Purple and black petechiae share the same meaning. They are representative of the fact that there has been an existing condition residing in the body for quite some time now. They also show underlying tissue damage which may or may not be linked to said condition.
By fashioning gua sha tools out of different types of crystals, there is another energetic field being incorporated into the process that can bring a new layer of benefits. Many believe that every crystal derived from the earth comes with a range of metaphysical properties that either heal, enhance, or protect the user.
Even today, gua sha is not about the tool in question. Anyone can learn to perform this massage using whatever objects they have at their disposal. But facial scraping tools are infiltrating the market with intent to make the art of gua sha more accessible to those who feel more comfortable having a ‘professional’ companion.
Gua sha moved very quickly from China into Vietnam. Here it became extremely popular, and was called cạo gió, which loosely translates to “scrape wind”.
The blood is nutrient rich, and is able to get to work repairing the lost collagen in the skin that resulted in wrinkles. Similarly, gua sha on the face works to flush that same nutrient dense blood into the skin, but this time from the inside out. Most people undergoing their first round of gua sha will start to exhibit what are known as ‘petechiae’ in different parts of the skin. Petechiae are small spots that develop under the treated skin as a result of whatever work was done during toxin removal. Interestingly, gua sha on the back and neck has also proved extremely beneficial to individuals suffering from bad cases of heat stroke, which some believe to be caused by a temporary build up of toxins that make a person feel physically ill.
“Siri, why is everybody obsessed with gua sha?” Speaking objectively, the art of gua sha has a lot to offer human beings everywhere, regardless of where in the world they happen to be. Performed properly, this practice has proven to change lives. But is this just another case of commodification of Eastern medicine in the West?Anyone who grew up receiving gua sha from their Chinese grandparents will probably recall not having the most fun time. The traditional techniques are pressure-intense, and children tend to experience this kind of pressure as pain.What we find most interesting is their interchangeability. We’ve made a point of stating that, up until very recently, most people were performing gau sha with random tools such as spoons or container lids. Owners of jade rollers could technically use their device as a means of administering gua sha. Facial rolling doesn’t have a strict set of rules for how to best perform it, so using the gua sha technique could see some incredible results.As gua sha moved through the ages, healers began drawing parallels between gua sha facial tools and naturally occurring substances within the Earth. Many believe that the human body responds particularly well to precious stones and crystals on the basis that their energetic charges are able to positively affect the charge within the body.
Can I wear jade and rose quartz together?
Rose Quartz Green Jade Combination Bracelet has healing benefits as it opens our Heart Chakra. after all, wearing Rose quartz bracelets will help improve your relationship and will promote harmony and dedication between the lovers.
When it comes to receiving gua sha on the back, legs or arms, it’s relatively difficult for one to apply the procedure on oneself. The face is different; your own two hands can learn to give gua sha as part of your daily morning ritual if you so desire. The jagged edge on the opposing side of the tool is intense for use on the back of the neck. The slightly curved, longer edge of the tool is for the front of the neck and chest area. You can even use this tool right over the shoulders and down the upper back. In general, jade, as a crystal, has been called a natural detoxifier and works closely with the kidneys. It seems logical then that jade would be an ally to anyone seeking facial gua sha for the purpose of moving and removing built up toxins underneath the skin.An old husband’s tale would have us all believe that gua sha was the chosen beauty ritual of Chinese princesses during ancient dynasties. Gua sha was very much alive in Ancient China, but passing it off as an elitist practice would be not only wildly inaccurate, but also largely disrespectful.Gua sha, when done correctly, has the ability to re-sculpt and almost train the lines of the face to sit in more appealing positions. One can see this quite clearly during their first session, when only one side of the jaw has been sculpted and the other remains its normal, puffy self.Finding a traditional healer will give you access to affordable and effective gua sha; you can expect to pay around $60 for a full body gua sha experience. Seeking gua sha from a Westernized aesthetic or beauty institution will see gua sha retailing upward of $200 for a single session.So, how old is gua sha? Well, there is documented evidence to show that gua sha massage occurred as early as the Ming Dynasty, which reigned between 1368-1644.
Red petechiae are showing us that there is inflammation building up, and that underlying health conditions are potentially going to surface very soon. This is a great sign, as it becomes motivation for the individual to continue with further detoxification in order to change the course of their bodily health.Like quartz, jade is also a cooling stone. There are two forms of genuine jade and they are nephrite and jadeite. Jadeite is more rare, and thus considered to be more precious. Nephrite is more abundant in the earth and thus easier to source, making this a more affordable (and thus profitable) material for gua sha manufacturers to work with.
