Ayurvedic View on Gua Sha- A Traditional Chinese Healing Method

DESCRIPTION

Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese healing method that is used by professionals. It is a smooth-edged shaped tool which helps improve circulation. It scrapes the skin with short or long strokes which stimulates microcirculation and thus increases the flow of blood. It was first referred to in classical textbooks called Shang Han Lun dated 200 CE. In Chinese, it is commonly known as Gua Sha in Indonesia, it is Kerokan. Is a tool which is used to scrape the skin in order to lighten the Petechiae. The latest and greatest trend is the beautiful crystal which is one of the oldest treatments of Chinese medicine. It is helpful in treating chronic pain which is present all over the body and it is performed alongside various complementary treatments such as Herbal medicine, Acupuncture and Heat Therapy.

HISTORICAL OUTLOOK- THE BEGINNING OF GUA SHA

Gua Sha was practiced in the Paleolithic Age when the hands and stones are rubbed over the various parts of the body to alleviate the pain and was widely used in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) by ancient Chinese. Depending upon the Socioeconomic status, the various materials are used as a scraper. In China, they use copper, horns of animals, pointed stones and different metals are used in the form of Gua Sha.

DEFINITION OF GUA SHA

Gua Sha is defined as the scraping of illness, which involves a variety of tools and includes Bian Stone, Jade, Ox Horn and rubbing different parts of the body in one direction over and over again. Its main goal is to activate the circulation of blood and relieve various ailments and diseases. The Term Gua refers to Stroke and the term Sha refers to Reddish petechiae which appears on the skin. In Gua Sha there are pathways where the blood and Vital energies flow to the network and connect to the internal organs, thus stimulating the flow of blood and removing coldness and negative energy and promoting the lymphatic fluid from the body. There is a Gua Massage Tool which is a common technique of applying oil to the surface of the skin and this tool gets repeatedly scraped in a downward motion.

BENEFITS OF GUA SHA

• Stimulates Circulation- It is helpful in stimulating circulation, which is helpful in easing and lowering the retention of fluid.
• Helps in producing collagen- Gua is helpful in decreasing puffiness and softening wrinkles and fine lines by producing more collagen and brightening the complexion.
• Decreases Inflammation- Gua Sha is helpful in relieving pain and tightness in the various parts of the body. Has anti-inflammatory actions.
• Diminishes Dark Circles- It is helpful in softening fine lines and stimulates the collagen and temporarily tightens the skin.
• Sculpts Facial Muscles- Useful in the jawline and cheekbone area which is helpful in releasing the tight facial skin and provides the temporary appearance of a more sculpted face.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS

• Hepatitis B- It is helpful in lowering the amount of inflammation in the liver which is caused by the Hepatitis B virus.
• Migraines- Gua Sha which is helpful in easing the migraine pain
• Tourette’s Syndrome- This commonly affects the nervous system and causes sudden twitches, so Gua Sha is useful in improving the symptoms.
• Neck Pain- In chronic neck pain, Gua sha is useful in providing ease of pain.
• Perimenopausal Symptoms- In these hot flashes, Sleep Issues, Mood Swings and many symptoms are felt, so Gua Sha is useful in improving the symptoms.
• Breast Fullness- It is helpful in easing pain and tenderness and thus makes breastfeeding easier.

TECHNIQUE

• It involves repeated pressed strokes over the lubricated skin with smooth edged and a blunt instrument.
• Skin is firmly lubricated with massage oil, In China Ceramic spoon, Well Worn Coin and a simple metal cap with a Blunt rounded edge are used.
• In case of fatigue or in heavy manual labour the piece of ginger which is soaked in rice used to rub from top to bottom.
• On the Face- It is helpful in increasing circulation and produces anti-ageing molecules, Collagen and Elastin. A polished Tool which is made from quartz is useful for massaging. Collagen will decrease wrinkles and elastin and keep the face firm, helpful in detoxification. Promotes lymphatic drainage.

1. Reduces puffiness around eyes

1. Lubricate the eye area with oil
2. Then use gua sha over the under-eye area to the hairline part.
3. Repeat this process thrice daily from the inside corner of the brow to the temple area.

