In Chinese tradition beautiful and glowing skin was believed to be a reflection of healthy qi or energy.  And the jade roller and Gua Sha were believed to encourage healthy qi to flow throughout the face or area of the body being treating.  We now know that jade rollers help to increase micro-circulation. 

 

JADE ROLLERS
Jade Rollers are traditionally used on both the face and the body to improve the appearance of the skin, prevent signs of aging and nourish the skin.  Traditionally the head of the jade roller could either be smooth or carved into small blunt jade spikes.  The jade spikes were used to create extra stimulation on the skin where required.  In modern practice smooth jade rollers are mainly used on the face while the jade spikes are reserved for treating stretch marks and cellulite on the thighs where stronger stimulation is required.

 

Massage with the jade roller can
- increase and improve lymphatic drainage
- increase micro-circulation in the skin
- reduce puffiness and inflammation especially around the eyes
- flatten out wrinkles to reduce their appearance

 

THE GUA SHA
The words Gua Sha are derived from the Chinese word Gua (to rub or scrape) and Sha (red).  The Gua Sha stone is a tool used to massage the face, using firm but gentle pressure.  This action releases built up toxins and helps the lymphatic system to eliminate them.  The scraping motion encourages the blood to rise to the surface of the skin which can cause temporary redness.  Redness and inflammation produced by the stone’s motion across the face triggers the skin’s natural metabolic healing process, accelerates collagen production, increases blood circulation and rejuvenates tired skin.  It also encourages the release of heme-oxygenase-1, a hormone that stimulates the production of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecules.  The result is firmer skin and more even skin tone.

Massage with the jade Gua Sha can

 - increase and improve lymphatic drainage
- increase micro-circulation in the skin
- reduce puffiness and inflammation
- flatten out wrinkles to reduce their appearance

 

The Gua Sha is typically used after the jade roller.

CUPPING
Cupping has been practiced in the Far East and particularly in China for at least 2,000 years and It is now making a resurgence thanks to renewed interest in natural holistic and non invasive forms of health and beauty treatments.

 

Using a flexible silicon cup to create suction without the use of raw flame makes the therapy much safer and more accessible.  Cupping is a completely natural treatment that stimulates the blood flow and microcirculation that assists with skin nutrition and improves skin tone.  The process is also extremely useful in treating cellulite alongside the spiky jade roller.

 

It was believed that cup massage worked in much the same way as a massage by increasing local circulation to aid nutrition to the area.  Recent research has suggested that Chinese massage cups may actually break up old connective tissue in the area.  Tightening of connective tissue is one of the main causes of the changes in facial shape we associate with ageing and breakdown of the connective tissue can lead to cellulite.

 

Cupping can

 - improve the texture and colour of the skin by increasing circulation

 - reduce the overall signs of ageing in the face

 - assist with fluid metabolism, reducing fluid retention

 - break up connective tissue to smooth cellulite

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For the facial work you will be required to remove your make-up, including eye make-up.