You wouldn’t be the first to liken gua sha to what we know as facial rollers. There are many who would argue that gua sha is actually the original form of face rolling, and it was these techniques that lead to the invention of the modern day roller.
If you take the time to speak with Chinese elders, they’ll tell you that gua sha was, if anything, the healing practice of the peasants. It was for workers and families who couldn’t afford to get sick, and needed rapid treatment that wouldn’t cost them their week’s groceries. Gua sha was performed by your average civilians across Ancient China, and seeing as though it works, it’s not unlikely a princess or two were partial to a weekly session.Our lymphatic systems function differently; some may not function at all. Therefore an ‘overnight facial’ may have been the experience of “Zoe” on Pinterest, but flow might occur much more gradually for those following her journey.
If you’re not confident in your abilities to perform this kind of massage on your own face, that’s okay! The gua sha community is growing, and trained practitioners are becoming more of an abundant resource in many parts of the globe. Estheticians were amongst the first individuals to get clued up in gua sha for the face; they recognized the undeniable benefits of the technique early on. You may also have a traditional practitioner running a private establishment somewhere near your place of residence; start putting some feelers out and see what you have access to.
If you’re wondering how gua sha is able to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, refer back to another strange practice that has become known as the ‘vampire facial’. This is an invasive form of wrinkle treatment whereby a qualified practitioner draws blood from the receiver in question and paints the plasma of the blood into small holes in the face created via microneedling. Rose quartz is known as the stone of love. Those who work with it believe that the crystal is able to amplify the amount of love one experiences in personal relationships, in their work life, and within themselves. In this post, we reveal everything you need to know about gua sha, including how to use gua sha for your face and body, gua sha benefits, and the best gua sha tools. Let’s get started!This little unit by SHIFFA looks soft and dainty, but it packs quite a punch. The ‘V’ design on one end allows the user to get up close and personal with the line of the jaw, forcing the lymphatic fluid into the desired direction. This same ‘V’ is used on the other areas of the face as needed; you’ll notice one side is thinner than the other for those hard to reach places. A gua sha facelift will become a permanent benefit of this practice once you start to honor your body as a whole. Give it nutrient rich foods, give it ample water, give it love, and your chi will start to glow from the inside out. Receiving gua sha for face brings different physical results compared to receiving gua sha on the rest of the body. The skin and tissue of the face seems to be more ‘trainable’ compared to other body parts, which is why gua sha is oftentimes referred to as an instant facelift.When laying on one’s stomach, the surface area of the back is exposed to the world. The human back is, in many ways, the central hub for energy inside of the body. The back is responsible not only for the flow of energy up through the neck, but also the flow of energy down into the womb and lower limbs.
What color is best for a gua sha?
Green Jade (or feng jade) is the traditional choice for gua sha. Jade gua sha has a long history of use in Chinese medicine and is considered the ultimate gemstone of ancient Chinese beauty treatments.
We also feel a duty to make it known that jade is a naturally flawed, green stone that appears in many different shades and marbled patterns. Please resist being the customer that leaves a bad review when a gua sha tool is not identical in color to the one pictured on a sales page. Nature didn’t come to be judged!
We hope you enjoyed this article! If you enjoyed this article, you will probably also enjoy learning about facial rollers, which are in many ways similar to gua sha tools. To learn more, check out our comprehensive article on the subject here.
Petechiae are harmless, and usually fade out a few days after they come in. They are beneficial in that most trained gua sha practitioners can identify specific health concerns of an individual simply by observing the color and density of the petechiae; this is also known as the gua sha color chart.
Many ancient civilizations practiced some sort of rolling of the face using egg-shaped crystals. Their technique wasn’t necessary gua sha specific, but the goal was the same: move out unwanted lymphatic build up.
It’s a relatively straightforward case of out with the old, in with the new. The best thing about gua sha for cellulite? You don’t physically have to do a thing. You simply have to lay there, and allow the magic of the chi to move through you. We’ll take that over a suppressive diet and compulsive exercise any day!As we mentioned above, gua sha for face and gua sha for body are different in that the latter is largely not conductible using one’s own hands. Gua sha for body requires a third party with knowledge of the techniques to perform the procedure.