2. Promotes lymphatic drainage

1. Start from the chin, then move the gua sha along the jawline and move up to the ear region.
2. Move it behind the ear and below the neck
3. Daily repeat it three times a day.

3. To relieve Tension in Head Region

1. Start from the middle region of the forehead and move outwards the temple and to the hairline
2. Repeat it as many times as possible.

4. To Contour and De-puff Nose

1. Move the Gua Sha tool up to the bridge of the nose
2. Then bring it down along the side of Nose to the cheek region
3. Repeat it thrice daily

5. To Contour and De-Puff the Chin

1. Move the Gua sha tool from the middle of the chin to the jawline portion towards the ear
2. Repeat it three times a day.

6. To Firm the Decolletage

1. Start from the outer corner of the jaw near the ear lobes
2. Then move it down to the neck above the collar region
3. Repeat it three times a day.

ADVANTAGES OF APPLYING GUA SHA IN FACIAL TECHNIQUES

1. Skin renewal
2. Reduces inflammation and puffiness
3. Smoothens the fine lines and wrinkles
4. Boosts the collagen and elastin
5. Promotes luminous skin tone
6. Helpful in flushing out excess toxins and fluids

Sun and Liu both are advised by Gua Sha to form a self-care at home which is useful in stimulating the facial muscles and meridian which affects the blood flow and causes the bursting of the face which causes red and purple bruises. So Gua sha must be done with proper care in a sterile environment.

IN AYURVEDA

In ayurveda, Kansa is used as a healing metal. It is helpful in draining the lymph nodes which detoxifies and energises the skin. Gua sha which is made up of Kansa removes all the blockages, relieves stress and depuffs the facial muscles like a glass-like, glowing and sculpted face. If Copper is used in Gua Sha it has heat-releasing properties which balance all tridoshas of the body and removes dioxins from the body.

Regular Use

1. Deeply restores and contours the face
2. Lifts and provides tone to the facial muscles
3. Increases elasticity and glass skin
4. Treats Acne, Inflammation

KUMKUMADI TAIL

Kumkumadi Tailam is an Ayurvedic herbal oil preparation for face massage which is useful in improving the texture of the skin and relieves all the skin problems such as Acne, Scars. Kumkum is ‘Saffron’ which when sued with the Gua Sha tool balances the Tridoshas of the body as

• Grounding, Nourishing and Warming of the Oil Balances The Vata doshas.
• Cleaning, Cooling and a calming agent will be helpful in Balancing the Pitta doshas.
• Energising, Motivating and activating are useful in balancing the Kapha doshas.

Kumkumadi Oil is a classical herbal oil formulation which contains various ingredients which are useful in improving the complexion and texture of the skin, when used with Gua Sha is useful in increasing the Circulation of blood and increases the production of collagen for youthful firmer skin.

VARIOUS INGREDIENTS ARE

No. Herb Used Latin Name Quantity

Products List

1. Rakta Chandan
2. Manjistha
3. Yashtimadhu
4. DaruHaldi
5. Ushira
6. Padmaka
7. Vat
8. Kesar
9. Pippali
10. Nagkesar
11. Til
12. Cow Milk
13. Dashmool Powder

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. Rakta Chandan

Rakta Chandan (Pterocarpus santalinus) is a heartwood powder useful in healing acne of skin and providing glowing skin. It helps balance the Kapha and Pitta Doshas and is useful in detoxifying the blood so useful in various bleeding disorders. Has Roopan property, rich in antioxidants which fight against free radicals and prevent gastric cell damage. Improves the skin complexion and stops the burning sensation thus clears wounds.

2. Manjistha

Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) is a natural blood detoxifier which is useful in many skin diseases. It helps balance Kapha and Pitta doshas. Enhances the complexion of the skin, has healing properties and thus stimulates the liver and spleen. Boosts immunity and is useful in fighting against various infections. Improves the digestive fire as it has Deepan (appetiser) and Pachan (digestive) properties.

