Written by Kavita Sahai - Published on Sept 28, 2023

Gua Sha, often pronounced as "gwahshah", is an ancient Chinese technique for healing and rejuvenation that has been used for centuries to improve the overall health and wellbeing of individuals as well as give a beautiful healthy glow - and even natural face lift. For many years, it has been a therapeutic technique to eliminate the accumulation of 'stagnant energy' in the body, which may lead to discomfort. In Chinese culture, 'qi' or 'chi' is the vital energy that courses through the body. To maintain good health and wellbeing, it's essential for this energy to be balanced and unobstructed. Applying gua sha to the body helps correct any imbalances in the qi.

Stainless steel is the perfect material for Gua Sha tools due to its numerous benefits. The smooth, polished surface is gentle on the skin and glides effortlessly, making it ideal for lymphatic drainage and revitalizing the facial muscles.   

Gua sha offers numerous benefits for both the skin and overall health. This ancient Chinese technique, used in traditional medicine for tissue healing, provides a natural solution for various skincare concerns.

By gently scraping the skin with the stainless steel gua sha tool, it helps to stimulate lymphatic drainage, promoting the removal of excess fluids and toxins. This process can significantly depuff the skin, reducing puffiness and promoting a more sculpted facial appearance.

Facial massage using this tool also improves blood circulation, bringing essential nutrients and oxygen to the facial muscles. This enhanced blood flow supports the skin's health over time, resulting in a more radiant and youthful complexion.

In addition to its beauty benefits, the stainless steel gua sha tool can also help to relieve tired muscles and reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. The larger edges of the tool make it easier to target specific areas, such as the cheeks and nose bridge, providing a more precise and effective massage experience.

There are many options on the internet for Gua Sha with the most popular being Rose Quartz and Jade. while both stones have been said to have healing properties, but also we like stainless steel because:

- It is self-cooling, naturally cold without placing it in the fridge.

- It is non-porous, meaning that air or liquid won’t be able to pass through. 

This also means you don't have to worry about mold growing underneath the surface or any risk of bacteria transferring onto your skin!

As you know we are all about science and research but here is not a lot on this ancient technique; however, we did find a few articles if you want to delve deeper into the “why”.

1. Gua Sha increases microcirculation - The effect of Gua Sha treatment on the microcirculation of surface tissue: a pilot study in healthy subjects

2. Blood vessel expansion, erythrocyte extravasation, and increased ratios of immune active cells were observed in the skin tissue following the treatment - Gua Sha, a press-stroke treatment of the skin, boosts the immune response to intradermal vaccination

3. Exploring scraping therapy: Contemporary views on an ancient healing – A review

Using your gua sha tool is an excellent way to achieve various skincare goals, including improving sagging eyes, firming the chin, and achieving overall anti-aging benefits. The small divot works best on the nose bridge, in between brows, and jawline while the larger edges should be used on cheeks and forehead.

I would start incorporating you gua sha once a week and then moving to as often as you like. 

You should stroke each section indicated on the diagram (below) three times.

Here are some steps to maximize the benefits:

1. Cleanse: Start by thoroughly cleansing your face to remove any dirt or makeup. This ensures a clean canvas for the gua sha massage.

2. Apply Oil: Apply a few drops of your favorite facial oil or serum to your face. This helps to reduce friction and allows the tool to glide smoothly across your skin while also helping your skin absorb all the potent nutrients formulated just for you.

3. Gua Sha for Double Chin: Start by gently scraping the tool in an upward motion along your chin area. This can help to improve the appearance of a double chin and promote a firmer jawline.

4. Gua Sha for Sagging Eyes: Move the gua sha tool gently under your eyes, using light strokes. This technique can help to reduce puffiness and tighten the skin around the eyes.

5. Work on the Cheeks: Use the larger edges of the gua sha tool to sweep along your cheekbones. This can enhance facial contouring and improve the appearance of sagging cheeks.

6. Release Tension: Use gentle and slow strokes to massage the forehead and temples. This can help release tension and relax tired muscles, promoting a more youthful appearance.

7. Finish with the Neck: Finally, glide the gua sha tool in an upward motion along your neck to promote lymphatic drainage and firm the skin.

Remember to apply medium pressure and follow a consistent, upward motion throughout the massage. Regular use of this tool in your skincare routine can lead to a more radiant, firm, and youthful-looking complexion.

Gua sha is a powerhouse for tissue healing and it offers a multitude of benefits when used with a nourishing face oil. It is also known to relieve stress, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and provide more maneuverability compared to stone rollers.

When combined with a face oil, the gua sha tool glides effortlessly across the skin, promoting better absorption of the oil's beneficial ingredients. This synergy enhances the overall effectiveness of the gua sha massage, yielding even more radiant and healthier-looking skin.

Using the gua sha tool with a face oil also helps to improve lymphatic drainage, facilitating the removal of toxins and excess fluids from the skin. This can help reduce puffiness, promote a more sculpted facial appearance, and contribute to a clearer complexion.

Furthermore, the combination of stainless steel gua sha and face oil promotes better blood circulation, stimulating the facial muscles and supporting tissue healing. This encourages smoother skin over time, reduces the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, and contributes to a more youthful and rejuvenated complexion.

Incorporating this powerful duo into your skincare routine not only enhances the effectiveness of gua sha but also provides a relaxing and soothing experience for your skin. Rediscover the ancient Chinese medicine practice with the added benefits of a nourishing face oil for truly transformative results.

Very Relaxing

Using a gua sha can be an extremely relaxing experience. The cool, smooth surface of the stainless steel glides effortlessly across the skin, providing a soothing sensation that helps to calm tired muscles and promote a state of relaxation.

The gentle pressure applied during a gua sha massage stimulates blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, which further enhances the relaxation benefits. This improved circulation helps to flush away toxins and excess fluids from the skin, reducing puffiness and promoting a more radiant complexion.

Moreover, the rhythmic and repetitive motions of using a gua sha tool have a meditative quality that can help to calm the mind and promote a sense of tranquility. This combined with the release of tension in the facial muscles can contribute to an overall feeling of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Pair with your favorite affirmation and custom face oil for a truly transformative self-care ritual!