Is rose quartz or jade better for gua sha?
Jade or Rose Quartz, Which Is Better? Using Jade may be the more traditional approach for Gua Sha but administering with Rose Quartz does bring notable benefits too. Ultimately, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the right choice depends on personal preference and usage.
As we said, it’s wonderful to have this kind of variety and accessibility within the market, but don’t let the multitude of tool options deter you from the reality that, traditionally, gua sha was successfully performed using whatever hard objects were laying around the house.
Regular massage has, for a long time, been considered a beneficial practice for anyone struggling with cellulite. Massage is a non-invasive way of breaking down fat deposits in the skin, and in the process, stretching skin tissue to reduce the appearance of cellulite scarring.
The benefits of crystal healing have found a solid home within the world of skincare. Gua sha tools carved out of genuine quartz crystal essentially combine the benefits of the gua sha technique with the benefits of this beautiful crystal.Using long, slow strokes, the gua sha practitioner moves the chi energy in a rhythmic fashion. The inflammation living within the bodily tissue is broken down and can begin to subside, inviting healing into the newly rejuvenated flesh. Gua sha is many things, but an instant facelift is not one of them. Gua sha has the ability to give the illusion of a facelift, and with regular repetition this illusion can be maintained long term, but this is never guaranteed. During these times, gua sha was simply a technique that could be performed with whatever makeshift tool was on hand. Some used animal bones or horns, some a metal soup spoon, some would use large coins to press into the skin — whatever worked!The closest English translation we have for gua sha would be the act of scraping. This offers a very limited perception of the practice, and we encourage everyone to investigate far beyond this before drawing any conclusions about what these techniques entail.
For reference, here are a few gua sha face before and after images where you can see the subtle sculpting and hydrating effect that has become apparent: The second thing we need to do is get our facts straight. While gua sha is primarily being used in the West as a method of training the skin of the face, traditionally gua sha is performed on a person’s back, buttocks, arms, legs and neck. The facial gua sha technique was introduced much later. It’s been of importance to us to hunt down gua sha tools that are a) not exploiting the ancient practice, b) not exploiting the consumer, and c) of sound quality to get the job done. These are the tools that stand out with these three criteria in mind:Facial gua sha is less intense. There is only so much tissue in the face, thus only so much pressure that can be applied to move the lymphatic fluid. This technique was actually discovered by mistake, when traditional acupuncturists began using pressure points in the face to cure ailments in the rest of the body.By kneading the skin in a carefully mapped out fashion, gua sha stimulates microcirculation in all soft tissue it encounters. In Chinese medicine, inflammation is believed to be a result of stagnant chi in the body. Chi is a word meaning life force energy and its flow pattern.If, as a society, we’re going to continue to steal traditions from the East to bring to the West, the least we can do is learn to pronounce them properly. We encourage everyone who feels called to gua sha to give it a try. Hold as few expectations as possible, and allow the practice to bring to your body what it really needs. Remember that gua sha is beauty from within. Brown petechiae is a sign that the person lives in a generally dehydrated state. They likely do not consume enough water by day, leaving their body deficient of fluids in areas that need it most. Brown petechiae are a good sign because this is a problem that is easy to correct!Thanks to the rapid spread of interest behind this subject, gua sha massage centers are becoming more commonplace. If you live in a city where there is a Chinese expat community, this is a good place to start looking for genuine gua sha practitioners.
What is the rule for gua sha?
Now you can begin your actual gua sha practice. Holding the tool at a 30 to 45-degree angle, very gently pull/scrape it across your skin. As a rule, all movements should be upward and follow lymphatic flow. Repeat each movement three to five times before moving onto the next area of your skin.
Mount Lai makes the exact same tool in rose quartz, amethyst and black obsidian as well. You can also invest in their combo sets that get you a crystal gua sha tool and a crystal facial roller to match.In order to achieve healing of any of the above ailments, the back can be considered the best receiving area for gua sha. Aiding nutrient dense blood in reaching the compromised organs, tissues and cells means that the conditions are less likely to persist.
There are some types of gua sha approaches which give great importance to the design/shape of the gua sha tool. A gua sha stone can be shaped and polished to resemble anything from a soft-edged lightning bolt, to a shark’s tooth, to ‘pac-man’ type symbol.