3. Yashtimadhu

Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) helps promote longevity. Improves the complexion of the skin and colour. Heals ulcers and wounds. Enhances immunity which helps fight off viruses. Promotes longevity of life and heals wounds. Pacify the pitta and Rakta doshas. Has antimicrobial properties which fight against viral and bacterial infections.

4. DaruHaldi

Daruhaldi (Berberis aristata) has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Balances Pitta and Kapha doshas, Stimulates the digestive fire and heals wounds. Provides nourishment to the skin and regulates the metabolism of the body. Controls Heavy menstrual bleeding due to its astringent property.

5. Ushira

Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides) is helpful in pacifying the Pitta doshas. Treats Gastric disorders improves the texture of the skin and makes skin glow. Relieves Ama doshas which dry the channels and are useful in various blood disorders such as abscesses. Provides strength to the stomach and removes all the impurities and toxins from the body.

6. Padmaka

Padmaka (Prunus puddum) manages various skin diseases and promotes skin to get brighter and makes it glow. Enhances Appetite and controls Nausea and vomiting. Useful in various skin disorders such as herpes and in discolouration of the skin. Alleviates the burning sensation and itching in the body.

7. Vat

Vat (Ficus benghalensis) commonly known as the Banyan tree is useful in various skin disorders and in Leucorrhea. It is helpful in reducing the vitiated Kapha and Pitta doshas. Improves skin tone and complexion and opens the blocked channels. It helps clean the cervix and uterus.

8. Kesar

Kesar (Crocus sativus) commonly known as Autumn crocus, is helpful in the functioning of the stomach and promotes its action. Has Antioxidants properties, which produce Red blood cells and controls the heart rate and blood pressure. It is helpful in Various skin disorders and is used for dressing bruises and superficial sores.

9. Pippali

Pippali is helpful in the treatment of skin diseases. Balances Vata and Kapha doshas. Improves digestion strength and is helpful with skin problems. Useful in various health conditions and fights against various bacterial infections. Oxygenates the body so it is good for various menstrual problems.

10. Nagkesar

Nagkesar (Mesua ferrea) is useful in various skin infections and in wounds. Has antiseptic and disinfectant properties which are useful in fading the dark marks for glowing skin. Prevents skin infections and reduces inflammation as it has anti-inflammatory properties. Improved Agni (digestive fire) reduces the effect of fever which indicates Ama doshas.

11. Til

Til (Sesamum indicum) is helpful in reducing swelling and increasing the healing of the skin. It makes the skin whiter by tone and makes you feel more youthful. It is a great moisturiser which nourishes the deep tissues and nourishes them. Rich in antioxidants as it has a thick texture. It has a powerful antioxidant property which prevents damage to cells.

12. Cow Milk

Cow Milk has lactic acid which is helpful in exfoliating the skin and reduces Tan, blemishes and various skin problems. Has anti-ageing properties which is a natural face cleanser. Treats dark spots treat various digestive issues. Relieves Dryness and Itchiness from the skin.

13. Dashmool Powder

Dashmool Powder is a natural cleanser which prevents dry skin. Has Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties and improves the functions which tone the muscle and soothe the nerves. Reduces swelling and balances tridoshas of the body. Neutralises the oxidative effect from the free radicals.

HOW TO USE

• Take 3-4 drops of oil into your hands and apply the light coat of it on the facial and acne-prone area.
• Do the gentle massage with fingers
• Then leave it for 15-20 minutes and then wash it with lukewarm water.
• Kumkumadi Oil is also used for face steaming and vapourisation.
• 5-10 drops of oil are added to water then boil this water and steam is directed to the face for 10 minutes.
• Then wash it with normal lukewarm water
• It cleans the skin pores.

INDICATIONS

• Dull and less complexion
• Hyper-pigmentation
• Blemishes
• Freckles
• Discoloured armpit

CONCLUSION

Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese healing method which is used by professionals. It is a smooth-edged shaped tool which helps improve circulation. There is a Gua Massage Tool which is a common technique of applying oil to the surface of the skin and this tool gets repeatedly scraped in a downward motion. In ayurveda, Kansa is used as a healing metal. It is helpful in draining the lymph nodes which detoxifies and energises the skin. Further, we discussed Kumkumadi Oil which are useful for all skin problems.