Gua sha, pronounced ‘gwa - sa’ is an ancient healing technique used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in which a tool, usually made from either jade, bone or horn is scraped/glided across the surface of the skin to redirect energy flow. 

Such a tool in conjunction with its simple but thorough technique breaks down stagnant energy, reducing inflammation, increasing blood flow & stimulating the lymphatic system, overall promoting a world of healing. 

If you are anything like me then I’m guessing you’ve googled ‘Gua sha’ before. Don’t be frightened! Gua sha can be beneficial for both the face & body, however require different techniques. For obvious reasons, Gua sha techniques for the face & neck are gentler & require less pressure, therefore don’t leave you battered & bruised.

Facial Gua sha also allows for congested blood, metabolic waste & toxins that sit beneath the skin to be quickly eliminated. Vital for acne prone skin! Studies have also shown that this daily ritual improves microcirculation by up to 400%, reducing wrinkles, puffiness, dark circles as well as boosting collagen, toning & smoothing the appearance of the skin, whislt also defining the jawline. It can also be used as a sinus decongestant (which, by the way, feels incredible when you’re in the midst of a cold).

As this technique is a form of massage, Gua sha can also aid in reducing muscular tension caused by stress, anxiety and/or lack of sleep. It’s surprising how much unobserved tension we hold within our faces, often the cause of headaches, migraines & neck pain.

Basically, this little rock, rocks!

We recommend checking out this tutorial for some guidance on the correct facial technique.