The Healing Crystals Co. Rose Quartz Gua Sha Tool is a beautiful and affordable tool that is handcrafted in the perfect shape to move across the delicate contours of the face.
Pink petechiae are the most common. These tend to develop over areas where the individual in question is likely to be suffering from general deficiency of nutrient blood flow. Pink petechiae is also a sign that any illness that an individual suspects they are suffering from would only have developed very recently.In the Western world, gua sha still feels a bit unfamiliar to a lot of people, whereas facial rollers have been commoditized enough that they’re all over Instagram, Youtube and other social media platforms. They feel popular, trusted and accessible.
What should be avoided after gua sha?
I understand that cupping/gua sha modalities should not be combined with aggressive exfoliation, after getting a sunburn or when I’m hungry or thirsty. I understand that I should avoid exposure to cold/wet/windy weather conditions, hot showers, baths, saunas, hot tubs and aggressive exercise for 4-6 hours.
Try to see gua sha as a tool to improve your overall well being from the inside out. When used properly, gua sha will transform the outside of the body, but this, as a goal, represents a warped understanding of what the practice really stands for.
Any lymphatic toxins that have been stuck are dislodged and can move toward the body’s natural waste disposal systems. But what creates that ‘facelift’ effect? Well, when the fascia, or connective tissue, is ironed out using pressure, facial tension can be relocated and used to construct a more lifted look. This is why it’s often referred to as a gua sha facial.
Quartz is widely known as one of the most beneficial stones to use up against the skin of the face due to its natural coolness. Quartz takes a long time to heat up, so the skin is able to receive great benefit from having the cold rock brushed against it. The temperature can work to alleviate active inflammation, giving the skin an almost immediate glow.Lasting effects for all gua sha, be it in the face or other parts of the body, require the receiver to take a long, hard look at the lifestyle habits that may be working against them. There is little sense in performing gua sha on yourself each morning but continuing to eat a diet fueled by inflammation inducing foods.
What does the Colour of gua sha mean?
Fresh, red sha = recently contracted condition. Purple or black sha = long-term blood stasis (slow flow of blood) Brown sha = blood may be dry (indicating a lack of oxygen and poor blood quality) Dark red sha = may indicate heat in blood (due to inflammation, fever, or agitation)
Western medicine has seen gua sha heal everything from premenopause to Hepatitis B. Chronic migraine conditions have been eradicated, and people have experienced total curing of conditions that involve involuntary movements, such as tourette syndrome.The above point rings true when we start to look at before and after images of individuals claiming to have used gua sha successfully. With this kind of practice, it is necessary to bear in mind that the results of one individual do not guarantee the same results for yourself.
Gua sha is an ancient form of massage that involves using some sort of tool to increase the circulation of fluids underneath the skin. The goal in gua sha is better health and relief from symptoms such as chronic pain, migraines, tension, and even viral infections such as hepatitis (amongst others).
It’s not always about crystals and magic; gua sha is serious business, and there is very real pressure applied to the body during the practice. After receiving gua sha, each physical body has the chance to react to the treatment. This might be instantaneous, or it might manifest in the days following the procedure.
As a practice, gua sha is completely safe and risk free. You could receive gua sha everyday for the rest of your life and there may only be good that could come from it.
We’ll introduce you to our favorite gua sha scraping massage tool a little later. For now, know that the tool is not what makes gua sha. Gua sha is available to you as you read these words; there is a Youtube video out there to guide you, and there is a spoon in your kitchen drawer to enable you. You don’t need to buy more stuff to perform gua sha!Over time, they began to notice that there were facial rejuvenation benefits that seemed to arise as a result of the applied pressure. Gua sha was then implemented as a way of moving the fluid and muscles in a more regulated manner.
What happens if you use gua sha incorrectly?
Using the tool incorrectly can lead to wear and tear of your facial muscles. For the basic Gua Sha stroke, hold the stone so it creates an acute angle with the surface of the skin, somewhere between 15 to 45 degrees.
You are likely to develop petechiae when receiving gua sha on the body and neck. Petechiae are unlikely to occur on the face, especially if you are performing gua sha on yourself.
How can you tell if gua sha is real or fake rose quartz?
How to know if your rose quartz is real? Rose quartz is a pinkish stone that is used for Gua Sha stones and rollers. Note that real gemstones are not smooth or even colored. Instead of a solid color, they have a streak-like pattern that runs through the stone.
