P. Sze 
Gua sha combing combines the principles of traditional Chinese gua sha with scalp and facial massage, helping to bring out the natural health and beauty of your skin and hair. Regular use of a gua sha comb can not only enhance the health of the skin and scalp but also offer powerful relaxation benefits. For a complete guide to getting started with gua sha techniques, check out our basic guide to gua sha. Here are six key benefits of gua sha combing and some simple tips for each.
1. Stimulates Hair Growth
Using a gua sha comb on the scalp helps stimulate blood flow, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. This can encourage healthier and potentially thicker hair growth. The combing technique also massages the scalp and can release any tension in the muscles around the scalp, which further promotes circulation.
“The scalp can tolerate more frequent treatments compared to other areas. It is recommended to perform Gua Sha after a bath when blood circulation is improved. However, avoid performing it when you’re unwell or after sunburn,” advises Ms. Mai Sogawa, a senior TCM therapist.
- How to use: Begin at the front hairline and use gentle, downward strokes toward the back of your head. Focus on the scalp’s center and sides, applying light pressure. Repeat each stroke a few times, covering the entire scalp.
By stimulating circulation in this way, regular use of the gua sha comb can nourish your hair from the roots, which helps with hair growth and can improve overall scalp health.
2. Enhances Lymphatic Drainage and Detoxification
Using a gua sha comb along the face and neck can promote lymphatic drainage, helping reduce puffiness and fluid buildup. The gentle combing motions assist in moving lymphatic fluid, which can reduce facial puffiness and aid in detoxification, leaving your skin more vibrant.
- How to use: For the cheeks, start at the center of the face and comb outward toward the lymph nodes near your ears. On the neck, use downward strokes starting just below the ear and moving toward the collarbone.
This technique encourages lymph flow and helps keep your skin refreshed and free from toxins that can dull your complexion.
3. Relieves Tension and Reduces Headaches
The gua sha comb’s design makes it ideal for releasing tension from the scalp, neck, and shoulders. Massaging these areas can help alleviate stress-related headaches and migraines by loosening tight muscles.
- How to use: Start at the crown of your head and comb slowly down toward the nape of the neck. Focus on areas that feel tight, such as the temples or the back of the neck, and use slow, soothing strokes.
This practice is particularly useful at the end of a long day and can help prepare your body and mind for restful sleep.
4. Brightens and Smooths the Complexion
The gentle stimulation from gua sha combing increases microcirculation beneath the skin, helping brighten the complexion and even out skin tone. This technique can make the skin look fresher and reduce fine lines.
- How to use:
- Forehead: Place the comb at the center of the forehead, just above the eyebrows, and glide outward toward the hairline. Repeat 3–5 times on each side.
- Cheeks and Jawline: Start from the sides of your nose and comb outward along the cheekbones and jawline, finishing near the ears.
With regular use, gua sha combing can smooth your skin’s texture and enhance your natural glow. A gentle touch is key here to avoid any redness or irritation.
5. Encourages Natural Relaxation and Calms the Nervous System
Using a gua sha comb on the scalp, neck, and behind the ears can activate acupoints that help relax the nervous system. Gua sha combing may help reduce overall stress levels, especially when focused around the scalp and neck, where many people hold tension.
- How to use: Start at the top of your scalp and comb down toward the neck’s base, using gentle pressure. Focus on areas around the base of the skull and behind the ears, as these are common points of tension.
Incorporating these soothing motions into your evening routine can create a calming effect, promoting a relaxed state before bed.
6. Reduces Dandruff and Boosts Scalp Health
The gua sha comb can gently exfoliate the scalp, helping to remove dead skin cells and reduce product buildup that can lead to dandruff. Massaging with the gua sha comb also stimulates natural oil production, balancing the moisture levels on your scalp.
“Tools with ridges can stimulate the scalp, and having various shapes like curves and ridges allows for different uses depending on the body part,” Ms. Sogawa explains, emphasizing the unique benefits of using combs with varying shapes.
- How to use: Start by gently combing through the crown, the back near the nape, and the temples, as these areas tend to feel the driest. After washing your hair, use light strokes over these areas to gently lift dead skin cells.
Using the gua sha comb on the scalp regularly can improve overall scalp cleanliness, reduce dryness, and create a balanced environment for healthy hair growth.
Adding a gua sha comb to your skincare and haircare routine can bring noticeable improvements to both scalp health and skin radiance, while also offering relaxing, tension-relieving benefits. Experiment with these techniques to find the strokes and pressure that work best for you and your beauty goals.
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