that they can use the jade roller as it helps to soothe skin irritation, redness, and inflammation.

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