What this practice doesn’t take into consideration is chi, or the flow of the energy field of the human body. This is why gua sha has shown to be more effective at treating cellulite compared to regular massage techniques.Like most things red, these petechiae should be seen as warning signs. Red petechiae is confirmation that the body is riddled with inflammation, and not necessarily just in the areas that they have appeared. As gua sha increases the natural blood flow of the individual, the body’s lymphatic drainage system is able to kick in, the stagnant fluid living around the cellulite is flushed out with the chi, and nutritious new blood is delivered to these areas. Gua sha facial training has allowed certain acupuncturists and estheticians to target wrinkles through the ancient practice. As mentioned, it was the acupuncturists using pressure points in the face who first began to notice a gradual easing of deep lines over time.The short answer is yes! Bruising during body gua sha is totally normal, but it could also be an indicator that you’re using too much pressure if you prefer not to have marks. On the other hand, facial gua sha should never, ever cause bruising — it requires a featherlight touch.
Does gua sha release toxins?
Gua sha works by releasing toxins from the skin and loosening knots and tension in concentrated areas. This isn’t just anecdotal evidence, either. Recent clinical research has proven the benefits of gua sha as an anti-inflammatory treatment and immune system boost.
Gua Sha has transformed my face, my body and my life! Love this entire product line as well as the faces of the women who have bravely shared their video techniques!✨✨✨One known effect that often accompanies this traditional practice is bruising. Bruising is embedded within the phrase gua sha. In fact, ‘sha’ refers to bruises that can arise when practicing this method effectively. Gua sha translates to “to scrape sand,” pointing to the understanding that bruising is an inherent — and perfectly normal — aspect of this ancient technique. Bruising is especially normal when you first begin your body gua sha practice. Your fascia and muscles are simply adjusting to the stimulation that is moving through stagnant tissues. Remember, gua sha bruising is superficial, similar to that of cupping. Your body and muscles may not yet be used to the increased circulation that gua sha induces. When you pull blood to the surface of the skin, upending blockages in the fascia can initially result in a bruise.Of course, all bruising can be avoided with lighter pressure, but if you aren’t experiencing discomfort, there’s no need to fear a temporary bruise. As an important last note, avoid using gua sha over the surface of an implant of any kind or an open wound, or if you are taking blood thinners. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, consult your doctor, and in general, always consult your doctor before starting any new wellness routines or rituals, especially if you have medical conditions.
Purple bruising can be normal, but can also be a sign that you’re going a little too hard if you prefer not to bruise. These deeper bruises appear as darker purple marks. While they can be startling to see, you’re likely getting maximum results from your practice, as they indicate a breaking up of fascial adhesions (which leave a hematoma aka a bruise). In essence, these bruises are a sign that you’re smoothing out dimpled textures on your body and increasing circulation.Keep in mind, if you do bruise, it should decrease over time. As you continue your full body gua sha practice, the amount of bruising as compared to when you first begin should decrease, even when applying the same level of pressure. This is because the fascia and muscle tissue are healthier and less stagnant. With time, your skin texture will improve, and muscular pain will reduce as you awaken and stimulate the previously stagnant areas in your body. As gua sha is adopted by professional practitioners today, the traditional intention, rooted in a tradition of ancestral folk medicine, remains the guiding basis for the modality. And the truth is, while there are many positive benefits of gua sha, the practice can indeed result in minor bruising. Luckily, this is not usually a cause for alarm as it often points to effective use, but there’s a lot to consider. We break it down below. In a modern wellness approach, gua sha is often considered a beauty tool. But the health benefits have much deeper roots. When practiced traditionally on the body, it is possible to cause bruising during gua sha. Known for its ability to aid in lymphatic drainage, anti-aging, decreasing of puffiness, and smoothing the appearance of dimpled skin on the body, the practice of gua sha has an ancient history rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. For centuries, it’s been used to attend to a range of bodily maladies — from the task of removing excess heat during a fever to helping to treat respiratory illnesses like coughs to even reviving lost consciousness.Although body gua sha and facial gua sha have historically gone hand in hand — traditionally, there is no distinguished difference — you never want to induce bruising on the face with the Wildling system. We encourage a featherlight touch when using your Empress Stone on the face. While bruising is normal for body gua sha, it’s always important to listen to your body and its signals. If it’s starting to feel uncomfortably tender or painful, the chances for unnecessary bruising are greater.
