Clients are often surprised during a massage session when perceiving how much tension one can hold in the head and face, especially in the areas around the jaw and the eyes. A therapeutic massage with gentle touch, high-quality organic herbal serums, and gemstone gua-sha tools (or kansa wands) can be very helpful in relaxing the muscles of the face, softening the lines of expression, and providing a rejuvenated glow.
Some benefits of this therapy:
Improves the appearance of elasticity of the skin
Reduces the appearance of fine lines
Reduces dark circles and puffiness
Promotes lymphatic drainage and blood circulation
Eases facial muscle tension
Help facial oils and moisturizers to absorb better into the skin
"Gua sha is believed to help blood flow and create a “lifting” effect on your skin, which some say may help lessen toxins in your body and promote healing." [R]
During our massage treatments, clients can ask for add-on the use of gemstones like quartz, amethyst, or jade combined with Anima Mundi collagen boosting oil providing a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
"The facial muscles, also called cranio-facial muscles, are a group of about 20 flat skeletal muscles lying underneath the skin of the face and scalp. Most of them originate from the bones or fibrous structures of the skull and radiate to insert on the skin." [R]
Contra-indications: Gua sha is usually considered safe. However, some bruising of your skin may occur if not applied gently or if one has a tendency to bruise easily. Feeling sore and tender for a short while after treatment is also common. Some practitioners perform gua sha to the whole body and in this case the technique should be avoided in clients taking medicine for blood clots.
Carol Jamault is a Certified Health & Life Coach, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Registered Yoga Instructor (RYT-200). She supports her clients in stress management and self-care through an integrative approach to wellness by providing bodywork services, consultations, curated information, and products to restore balance, improve individual wellness, and boost vitality. Carol has been studying alternative healing, ethnobotany, circadian medicine, and Ayurveda since 2001. She is the founder of Hridayam Bodywork & Apothecary. Meet Carol for ayurvedic massage treatments and coaching at LiftVida Pilates and Gyrotonic Studio in Coral Gables (Florida, USA).