How To Use Gua Sha – The Complete Guide on its Benefits

Have you ever heard of Gua Sha before? You likely already used a jade roller before, which is a similar tool, but if you have no idea about Gua Sha, you’re in for a treat. Gua Sha is an ancient form of healing that has been used for centuries in China and other parts of the world.

This unique technique can provide various health benefits, from reducing inflammation and easing pain to improving circulation and boosting energy levels.

So if you’re looking for an alternative way to make your skin feel and look better, Gua Sha may be just what you need. Make sure to read until the end to learn more about this intriguing healing practice and how you can start using it yourself.

What is Gua Sha?

Gua Sha is an ancient Chinese healing technique that involves using a flat stone to stroke the skin to improve circulation and relieve pain. This technique promotes circulation and lymphatic drainage and is often used to treat pain, inflammation, and congestion.

Gua Sha is usually performed with a Jade, Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Obsidian, or other healing crystals tool. The key is to use a smooth, firm object that will not irritate the skin.

According to the National Institutes of Health, it is also thought to promote the adaptive immune functions of the skin and enhance the response against intradermal antigens. The gentle Gua Sha facial is similar to non-invasive acupuncture because it provides comparable advantages without requiring needles.

History of Gua Sha

Gua Sha has a long history that dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) and was recorded by them. While it was officially recorded back then, stones and coins were used during the paleolithic era to cure ill people. Hence the principle of Gua Sha could be much older than we think.

Benefits of Gua Sha

As mentioned previously, Gua Sha is said to improve circulation, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation. It is often used to treat colds, flu, and chronic conditions like arthritis and migraines. But that’s not it; before learning how to use it, here are the most common benefits of Gua Sha.

Benefits of using a Gua Sha

Promotes Lymphatic Drainage

Gua Sha is said to help with lymphatic drainage, which can lead to puffiness, swollen skin, and acne, among other problems. The lymph system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials.

Eliminate Bags Under the Eyes

The lymphatic system also drains excess fluids from the tissues, which can help reduce dark circles under the eyes.

Reduces Fine Lines Wrinkles

Gua Sha can help improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by boosting collagen production, ironing the wrinkles, and increasing blood flow to the skin.

Helps Acne and Removes Scars

No one wants acne, let alone the scars that sometimes go with it, and Gua Sha precisely helps reduce acne by unclogging pores, getting blood flow to the surface, and eventually growing new cells and making scars fade away.

Lessen Puffiness

Gua Sha can help reduce puffiness by stimulating drainage and improving circulation.

The Different Gua Sha Stones and Healing Crystals

Gua Sha can be performed with various materials, including jade and rose quartz. The key is to use a smooth, firm object that will not irritate the skin, and stones are considered the most beneficial tool. Here are the best crystals to perform Gua Sha.

Nephrite Jade

Jade is the most popular tool material for a variety of reasons. It’s a naturally cool stone that’s great for Gua Sha, which generates heat on the skin’s surface. It’s also supposed to have qi energy, the body’s innate intelligence, comparable to that of the human body, and balancing qualities. Nephrite Jade is the right choice if you want to contour, lift, and improve skin clarity.

Rose Quartz

While not the most common material, Rose quartz is the gemstone most suited to sensitive skin, acne, and rosacea. It is claimed to open up the heart chakra, hence improving its healing properties. It’s worth noting that keeping rose quartz in the freezer helps add even more benefits.

Amethyst

Amethyst is a beautiful purple stone that represents peace and balance and brings a cooling effect to the skin. Amethyst is mainly used in Gua Sha to release muscular tension in the temples and jaw and smooth inflammation.

Obsidian

Obsidian is a type of natural glass formed when lava cools quickly and is said to have protective and grounding properties. It has a smooth, glossy surface that makes it ideal for use on the skin. When used for Gua Sha, it makes the absorption of vitamins C and D quicker and allows for the reduction of anxiety effects.

How to Use Gua Sha Healing Crystals?

For those of us pursuing eternal youth, Gua Sha is an age-old intervention that is having a moment. The process is simple, and we will discuss all the steps here below:

To start, cleanse your stone and hands thoroughly to ensure that everything is spotless, and do your regular skincare routine. Then, apply your usual serum or body oil to the tool, which will glide effortlessly over your face or body as you press it.

Glide your stone across your face and if you want to drain away fluid buildup, follow the lymphatic circulation, repeating each movement 3 to 5 times to maximize the benefits. Also, when it comes to the jaw, start from the center and slowly massage it towards your ear.

You can also use the stone to plump your lips – to do that, just pass it on your lips a few times. In regards to puffiness and bags under the eyes, gently pass the stone from your eyes to the temples.

Lastly, start from the center and pass the stone towards your hairline slowly and subtly to benefit your forehead.

This was how to use Gua Sha, and you can now finish your usual skincare routine with moisturizer or face oil before washing your Gua Sha tool thoroughly.

How To Use a Gua Sha

How to Clean Your Gua Sha Tool?

Despite being a stone, just like any other cosmetic tool, you should thoroughly clean your Gua Gha tool to avoid bacteria building up on it. Cleaning your Gua Sha tool is straightforward, and you can simply use soapy water and a sensitive cleaner before drying it out.

Conclusion

As we’ve seen in this guide, Gua Sha can be used to improve your overall health and wellbeing and is a natural way to reduce inflammation and improve your facial skin. After following our instructions, have you tried Gua Sha? What were your results? Let us know in the comments below!