Yes, getting a red dotted bruise during gua sha is called superficial bruising, or petechiae. These types of bruises appear on the surface of the skin as small, red-dotted areas. They shouldn’t cause you pain and generally disappear after a few days. This type of bruising is a sign of heat and stagnation being cleared from your tissues. In other words, your gua sha practice is having its intended effect.
Dark red signifies inflammation. Some bodies produce more inflammation than others. Dark red can also mean stagnation, either in the form of a developing underlying disease, a chronic condition, or with circulation.Brown is thought to be representative of dehydration. This indicates someone isn’t consuming enough liquids and subsequently, dehydration can lead to many complications and in rare examples, the development of chronic health issues.
Lierre.ca is a Canadian e-commerce based in Montreal, focusing on the health, wellness, lifestyle and beauty of our consumer. Since opening 2008, we have always been devoted to find the very best and new products that responds to the concerns and issues to you, our valued customer. We thrive to create excellent packages, deals and broad selections delivered to you.Look at the part of your body that’s been treated with gua sha. Petechiae develops here temporarily. It may only stay for a few minutes to up to a few days before starting to fade. According to Chinese texts, here are what the colors mean.
Above information can’t replace medical diagnosis. Please consult your medical care practitioner if you are interested in gua sha treatment but not sure if it is suitable for you; or you have some specific health condition and you’re not sure if you can use Gua sha at home.The benefits are obvious after even a single session. It’s grown so popular that spas and beauty salons across Canada now offer gua sha sessions. You can buy the tools online to perform treatments at home as well.
Find out qulified Gua sha tools suppliers is very important. Please contact Lierre.ca to buy gua sha in Canada and check the upcoming Black Friday Deals. Learn the technique. Apply it on yourself at the end of a long day. See the difference.
After a gua sha treatment, one of the things you will notice is color come to the surface. ‘Petechiae’, aka spots that develop on the skin, is sometimes a term used to describe this discoloration. Purple or black signifies that presence of a long-term health condition that has been inside the body for a long time. It can also be a sign that there is underlying tissue damage, although practitioners who use gua sha tools properly should not be temporarily damaging tissue consistently in this way. The presence of color on the skin and/or petechiae can say a lot about your health status. Sometimes, they read as harmless but then, in other moments, they can hint at a serious issue. Affected areas most likely to see this type of color present are on the legs, arms, stomach, and buttocks.All in all, don’t be surprised if you experience spots of color developing on your skin after a gua sha session. It is entirely normal and shouldn’t be considered harmful. They also are not skin damage. Many traditional Chinese practitioners believe petechiae is a necessary element of treatment, aiding them assess certain health conditions.
One of the most common questions we get asked is how to choose a Gua Sha tool? Always choose to buy a Gua Sha tool from Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners or reputable brands with clear origins to avoid buying a fake item. The truth is, there is a huge supply of glasses or stones injected with synthetic colors being sold as semi-precious stones and most novices would not be able to tell them apart. To safeguard your health, avoid buying from unknown sources and choose to buy from reputable stores or brands is the safest bet.
Using Jade may be the more traditional approach for Gua Sha but administering with Rose Quartz does bring notable benefits too. Ultimately, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the right choice depends on personal preference and usage.Jade is one the most revered gemstones since ancient China and more importantly, it was a symbol of purity and moral integrity. Known for its durability and magical qualities, Jade is often regarded as a heavenly stone that exudes calming and soothing qualities that balance the body, mind and soul. Rose Quartz and Jade are great choices for Gua Sha tools because of their beauty, healing abilities, and energetic characteristics that are unmatched by many. They are easy to handle and run smoothly over the surface of the skin to disperse tension due to stagnation from water retention and muscle tightness. Next, consider the physical properties of the stones. Choose a more solid material if it is frequently used or regularly applied on the body and muscle areas. Alternatively, using a Gua Sha tool with a cooler surface can help to reduce puffiness and eye bags.
What do red marks mean on gua sha?
These types of bruises appear on the surface of the skin as small, red-dotted areas. They shouldn’t cause you pain and generally disappear after a few days. This type of bruising is a sign of heat and stagnation being cleared from your tissues. In other words, your gua sha practice is having its intended effect.
