Gouache massage - what is it, the technique of execution, how is it done for the face, back, photos before and after

Guasha is one of the most ancient massage techniques in the East. This massage is believed to be of Chinese origin. This is confirmed by special scrapers found during excavations of ancient burials.

The archaeological exhibits are made from the favorite stone of the Chinese - jade. These scrapers are believed to have been used for gua sha procedures several centuries ago.

Guasha massage is rightfully called one of the most democratic, since the procedure for carrying out such procedures has never been kept in strict confidence. This means that massage therapists were in demand both in the imperial palaces and in the poorest Chinese villages.

The goals of massage technique

According to the interpretation of Chinese teachings, the disease develops in a person as a result of the harmful effects of factors such as cold, dampness, wind or heat.

Acting mainly through the skin, they cause the appearance of areas with slow blood and lymph circulation. Therefore, in order to remove the negative received from the outside back, one must also act through the skin.

The purpose of gouache massage is to restore human health, which is achieved by eliminating stagnant phenomena in the tissues of the body by the method of special effects on its different zones.

Having eliminated these problematic "foci of the origin of the disease", such a massage eliminates the very cause of the appearance of health problems and, of course, its consequences.

Types of guache

Diagnostic

This type of gouache procedure is used when it is necessary to establish exactly which organs or systems in the human body need treatment. The massage is performed not only on the patient's back, but also on the chest, arms, stomach, legs, head.

Most often, diagnostic guasha is used already in the first procedure of the course.

After special treatment of the skin with a scraper, according to various spots (so-called “sha” spots) and points, the master determines in which system of the body the disturbances have occurred.

Spots and dots appear exactly in the zones of projections of painful processes in the body. Such knowledge allows the massage therapist to work further with a specific direction of action.

In addition to diagnostics, gua sha massage enhances blood flow in the muscles, which relaxes them. This helps to eliminate spasms, regulates the energy balance of the body, thus providing additional protection against the appearance of many serious diseases.

Prophylactic

Preventive gua sha massage activates metabolic processes and accelerates the removal of toxic substances, toxins through the skin and other excretory systems functioning in the human body. This massage is carried out using specially prepared oil or balm.

The procedure for this type of massage involves the choice of one of 3 techniques of exposure to the skin:

1. The tool moves quickly with fairly strong pressure.
2. Tool movements are slow, with light pressure.
3. The scraper moves slowly, but with strong pressure.

The duration of the procedure is 30 minutes.

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Healing

The healing effect of gouache massage is based on the fact that reflexogenic points located on the surface of the human body have a connection with the internal organs and systems of the body. This makes it possible, through the zone of such massage, to affect the entire body for the purpose of healing.

During the procedure, blood and lymph circulation is accelerated, and the rate of elimination of toxic substances increases. Often, healing massage is complemented by techniques of vacuum treatment of the skin (using cups), acupuncture (using needles) and acupressure (pinpoint effect with fingers).

Healing guasha increases the elasticity of blood and lymph vessels, which speeds up their movement, as well as the movement of Chi energy in the meridians (channels that conduct energy) under the human skin.

According to ancient teachings, this allows you to achieve balance between the energies of Yin and Yang in the body and get the maximum purification of the body.

During the course of treatment with gua sha massage after 1 or 2 procedures, you may notice that the signs of the disease have increased slightly. An unpleasant odor from the skin may also be present.

These features of the human condition indicate the presence of active detoxification processes in the tissues of the body. After a few days, these phenomena disappear, and a clear improvement in health occurs.

With the help of a healing massage, you can eliminate the following diseases:

• osteochondrosis, since such a massage removes swelling well and increases the flexibility of the segments of the spine;
• cholecystitis; problems associated with diseases of the gallbladder are solved gently and painlessly;
• a cold; exposure to areas of the body associated with breathing, removes bronchial edema, resulting in coughing;
• diseases of the heart muscle and cardiovascular system; gua sha procedures lower blood pressure and normalize the rhythm of heart contractions;
• massage removes neuroses, improves sleep and appetite, increases immunity and restores the shattered nervous system;
• diseases that have developed in the pelvic organs; by enhancing blood flow and lymph flow in this area of ​​the body, guasha massage helps to eliminate stagnant and adhesive formations;
• some diseases of the stomach and intestines.

In modern China, regular gouache treatments are considered an essential part of a healthy and fulfilling life for people. This is one of the main differences between Chinese medicine and European medicine.

Cosmetic

This type of massage is used to improve the elasticity and rejuvenation of the facial skin. During the procedure, agate or jade scrapers are used. These minerals, when in contact with the skin, help relieve puffiness.

Cosmetic gouache is recommended for people with the following problems:

• active aging processes in facial skin tissues;
• dark spots on the face (pigmented);
• the presence of acne on the face;
• increased activity of the glands that secrete the sebaceous substance on the face.

Scraping massage increases the elasticity of the facial muscles, relaxes most of the facial muscles, improves blood and lymph circulation in the facial tissues. The processes of enhanced renewal are activated in the skin cells, which leads to their significant rejuvenation.

