Bo Jin - Gua Sha 2.0
Gua Sha has undeniably taken the spotlight in skincare routines, both at home and in spas, thanks to its impressive results. However, beyond this well-known method lies a treasure trove of traditional Eastern facial techniques, each offering its own unique benefits. One such technique is Bo Jin.
While Bo Jin may not have achieved the same level of fame as Gua Sha just yet, it is poised to become the next big thing in facial treatments. What makes Bo Jin so special? Why it’s being referred to as Gua Sha 2.0? What are the benefits? If you're already a fan of Gua Sha for face sculpting and skin revitalization, Bo Jin might just be your next go-to facial treatment.
What is Bo Jin?
Bo Jin, which translates to “scraping along the meridians,” is an ancient Chinese therapy that focuses on the intricate manipulation of facial muscles, tendons, and meridians with specialized tools.
This approach not only focuses on massaging acupoints but also aims to clear blockages in the meridians, offering a soothing and revitalizing effect.
The importance of Facial Meridians?
The term "meridians" refers to the pathways through which blood and energy flow, which are spread throughout the entire body. The facial meridians are closely connected with the internal organs, including the heart, stomach and intestines, liver, lungs, and kidneys. Through Bo Jin, one can regulate blood flow, help transport nutrients, and assist the internal organs in maintaining normal physiological functions. Once the body is well-regulated, the complexion will improve, making the face look rosy and radiant.
Often, massage therapists refer to "qi knots" or "fascia knots" that need to be addressed during a session. These knots are essentially blockages caused by poor circulation of qi (energy) and blood. Bo Jin helps alleviate these knots by promoting smooth circulation of qi and blood, which can enhance metabolism, improve complexion, and maintain skin firmness.
Introducing Bo Jin - Gua Sha 2.0
The Bo Jin technique shares similarities with Gua Sha, leading some to wonder how they differ.
From the perspective of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), Bo Jin is “bi-directional," while Gua Sha is "unidirectional" or “single direction.”
Gua Sha can only follow the direction of skin lines to help activate blood and Qi, whereas Bo Jin can regulate both directions, simultaneously invigorating blood, Qi, and meridians. Essentially, Bo Jin includes Gua Sha, but Gua Sha cannot be considered Bo Jin.
Bo Jin goes beyond face sculpting by relying on TCM practices that focus on manipulating the body’s energy pathways. This deeper approach targets not only the surface of the skin but also the underlying meridians and associated organs. Bo Jin goes deeper than Gua Sha and has a longer lasting effect as well as promotes overall well being.
If you can imagine Gau Sha as using a rake to loosen the surface for planting, Bo Jin is like a shovel and digging deep into soil to loosen it up so water can penetrate down to deeper levels.
Bo Jin Tools and Technique
Bo Jin facial treatment employs a variety of specialized tools designed to scrape and massage the skin and underlying tissues effectively. These tools include a Bo Jin Board or Bo Jin Stick/Spoon typically made from materials such as jade, horn, ceramic, or plastic.
GingerChi Bo Jin Gua Sha Spoon.
Made from Xiuyan Jade, its smooth, cooling surface offers a touch of luxury, while the pointed handle ensures precise application of pressure to key acupoints and meridians. This spoon-shaped tool makes Bojin Therapy stand out by delivering a deeper, more impactful facial massage compared to traditional Gua Sha methods.
Benefits of Bo Jin Facial Massage
1. Impoved Circulation
The scraping motion along meridian line and stimulating acupressure points on the face helps increase blood flow, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells. This can result in a brighter, more radiant complexion.
2. Lymphatic Drainage
Bo Jin Facial Massage promotes the drainage of lymphatic fluid, which can help cells eliminate excess water and reduce puffiness. When cells are cleansed and purified, skincare products are more effectively absorbed, maximizing their benefits. The increased circulation and lymphatic drainage help detoxify the skin, leaving it looking fresher and healthier.
3. Reduced Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Regular practice of Bo Jin Facial Massage can help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles by promoting collagen production and improving skin elasticity.
4. Helps skin retain moisture
Dehydrated skin can feel like cracked soil; even after watering, the moisture seeps through the cracks without truly being absorbed. Imagine a Bo Jin Facial massage as the process of loosening this soil before rehydrating it, allowing the skin to fully absorb nutrients and retain the moisture.
