In summer, compared to other seasons, Yang energy is abundant, and the body’s Qi and blood are most abundant. The flow of Qi in the meridians is smooth, and the skin and acupuncture points are more sensitive, making it the best time to treat chronic stubborn diseases. Dr. Li Zhigang, a chief physician at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, states that during the hot and humid summer, Gua Sha not only warms and supplements Yang energy but also promotes blood circulation and alleviates stasis. So how should one choose Gua Sha boards made of jade, bian stone, or horn?
Skin Care and Beauty
Jade Gua Sha Board
Price:Jade Gua Sha boards are very effective but are quite expensive, with a good jade board costing several hundred to over a thousand yuan. However, due to their fragility, the cost-effectiveness is not very high.
Advantages:Dr. Li Zhigang suggests that for individuals with poor complexion who wish to achieve skincare and moisturizing effects through Gua Sha, a jade Gua Sha board is recommended. When performing Gua Sha for beauty and health, it is advisable to use a Gua Sha lotion with beauty benefits as a lubricant. Jade is sweet and neutral in nature, entering the Lung meridian, moistening the heart and lungs, and clearing lung heat. Jade Gua Sha boards help to promote Qi and blood circulation and unblock the meridians without side effects. Additionally, jade contains various trace elements necessary for the human body, which can nourish Yin, clear heat, calm the spirit, and promote health and disease prevention.
Precautions:The jade Gua Sha board has a smooth texture, suitable for areas with less muscle and very delicate skin, such as the face. However, like the horn Gua Sha board, it is fragile and should not be dropped, especially given its high price.
Promoting Circulation and Alleviating Stasis
Bian Stone Gua Sha Board
Price:Genuine Sihui bian stone has a high raw material cost, leaving little room for significant discounts, generally priced between 100 to 300 yuan, depending on the level of craftsmanship and packaging.
Advantages:For those with poor circulation, dysmenorrhea, abdominal bloating, or chest tightness, using a bian stone Gua Sha board is recommended to achieve the effects of promoting circulation, alleviating pain, and enhancing health. During Gua Sha, a blood-activating agent can be used as a lubricant.
The bian board is made from Sihui floating stone, which contains various trace elements beneficial to the human body. Friction with the body generates a large number of ultrasonic wave pulses, which help to unblock the meridians, warm Yang energy, dispel stasis, eliminate cold and dampness, and calm the spirit. Additionally, due to the properties of Sihui floating stone, using the bian board does not require visible marks to achieve good results in unblocking the meridians and expelling heat toxins.
Precautions:There are many fake bian stones or imitations available online, which are very cheap and can be easily sold at low prices, but their functions are often exaggerated. It is essential to be cautious when purchasing.
Clearing Heat and Detoxifying
Horn Gua Sha Board
Price:The price of horn Gua Sha boards is generally around one hundred yuan. When purchasing, pay attention to the thickness and the degree of smoothness; a thickness of 0.3 to 0.6 centimeters is ideal.
Advantages:For individuals with dry throat, constipation, high fever, dry mouth, or yellow urine, using a horn Gua Sha board can help achieve the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, as well as promoting blood circulation and alleviating stasis. The horn Gua Sha board is traditionally regarded as the best Gua Sha tool in folk medicine and is widely used. The materials used include water buffalo horn, yellow cattle horn, yak horn, and sheep horn, each with its own effects, with water buffalo horn being the most commonly used.
The horn itself is a traditional Chinese medicine that can warm the meridians, dispel cold, and promote Qi and blood circulation. It is a precious substitute for rhinoceros horn, with a cold nature and a bitter-salty taste, possessing effects of clearing heat, cooling blood, and detoxifying. During Gua Sha, it can promote blood circulation around the tissues, further enhancing the effects of Gua Sha in promoting blood circulation, dispelling stasis, and achieving beauty and anti-aging effects.
Precautions:The horn is brittle and should not be dropped. It is best stored in a special box. Horn Gua Sha boards are sensitive to moisture; prolonged exposure to a humid environment can cause bending, deformation, or even cracking. Therefore, after facial Gua Sha, it is essential to dry it promptly and store it in a dry, ventilated place. Additionally, avoid washing it with hot water.
Selecting the Shape of the Gua Sha Board Based on Its Use
In ancient times, spoons, coins, and other objects were commonly used as Gua Sha boards. Although they are convenient to source, they may not achieve sufficient effects on certain acupuncture points. With the advancement of society, Gua Sha boards have been designed in various shapes according to their uses, not only ergonomically angled but also effectively stimulating and pressing acupuncture points. The rounded edges also protect the skin, making it more comfortable.
The square Gua Sha board is the most common and versatile, making it ideal for beginner Gua Sha enthusiasts. This type of board is originally used for the back but can be used on the entire body, although it is less convenient for pressing specific acupuncture points. The fish-shaped Gua Sha board resembles a small fish, making it suitable for facial Gua Sha. This fish shape fits the structure of the human face. The triangular Gua Sha board is specifically designed for the head, where many acupuncture points are located, and regular Gua Sha can enhance hair luster. Additionally, there are crescent-shaped Gua Sha boards suitable for limbs and shoulder-neck areas, and S-shaped Gua Sha boards commonly used for the arms.
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