Indications for the procedure

Gouache massage helps to solve a wide range of health problems and improve physical condition:

• This is one of the most optimal ways to remove toxic substances and toxins from the human body.
• Headaches disappear after the gua sha massage, as the vessels dilate and blood flow improves.
• For some joint diseases, gua sha techniques can eliminate pain and unhealthy swelling, as well as increase the motor activity of the affected joint.
• In the presence of osteochondrosis, the use of gua sha massage helps relieve muscle spasm, eliminate pain and swelling.
• The impact on a specific point, which is located on the projection of the lungs, is quite often used in the practice of gua sha in the treatment of various colds.
• If the legs go numb, they feel heaviness and discomfort - using gua sha therapy will help solve these problems.
• In the treatment of diseases of the gallbladder, pelvic organs, many female gynecological diseases, as well as intestinal problems, gua sha massage techniques are indicated for use.
• If a person has acne or pimples on their face, gua sha will help get rid of such blemishes.
• With diagnosed diseases of the human nervous system, poor sleep, general weakness of the body, guasha massage is also indicated for treatment.

Contraindications and restrictions

Guasha should not be performed if a person has:

• there is an allergic reaction to the oil used for the procedure;
• hypersensitive skin;
• there are mechanical damage to the skin;
• there are not completely fused bone fractures;
• blood pressure often rises;

  

• thrombocytopenia;
• kidney disease;
• poor blood clotting;
• dropsy, which appeared as a result of liver cirrhosis;
• skin infections;
• noticeable nodes of varicose origin;
• diseases from the category of oncological;
• heart failure;
• mental disorders in acute form;
• anasarka (very large edema);
• the state of pregnancy, the period of breastfeeding;
• monthly cycle in women.

During the massage, it is necessary to pay attention to the presence of birthmarks or moles in the patient. Such skin lesions should not be touched.

Effect and benefit

The gua sha massage procedure is highly effective, as it is based on a dialogue with the human body through the channels of the body's internal energy - meridians. A true master of guasha knows how to remove blockages on the path of Qi energy in the human body, thus eliminating the cause and consequences of the disease.

The impact on the reflex zones of the human body allows to accelerate blood flow and metabolic processes in skin tissues, to activate endogenous (formed directly by cells and tissues) substances, which leads to healing and rejuvenation of the skin and the whole organism.

The cosmetic effects of this massage are: burning of subcutaneous adipose tissue and reduction of cellulite zones; restoration of facial muscle tone; removal of excess fluid from tissues; reduction of edema and skin laxity.

It is possible to increase the level of effectiveness of the gouache procedure by including elements of vacuum massage and cauterization techniques with a special wormwood cigar in the composition of the techniques used.

Preparation for massage

 Before starting the massage, the human body must be wiped off with a damp cloth, and then lubricated with a special oil or balm.

The most appropriate when performing such procedures is the use of herbal balms. It is important that the substances with which the body is lubricated are hypoallergenic and have a good sliding effect.

Guasha scrapers

Material, scraper shape

Several centuries ago, Taoist monks practiced gua sha massage using special stones. Later, massage scrapers made from black buffalo horn appeared. Before use, such instruments were boiled in 18 secret Chinese solutions.

To this day, a scraper made using this technology is considered the best tool for massage gouache, as it has the ability to accumulate energy during procedures and give it back at the next session.

Today scrapers are made from various materials. It can be traditional jade, agate, or animal bone.

The scrapers can be triangular, round or rectangular, or comb-shaped (for head massage). It is very important that the edges of the scrapers are smooth and rounded in order to avoid injury to the skin during the procedure.

Scraper techniques

 During the gua sha massage procedure, the scrapers directly affect certain parts of the human body, while the direction is chosen along the energy lines passing under the skin - meridians.

There are several dozen such lines on the human body, of which 12 meridians are considered the main ones. The gouache master knows the scheme of the main meridians, and the movements of his scraper follow such lines.

The technique for performing movements with a scraper depends on the goal and can be selected from 3 options:

• the scraper moves quickly and presses hard;
• the scraper moves slowly and presses weakly;
• the scraper moves slowly and presses hard.

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Massage oil

When performing the procedure, you should use coconut or olive oil. To achieve the maximum effect of opening the pores of the skin and warming its surface, it is customary to add a few more components to the oil, which serves as the basis.

Such a tool is easy to make yourself.

Recipe 1

When coconut oil (100 g) is taken as a basis, several components will be required to it, taken in equal proportions (1 teaspoon each):

• cocoa powder;
• cocoa butter;
• rosehip oil;
• vitamin E;
• vanilla powder.

All ingredients must be mixed until a homogeneous substance is obtained. This composition must be stored in a clean glass jar in a cool and dark place.

Recipe 2

Another option for composing gouache massage oil includes the following ingredients:

• olive oil (this is the basis, you will need 100 g);
• 5 drops of tamanu oil;
• 12 drops of vitamin E;
• 5 drops of calendula flower oil;
• cocoa powder (2 teaspoons);
• mumiyo (10 tablets);
• tea extract (preferably green, 2 teaspoons).

