Gua sha and jade roller facial massage are two very different types of massages that benefit both your skin and your spirit. Though they may seem similar, gua sha is more intense than a regular massage and can sometimes be mistaken for an Asian version of a craniosacral therapy. While traditional jade rolling is used as a type of Chinese massage to relieve stress and tension, it also has many other benefits such as improved blood circulation, increased energy levels, and even better sleep! If you’ve never experienced either form of massage before, don’t worry—we will explain everything you need to know about these two types of massages in this article. Keep reading to learn everything from what gua sha is all about, to why you should start practicing it today.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua sha is a type of massage that uses hard and smooth “guasha” (jade) balls to massage and stimulate the body’s connective tissues. It is an ancient Chinese therapy that is believed to have multiple health benefits including increased blood flow and lymphatic drainage, better sleep, and increased energy levels. Though it is originally used for the treatment of various ailments, it can also be used as a type of “detoxification” massage to cleanse your body and relieve stress. Today, it is also used as a type of alternative therapy to help treat skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema. To learn more, check out our article on how to do gua sha.
Why do You Need to Practice Jade Rolling?
Jade rolling is a type of Chinese facial massage that is believed to aid in a number of benefits including increased blood flow, improved skin tone, and better sleep. To get the most out of this practice, you should aim to roll on your skin for at least 20 minutes every day. Aside from helping with your skin and sleep, rolling also increases your energy levels and helps improve your blood flow. Once you start rolling regularly, you will notice that you have increased energy levels and you will be able to work harder and longer without feeling tired or fatigued. You can also expect to have better focus and clarity when doing your daily tasks.
Easy Ways to Practice Jade Rolling and Gua Sha
If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of gua sha, you can visit your local Chinatown or Asian grocery store and pick up some jade balls. Since they can be expensive and hard to find, we recommend getting a silicone ball made of non-porous rubber that is both affordable and easy to find. You can also do a Google search for “jade rolling” and “gua sha” or visit your local Asian grocery store.
Tips for Optimum Jade Rolling and Gua Shai
– Make sure you are hydrated and well-fed before you start rolling. If you are dehydrated, you will struggle to roll your face evenly and you may also experience soreness.
– Roll on your face, scalp, and neck. This is because you want to make sure to stimulate your connective tissues and lymphatic system. If you roll on your arms or legs, you may experience muscle cramps and spasms!
– Roll slowly and evenly on both sides of your face.
– Make sure your face is clean and free of makeup before you start.
It can be a great option to use OTACI Rose Passion 100 % Natural Rose Water Hydrating Face Mist before applying gua sha or jade roller. Thanks to the massage, your skin will absorb the natural rose water better and you will instantly feel its relaxing effect.
Conclusion
Gua sha and jade rolling are two very different forms of massage that can benefit both your skin and your spirit. Though they may seem similar, gua sha is more intense than a regular massage and can sometimes be mistaken for an Asian version of a craniosacral therapy. While traditional jade rolling is used as a type of Chinese massage to relieve stress and tension, it can also be used as a type of “detoxification” massage to cleanse your body and relieve stress.