Rose Quartz, on the other hand, is a lovely semi-precious stone known to emit a strong vibration of love, harmony and emotional healing. It brings deep healing to the heart and increases blood circulation to the rest of the body. Much like its soft hue, Rose Quartz is gentle to the body and redefines one’s beauty by boosting neuron activities and promoting clear complexion with accelerated healing.
Jade is a mineral that refers to two different silicate minerals: nephrite (a silicate of calcium and magnesium in the amphibole group of minerals) or jadeite (a silicate of sodium and aluminium in the pyroxene group of minerals). Jade is naturally cool to the touch and maintains its temperature even if placed in a warm environment or in contact with the body.
As a basic guide, first, consider the energetic qualities and healing properties that best suit your needs. Jade is great for releasing blocked energies while Rose Quartz can be extremely calming and rejuvenating for the skin.
As a brand that is deeply rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, we want to advocate only the best methods and products to improve beauty and wellness – this is why we use Bian Stone at YINA. Bian stones are considered to be the top choice due to their unmatched ultrasonic pulse count and frequency range. Bian stone therapy is one of the five primary healing practices in ancient Chinese medicine. Interestingly, Bian stone therapy actually predates acupuncture. Experience the healing powers of this practice with YINA Bian Stone Gua Sha. Jade is especially useful for administering facial Gua Sha because it can enhance the flow of ‘Qi’ or energy, to achieve toning and defining effect. Because blemishes were often the result of blocked energies, using Jade as part of the Gua Sha therapy can help to restore energy flow and bring a healthy glow back to the skin. Coupling Rose Quartz with facial Gua Sha is like a match made in heaven for many practitioners because of its ability to improve blood and Qi circulation, enhance cell renewal and depuff the face.“Generally, you’ll want to avoid low-quality stones that may break and harm your skin,” says Caroline. “Stones that have a rough or uneven surface that may also cause irritation.”
Gua sha is also believed to be a great form of self-care that you can do at home if you wanted to concentrate and take your time with your routine. “A gua sha is a staple step in my evening routine. It’s perfect for unwinding and de-stressing my skin through daily use,” Melusine Tran, founder of Kosame Beauty added. “I tend to use it right after my double cleanse routine and find the size is so convenient for weekends away.”
Why we love it: Miles easier to clean and take care of than jade or rose quartz, this metal facial tool set has stolen our hearts. Complete with a double-ended facial roller as well as a multi-sided gua sha, this duo will certainly upgrade your self-care evenings at home.Why we love it: Made from calming amethyst, this facial gua sha brings a modern approach to an ancient Chinese tradition. Perfect for lifting and contouring your face, particularly around the cheeks, jaw and the under-eye area.
Not to mention that implementing gua sha techniques as part of your daily regiment can also help stimulate collagen production which in turn reduces the appearance of fine lines and boost skin elasticity with minimal side effects. Doing so is relatively easy too – all you need to do is to ise your gua sha to perform long strokes across the contours of your face while applying a bit of pressure (but not too much). You can even take a look at some tutorials online.
But before we jump in, let’s break down the basics: so the gua sha stones have several similarities to facial rollers, including typically being made from jade quartz, rose quartz or another form of crystal. Both have many beneficial uses, but they’re most commonly used to stimulate blood flow and drain any puffiness to the face through lymphatic drainage.Why we love it: This bestseller is great for revitalising tired skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, dark circles and eye bags. After all, who doesn’t love a face massage that leaves your skin feeling as new as ever?
Feeling inspired to upgrade your skincare routine? Check out our guides for the best face masks, anti-ageing creams, night creams, moisturisers for dry skin, gradual tanner, sun cream, eye creams, cleansing bars, hyaluronic acid serum and vitamin C serums.
Why we love it: Derived from volcanic glass, this gua sha facial tool is an extremely affordable and a great alternative method of keeping your skin firm and more receptive to your favourite moisturisers, facial oils and serums.
Why we love it: Sometimes, a simple gua sha doesn’t quite hit the spot – literally. This nephrite jade wand is perfect for targeting problem areas around the eyes and lips with accuracy and ease. 10/10 would recommend for your skincare routine.
Why we love it: With over 9,000 reviews and a 4.5 star rating, this gua sha tool is the bestselling of its kind on Amazon. Its also handcrafted from 100% authentic jade stone from Salvador City in Brazil, and comes with its own protective case for when you’re travelling.