Technique of the procedure

Face and neck

Face and neck massage is considered the most time-consuming among the varieties of gua sha procedures. The tools for its implementation are 2 special small scrapers.

Before the massage, you must cleanse your face and neck with cosmetic milk. The procedure can be carried out with or without lubricating preparations, on cleansed and dry skin.

The movements of the master should be directed along the lines of a regular massage from the middle of the face down and along the neck in both directions.

Procedures of this kind can be performed every day, because the skin does not deform or stretch when using the gua sha practice. The cosmetic massage lasts 1.5 hours.

At the end of such a massage, experts recommend drinking slightly warmed water in the next day to help the body quickly remove toxic substances.

Back massage

Body massage should be carried out in a ventilated, but not cold room, in the absence of drafts.

• The movements of the master should be directed along the spine (along the meridian of the bladder), from the legs to the head;
• Then the scraper moves along the antero-median and posterior-median meridians, according to their arrangement;
• After that, it is time to work out the gallbladder meridian, the triple heater meridian and some others, depending on the problem being solved (treatment of a particular disease). The scraper moves most often from the center to the sides, in dashed movements, with varying degrees of pressure on the skin. The force of pressure is selected by the master individually for each patient.

According to Chinese tradition, the number of times the scraper is carried out over one treated area of ​​the body depends on the age and gender of the person.

There is the following standard:

• young girls - 6;
• young men - 7;
• adult women - 8;
• adult men - 9.

During the massage, a person feels pressure on the skin, tingling, sometimes slight discomfort. The patient's body is wiped with a damp cloth several times during the massage to remove toxic substances released on the skin.

The back massage lasts about 30 minutes. Sha spots that appear on the back after scrubbing usually disappear from the skin surface after 2 days.

Abdominal massage

Carrying out procedures on the abdomen is indicated in the presence of excess fat deposits in this area of ​​the body, as well as in the appearance of stretch marks in women after pregnancy and childbirth.

It is forbidden to massage on the abdomen if a person has pathologies of the internal organs of the abdomen or unhealed stitches after surgery

Contraindications for women are also: monthly cycle, pregnancy or postpartum period less than 5 months.

The abdominal massage is performed with an empty bladder and an empty rectum. After the last meal, 2 hours should pass before the massage.

• The procedure begins with scraping movements with a scraper in the area of ​​the body, located below the navel, 2 fingers wide, from top to bottom;
• Then the same movements are performed over the navel;
• After that, the master proceeds to scraping movements from the upper treatment zone to the areas to the right and left of the navel, after which he repeats the same from the lower abdominal treatment zone.

The first 2 days after such a massage, experts recommend drinking slightly warmed water to enhance metabolic processes in skin tissues.

Other parts of the body

On the legs and arms, gua sha procedures are carried out along the meridians of the extremities, from top to bottom, without affecting the joint areas. The pressing force of the scraper is chosen by the master in accordance with the physical data of the patient's health and taking into account the set goal.

After the procedure, the patient should drink slightly warmed water during the day.

When the massage effect is manifested

When using the gouache technique, the result is already visible during the massage procedure. The skin becomes red, there is a burning sensation. Dark spots and dots appear on the skin surface of the treated area of ​​the body, sometimes their color may even be black.

It is believed that to increase the effectiveness of a gouache massage session, parts of the human body should be tapped along the lines of energy movement, thus activating the subcutaneous meridians. However, such actions presuppose that the master has special knowledge.

Experts in manual practitioners say, characterizing guasha massage, that it is such an effect on the body that always gives an excellent result.

A noticeable improvement in human health is observed immediately after the first session of guache.

Important nuances and tips

When using the practice of guasha, it is necessary to take into account specific nuances:

• on the day of the procedure, the patient should drink about 2 liters of water at room temperature;
• Guasha massage should not be performed immediately after a meal or if the patient is hungry;
• it is forbidden to carry out the procedure for a person who is drunk or under the influence of drugs;
• the duration of the procedures should not be increased - this can lead to opposite results;
• depending on the level of skin sensitivity and physical condition of a person, shea spots disappear after a few hours or after 5 days; until the "shi" have disappeared, the next procedure cannot be done;
• after the gua sha procedure, some people may have an exacerbation of a chronic disease, this phenomenon is not considered dangerous and is temporary; an exacerbation is always followed by a significant and lasting improvement;
• during the massage, you should avoid touching birthmarks and bulging skin formations;
• after gouache massage procedures, a noticeable improvement in health may be observed for several days (this happens most often), but soon there comes a time of weakness, when it seems to a person that he does not have enough strength; such a reaction is due to the high rate of detoxification of the body and the acceleration of metabolic processes in tissues. After 2 days, the patient's health condition stabilizes.

According to statistics, the Chinese live much longer than Europeans, while being distinguished by enviable physical activity until old age. Therefore, it is no coincidence that Chinese health practices are now becoming more and more popular in Europe.

Useful video materials about gouache and some non-traditional massage techniques: what it is, technique, results

Technique for conducting massage gua sha on the face:

Gouache facial massage with a jade scraper:

Chinese non-traditional massage: what is it:

What is Guaz energy massage:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvjxgp8-KI0