Gua Sha: A Natural Cold and Flu Remedy
Did you know that there are more benefits to gua sha than just skincare? Gua sha is a tool that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine practices for centuries, because of it’s powerful benefits to the body, including reduction of inflammation, improvement of blood circulation, and draining of the lymphatic system. Use of gua sha releases the buildup of toxic elements from the body through lymphatic drainage, making it a powerful tool for decongesting the sinus cavity and providing relief for headaches. With cold and flu season coming in full force this year, we want to share with you how to relieve those uncomfortable symptoms, such as runny noses, coughs, and ear pressure.
How to Drain the Sinuses with Gua Sha
Before starting, we suggest aromatherapy with a decongesting essential oil, such as my personal favorite, eucalyptus (please be mindful that while it is extremely beneficial for humans, eucalyptus oil is not a pet-safe oil).
While we typically recommend keeping facial tools cool for use with skincare purposes, for sinus pressure we suggest the opposite. A warm gua sha stone will act similar to steam and break up congestion and drain access fluid.
Run the gua sha under warm water for 30 seconds and apply a facial oil (like our soothing Squalane Oil) to lubricate the skin. Without proper lubrication, the gua sha tool can pull and damage the skin, so facial oil or serums are an essential part of this process.
With the pointed end of the stone, start at the Frontal Sinuses at the temples and glide directly above the eyebrows, in firm circular motions. After a few passes, stop at the inner corner of the left brow, directly under the brow bone and firmly apply pressure in circular motions. Repeat again on the inner corner of the right brow. This is a sensitive area, so only apply pressure to your comfort level.
Moving to the Maxillary Sinuses, place the flat end of the gua sha into the nasolabial groove (the space between the nose and the cheek). Applying gentle pressure, move downward and towards the nostril, the repeat on the opposite side.
Turn the gua sha to the double notched end and let the tool glide against the cheek bone, starting from the nasolabial groove and moving outward towards the front of the ear, repeating several times using firm pressure. Repeat on the opposite side.
Relieving Ear Pressure
If you are experiencing ear pressure, the gua sha can help relieve this too! Be sure to apply oil down to the neck before starting this section.
Using the flat end of the gua sha, start behind the ear, moving along the jawline, and down the neck, repeating as many times as needed. Repeat on the opposite side. You may experience a popping sensation as the drainage breaks up and releases.
Repeat this simple gua sha technique daily until symptoms subside. Find out more info on our Obsidian Facial Roller & Gua Sha Set here.
Sources: (Why Gua Sha Might Be Good for You: Cleveland Clinic)
(A 6-Step Gua Sha Tutorial to Gently Massage Your Sinuses: Paige Yang, L.Ac, DACM)
Disclaimer: While natural remedies are effective and can aid in relieving cold and flu symptoms, this information is not intended cure illness.
