MANILA, Philippines ? If your face looks puffy or tired, this facial can give a quick fix.
As part of its wellness program, The Spa at Bonifacio High Street (tel. 856-5858, 856-6868, 856-1818) introduced the gua sha facial, a treatment that gives an instant facelift using carabao horn.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), ?gua? involves examination of a body part through touch and skin stimulation by rubbing a round-edged scraper made of jade or horn. It normally results in small red patches. These tiny spots that correspond to the diversion of blood from the vessels into the surrounding skin are called ?sha.?
Increasing the ?sha? eliminates blood stagnation which can be infective, and improves blood circulation and the metabolism.
Gua sha removes the obstructions in the energy pathways that lead to ailments. It also drains fluids containing metabolic wastes that block the tissues and muscles. Hence, gua sha detoxifies the lymphatic system, and revitalizes the nervous system.
How it works
As serum and blood cells from the capillaries penetrate the tissues, they instigate an immune reaction. The detoxification system becomes stimulated, as are the blood circulation and the ?energy flow? in the meridians or energy pathways. In places where there is high acidity or acid, imbalance is melted away.
As facial care, gua sha provides mild skin-tightening and radiance. To some, it even improves sleep as a result of massaging the meridians in the face. The process consists of thorough cleansing, massage and mask. The last 15 minutes is devoted to the gua sha treatment, using a round-edged scraper made of carabao horn.
In TCM, the horn is washed, sun-dried and treated with herbs. Known for its healing properties, carabao horn contains keratin, the protein for skin, hair and nails; glutamic acid for metabolism; aspartic acid that combats fatigue; and amino acids that serve as building blocks for the skin. It also contains trace elements such as potassium, which soothes skin irritation
After the beauty rituals, therapeutic oil is applied on the skin, then an even-contoured carabao horn scraper is stroked over the face, following the direction of the facial muscles. The improved blood circulation has a relaxing effect.