Caroline Brooks, skincare expert and founder of The Glass House Salon & Spa, shares that gua sha stones are used to perform facial massages to promote circulation, boost lymphatic drainage and relax facial muscles. “This technique can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin texture and tone, and enhance overall complexion,” she says.
Why we love it: A jade stone gua sha treatment tool that specialises in stimulating your lymph nodes and helping your skin naturally eliminate toxins? Yes please. This multifunctional skincare tool can also be used to alleviate neck pain and address issues on different areas of your body such as your arms and legs by reducing puffiness and improving blood flow.Why we love it: Face Gym’s multi-sculpt tool takes your at-home massage to the next level for a sculpted complexion. It has six different edges that can really help to lift, contour, reduce facial tension and more. You can even pop it in the fridge to take advantage of an extra soothing and cooling effect during your next use.
Gua sha stones have originated from a traditional Chinese healing method in which a smooth-edged tool glide across your face to improve circulation and break up stagnation-induced retention. They can be used all over the body, but are the most beneficial on the face – and by now, you’ve probably seen all of your favourite influencers and TikTok’ers using them.
Why we love it: This gua sha massage tool is made of bian stone, which is rich in over 40 minerals known for their antioxidant and skin-loving properties. Each product contains both a smooth edge and unique scraping edges to give you all the benefits of gua sha, from relaxed facial muscles to improved blood circulation.
Why we love it: If your goal is to sculpt your cheekbones, firm up your jawline and decrease facial puffiness, then look no further. This stainless steel massager is one of the best gua sha tools around. Inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, it contours your face and is suitable for all skin types.
Again, this is completely your choice depending on your preferences and your budget – but quite a few of our favourite gua sha brands include Kora Organics – their heart-shaped facial sculptor is stocked at LookFantastic – Lanshin (if you’ve got a little more money to spend) and By Beauty Bay for a solid £10 option.
Why we love it: This high-quality rose quartz gua sha revitalises the skin and helps to amplify your skincare products. You can use it for up to 15 minutes a day whether as part of your morning or evening routine for a professional-like massage that increases blood circulation to refine, tone and smooth your skin.
Why we love it: This gua sha helps to revive tired skin for a calming pick-me-up in the morning or evening. The shape makes it a great option for massaging any tension-filled areas around the cheekbones and jawline and plumping the skin, helps it better absorb all your favourite face oils and moisturisers, as well as hydrating and brightening serums.Why we love it: This soothing rose quartz gua sha tool is unique with its heart-shaped sculpt. It’s a stone that is loved for its soothing and sculptor properties. Simply massage around the face to encourage circulation and blood flow.
As such, you’ve probably been wondering whether it’s worth adding a gua sha stone to your skincare routine. We’ve let experts such as dermatologists and beauty founders weigh-in, and we’re here to tell you everything you need to know.
Why we love it: Before the hefty price scares you, hold up, because this gua sha stone is actually the best one out there and the quality definitely makes up for the price. The Lanshin tool is made handmade from dark hetian jade to promote a supple complexion across both the face and body. As well as having an inward curve, it has scalloped edges making it easier to massage harder to reach areas.
Why we love it: Yes, I know what you’re thinking – gua shas are not only for your face. This one from The White Company is great for stimulating and firming the skin on your body, including your arms, neck and legs. Best when used in tandem with a good moisturiser or serum.Why we love it: If you’re on the hunt for an affordable gua sha then By Beauty Bay’s heart-shaped jade gua sha could be the perfect option for you. Made from 100% naturally sourced jade to help reduce facial tension, aid lymphatic drainage and increase the absorption of your favourite skincare products whether that be a serum or facial oil.
This is really dependent on the kind of results you’re looking for. “Rose quartz is a higher quality stone that stays cool during use,” explains Saffron Hughes, MUA at FalseEyelashes.co.uk “Rose quartz is better known for its wrinkle-reducing benefits. Whereas Jade is a softer stone and can encounter wear and tear with repeated use.”
Why we love it: Rich in minerals that are great for your body and skin, this gua sha is made from natural jade which – if you’re unsure of how to tell – will show a white light through it if you hold a torch against it.
Why we love it: This is a great set for anyone looking to try both a gua sha and a facial roller as you get two in one. Both products are made from rose quartz and not only will frequent use help to give your skin a radiant glow, but it’ll also be particularly helpful for soothing the eye area and reducing any puffiness.