When I first saw a gua sha, I thought, what a funny, odd-shaped stone.

I have seen the jade stone facial rollers popping up everywhere.  However, with the gua sha, I liked the idea there were no metal parts and you can use it on your entire face and body.  Therefore, I bought one to give it a try.  First off, I noticed the shape of the stone fit nicely in my hand and had a variety of angles and curves that contoured every part of my body and face.

I have been using it every night for 4 weeks and have noticed the thinner lines under my eyes are slowly diminishing… (I am still working on the deeper ones).  Though overall, my face looks fresher in the morning and my skin’s texture is smoother and a bit bouncier. I also use it to massage my back and neck and it feels wonderful.  Gua sha allows you to work deeper into the muscles and on the pressure points.  Applying pressure to certain points or meridians found on the body can help to ease a headache and improve overall body health.  I have even placed my gua sha under cool water, then over my eyes.  The cool stone feels soothing, refreshing and reduces puffiness.

Gua Sha – Jade, Quartz, Rose Quartz

I love that they use various gemstones to shape the gua sha.

Not only do you get the benefits from using the gua sha on your entire face and body, but you also get the healing benefits from each stone.  I understand that gua sha is not a one-time thing, that if used regularly it will provide lasting results.  It’s a mini-workout for your skin.

So where did the gua sha come from?

History shows the gua sha originated from East Asian medicine.  Gua Sha = Chinese for “scraping pain away”.

Massage with the gua sha by applying long, deep, upward strokes to lubricated skin.  This helps move energy “chi” around the body.  Practitioners believe scraping the skin causes “micro-trauma”, which stimulates oxygenated blood flow to the “traumatized” area. This, in turn, breaks up scar tissue as well as connective tissue.  This action, called “sha”, improves range of motion of the joints.

Using gua sha regularly can help:

• Reduce muscle pain tension and inflammation
• Increase lymphatic flow
• Increase circulation
• Smooth and lift skin
• Natural facelift
• Produce a glowing and dewy skin

Who should not use gua sha, those:

• Experiencing a medical condition affecting skin and veins
• Bleeds easily
• On blood thinners
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Infection or tumor
• Implants, such as a pacemaker

How to use:

On your face: Apply your favorite serum, lubricant, oil, or moisturizer to your face.  Hold Gua Sha firmly at a 30-45 degree angle onto the area you are going to massage.  When stroking the skin, apply gentle but firm pressure.  It is recommended that you stroke 10 – 20 times in each direction (see diagram below).  Gua sha stone use and benefits are it also helps and the products’ nutrients absorb better into skin, boosting its effectiveness.

I read somewhere there is no wrong way of using a gua sha.  My rule of thumb is to stroke in the direction you would like your skin to go.  Usually, it’s up and against gravity.  On my shoulders, I stroke away and out.  I envision the toxins spewing out of my body.  Avoid back and forth massaging, rather, go in one direction.  As far as pressure, you know your body best.  On my face, I use more gentle strokes than I do on my neck and shoulders.   Gua sha added to your nightly routine can be a relaxing, calming, and skin improving step to a healthier body.