Skincare and Your Lymphatic System: Gua Sha Face Massage

I so adore DIY projects! What better time than now to get our creative juices flowing with the holidays approaching and gift ideas in the back of our minds. This two-part entry begins with a face oil recipe to improve skin texture and ends with a Gua Sha (pronounced "gwa-shah") massage for lymphatic stimulation.  

Face Oil

Our mix includes four oils: jojoba, grapeseed, black seed and vitamin E.

• Jojoba oil moisturizes, controls acne, reduces inflammation, and provides antioxidant and anti-aging effects.

• Grapeseed oil also moisturizes and provides antioxidant protection while helping with hyperpigmentation.

• Black seed oil is rich in vitamin A, a nutrient known for its ability to strengthen collagen in the skin, fights acne, reduces inflammation and irritation, and provides hydration.

• Vitamin E oil hydrates dry skin, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and fades scars and dark spots. It also helps to preserve your oil mix giving a longer shelf life.

Recipe:

1 Tablespoon jojoba oil

1 Tablespoon grapeseed oil

1 Teaspoon black seed oil

½ teaspoon vitamin E oil

Mix oils together and store in an amber bottle to protect it from light. Apply 8-10 drops to clean face daily.

Gua Sha Lymphatic Drainage Massage

This technique originated in East Asia and is commonly used in Western medical and wellness practices. Using a small, smooth-edged tool, you firmly stroke your skin in one direction which helps to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation. Studies show that when doing this “scraping” technique correctly, chemicals are released that improve blood flow, decrease toxins, reduce pain, and promote healing in the treated area. Similar techniques are used by physical therapists and chiropractors called instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM). A small tool is used to help loosen up tight muscles or areas of scar tissue. 

Before you begin 

• Wash your hands and the gua sha tool with soap and water.  

• Cleanse your face thoroughly.  

• Avoid using the tool on broken or irritated skin.

• Apply a facial oil to create a smooth, slippery surface for the tool to glide on.  

• Hold the tool flat against your skin at a slight angle (~45°). 

Facial Gua Sha Routine 

Neck: Starting at the collarbone, make smooth, upward strokes along your neck toward your earlobe. Repeat 5 times on each side.  

Jawline: Place the tool at the center of your chin and sweep along your jawline to your ear. Repeat on the other side.  

Cheeks: Sweep the tool from the side of your nose across your cheekbone to your ear. Repeat on the other side.  

Under the eye: Gently sweep outwards from the inner corner of your eye towards your ear. Use very light pressure in this delicate area and repeat on the other side.  

Forehead: Using the tool from between your eyebrows, sweep upwards to your hairline. Repeat on the other side.  

Finish: Finish the routine by making long, sweeping strokes down the neck to help drain fluid from the face. 

Tips for Use: 

• Use light to medium, steady pressure. It should feel relaxing, not painful. 

• Always move from the inside of the face outwards. 

• Clean the tool after each use. 

• Drink water to help flush your lymph after using your massage tool.