How to Perform Bo Jin Facial Massage
The Bo Jin technique generally follows the principle of "from inside to outside, from top to bottom." This means that the massage will progress from areas like the eyes and nose bridge, moving outward toward the ears, and then downward to the chin. This sequence is not rigid but rather a guideline for effective coverage of the facial areas.
Both ends of the Bo Jin spoon can be used in either zig zag motions across tendons, circular movements on acupressure points, or gentle, firm, short strokes along specific areas of the face, following the natural contours.
Preparation
Start with a clean face. Remove all makeup and cleanse your skin thoroughly. Apply a few drops of facial oil or serum to provide lubrication for the massage. Our new Gua Sha Facial Oils are perfect for the Bo Jin Technique as they provide the perfect nutrients for all skin types. Applying a lubricant enhances the gliding motion of the tool.
Forehead (Stimulating the Liver and Bladder Meridians)
Start with the point between the eyebrows, to stimulate the Liver Meridian. Use zig zag or gentle circular motions to activate this point and slowly move up to the hairline. Do this at least 3 times.
Repeat gentle circular strokes, starting from the center of the eyebrows, up to the hairline, stimulating the Bladder Meridian. Repeat this motion several times on both sides of the face. Stimulating these meridians can help alleviate headaches, reduce stress, and promotes deep relaxation.
Nose (Stimulating the Lung Meridian):
Use the tip end of the spoon use gentle, circular movements on either side of the nostrils, move to the acupoints on either side of bridge of the nose, moving up along the side of the nose to the inner corner of the eye and up to bottom of the eyebrow This helps open up nasal passages, improve breathing, and enhance skin clarity. Repeat 3 to 5 times.
Eyebrows (Stimulating the Gallbladder Meridian and heart)
Use the tip end of the spoon to make small circular movements across the eyebrows, starting from the inner brow and moving outward to the end of the eyebrow. This not only helps gives your brows a lift but also relieves tension around the eyes, making your eyes brighter and have more clarity.
Under the Eyes (Stimulating the Stomach and Bladder Meridians)
With tip end of the tool, from the inner corner of the eye, use small circular movements across the bottom of the eye towards the temple. At the temple area, use zig zag motions to the hairline. Be very gentle in this delicate area. Finish by circling the whole eye area, starting from the inner corner of the eye. around the bottom of the eye, up around the brow and back down to the corner of the eye.
This helps detox the eyes, reduce dark circles and puffiness, diminish the appearance of 'crows feet' - leading to a refreshed appearance.
Cheeks (Stimulating the Stomach Meridian)
Using the spoon side of the tool, start from the center of the face, near the nose, gently scrape in about one inch increments outward towards the ears along the cheek bone. Use gentle pressure and repeat on both sides. This action helps lift the cheeks, improve digestion and boosts overall energy, enhancing skin radiance.
Jawline and Chin (Stimulating the Large Intestine Meridian)
Use the curved edge of the tool to follow the contour of your jawline, starting from the chin and moving towards the ears. This step aids in detoxification and can reduce puffiness, promoting a more defined jawline.
Around the Ears and Down the Neck (Stimulating the Ren Meridian)
Use gentle circular strokes on the three acupoints in front of the ear. Circle around the back of the ears and use one long stroke down the neck to the collarbone. These areas are crucial for lymphatic drainage, helping to reduce puffiness and eliminate toxins from the skin. Stimulating these points can also balance the body's energy and promote relaxation, contributing to improved overall well-being.
Finishing Touches
After completing the massage, pat any remaining oil or serum into your skin and follow up with your usual moisturizer. This step ensures your skin stays hydrated and maximizes the benefits of the massage.
Frequency
For best results, perform Bo Jin Facial Massage two to three times a week. Consistency is key to achieving and maintaining the benefits, such as improved circulation, reduced fine lines, and overall skin health.
Incorporating Bo Jin Facial Massage into your skincare routine can provide numerous benefits, from improved circulation and lymphatic drainage to reduced fine lines and wrinkles. Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, this technique offers a holistic approach to facial care, promoting both beauty and well-being.
We hope you enjoyed learning about this amazing technique. Give it a try and see for yourself the positive effects of Bo Jin. Let us know what you think.
