Gua Sha (Chinese: 刮痧; pinyin: guā shā), literally “to scrape away fever” in Chinese (more loosely, “to scrape away disease by allowing the disease to escape as sandy-looking objects through the skin”), is an ancient medical treatment. Gua Sha involves repeated pressured strokes over lubricated skin with a smooth edge. Commonly a ceramic Chinese soup spoon was used, or a well worn coin, even honed animal bones, water buffalo horn, or jade. A simple metal cap with a rounded edge is commonly used.
I’ve stayed away from facials for the past 10 months because my face has become really sensitive but more importantly because of my skin condition. I’ve also been wanting to try this Gua Sha massage therapy at Qi Mantra but B advised me against it. But my therapist egged me on to try this Gua Sha facial massage offered only at Qi Mantra Raffles City citing the benefits of the facial that leaves skin radiant and glowing.
Tempted by the promise, I decided to take the plunge (and disregard the side effects) to try this Qi Gua Sha facial (one of Qi Mantra’s signature facials) this evening. I was skeptical but after 75 mins, I emerged a firm believer of this awesome massage! Facial started with the therapist removing my make-up carefully and then giving it a thorough cleansing. Thereafter, she analysed my skin type and then proceeded to advise the type of products used for my face type. She piled on this sweet-smelling apricot scrub and more massaging followed. It was a blissful experience and there was so much facial and head massaging done. I felt totally relaxed and when it was time for the Gua Sha to take centre-stage, I was kinda worried that it would leave a string of red-marks on my face. But surprisingly, the technique was at times painful but yet soothing causing me to doze off slightly. The therapist finished the session with a cleansing mask which seemed to firm up my skin almost instantly.
I’m so pleased with this facial and am looking forward to the next one!! It’s really a treat for my tired skin! Best of all? No poking, extractions and redness! Just gentle facial strokes to pamper my face. Try it, you won’t be sorry!
Qi Mantra Remedial Spa Address: #B2-24 Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Road S(179103) Telephone: 6333-9530 Opening hours: 10.30am – 10pm daily
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