Gua Sha: The hottest beauty trend

My first book, Qi: Chinese Secrets of Health, Beauty & Vitality, written in conjunction with Hong Kong-based Chinese Medicine Practitioner Dr Troy Sing, highlighted the merits of face massage (amongst many other timeless Chinese rituals), as do many articles (see here) and my last book GLOW: Your Complete Four-Week Plan for Healthy Radiant Skin waxes lyrical on the subject too.

Best described as a rigorous massage workout for the face, gliding a handheld crystal restorer tool over the face, neck an decolletage, Gua Sha helps improve blood circulation, release tension (and for those like myself with ever tight jaws - it helps to soften and loosen them), leaving skin instantly more supple and radiant. it seems that the wider world is suddenly catching on to this simple treatment that the Chinese have been quietly doing for centuries. Back then there was no botox, fillers or other injectables to erase the lines and revitalise the face, but techniques such as this kept their weathered skin supple and healthy.

Balancing Qi

Dating back to the Paleothic or Stone Age, when primitive stone implements were first used by hunter-gatherers, it was Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners who capitalised on Gua Sha’s benefits to reduce pain and inflammation in the body, with the goal being to literally ‘scrape away illness’. It’s all down to Qi (internal energy) as in Chinese thinking, stagnant Qi is a possible cause of inflammation and rubbing the skin’s surface stimulates energy, reducing inflammation and rebalancing Qi.

Hayo’u Method

HAYOU Rose Quartz Restorer Tool 300.jpeg

In my opinion, UK-based Chinese medicine practitioner and founder of the Hayo’u Method, Katie Brindle, is leading the way in this rapidly evolving business. She says that the simple treatment relaxes the muscles, gets the energy and blood moving and shifts any puffiness. “It boosts the circulation – studies show by up to 400 percent – which takes away toxins and brings in oxygen and nutrients. During the massage, you are creating a controlled trauma [that short-term flush of redness], which the skin then starts to repair by making new collagen.”

What’s more, practised daily it can boost waning immune systems too - something we all need to be extra diligent about in our new world. “The lymphatic system clears toxins and fights infection,” Brindle adds, “but, unlike the circulatory system, it can’t flow by itself – it needs moving.”

I love massage and I also love natural face oils and for me Brindle’s Rose Quartz Beauty Restorer (pictured) ticks all the boxes. I have been using it daily for the past few weeks and I’m hooked - a minute is all it takes and, after a momentary sunburnt look, that radiant post-workout glow appears and my skin feels supple and super glowy.

Katie Brindle’s Beauty Ritual

While there are numerous blogs and YouTube tutorials showing the do’s and don’t’s of this fab mini ritual, all the guidance you will ever need is on Brindle’s Hayo’u Method website - her thehayoumethod instagram tutorials are super too.

“Used in the morning, it’s about treating puffiness and energising the skin,” she clarifies, while at night you work more on relaxing the muscles and releasing tight connective tissue.” And, for those of us with little time, one minute is all it takes (although the longer the better, within reason is my advice) and it can be done anywhere, even watching your favourite Netlix show!. While the movements are is relatively gentle (you’re in control of the pressure and the shape of tool you use), if you are prone to broken capillaries or acne breakouts, seek expert advice before beginning.

Which crystal is best?

Although Rose Quartz is far and away my preference, Brindle explains that Jade is known for its balancing effects and its ability to cool, so it helps de-puff the skin, while also clearing inflammation. “Rose quartz relates to the heart, so it’s especially good to use on the neck and chest, but not at night, as it can be too stimulating. And while amethyst is associated with evenings and winter, citrine is good for summer and mornings.”

Hayou’s offerings also include the Bamboo tapper, head restorer comb and various beautifully crafted natural face and body oils and scrubs. After all, our skin deserves a little TLC and it might just be the secret to that elusive healthy glow and a good night’s sleep too!