Comprehensive Gua Sha Guide: The Differences & Routine
Gua sha is an ancient healing modality that is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). During the Ming Dynasty, gua sha was used to treat symptoms of illnesses, chronic pain, and relieve muscle tension in the form of body gua sha. It was also used to detoxify the body, and restore the flow of qi – the energy that is believed to keep us alive. Fast forward to today, gua sha is still practiced as it was traditionally used in ancient China on the body, and it has also evolved for use on the face to balance and renew the skin. Despite being practiced on different areas of the body, the principles are the same. Facial and body gua sha both help the body flush out toxins and move out stagnation.
Practicing gua sha provides a moment of self-care, relieves tension and stress, and promotes lymphatic drainage that hands alone are unable to do. One of the best way to get the most out of gua sha is by pairing gua sha tools together. Having a complete gua sha routine will not only increase the benefits of gua sha massage, but leaves you with glowing results.
Curious about what each tool does? Learn more about our gua sha tools below.
The Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool
Stones available: Jade, Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Black Obsidian, and Stainless Steel
Best for relieving facial and jaw tension, as well as firming and lifting the face overtime. Its ability to relieve tension can also help relax the muscles that contribute to wrinkles, including smile lines and crow’s feet. This is the perfect gua sha tool to start with if you are looking for an introduction to gua sha.
To learn more about how to gua sha, visit our post here.
The Acupressure Gua Sha Spoon
Stones available: Jade and Rose Quartz
This specialized gua sha tool is amazing for deeply sculpting facial features and precision work. Not only that, it encourages the gentle release of tension through targeting the acupressure points in the face. This tool is great for contouring facial features, such as the cheeks and jawline.
View our Acupressure Gua Sha Spoon tutorial here.
The Massaging Gua Sha Comb
Stones available: Jade
A special treat for the scalp – a tool that provides the most luxurious and relaxing head massage. The Massaging Gua Sha Comb improves blood circulation, which can stimulate hair growth, and reduces tension. It is ideal for anyone looking for a moment of clarity and renewal.
CREATING YOUR GUA SHA ROUTINE
Before gua sha, it is very important to prep with skincare to ensure the tool glides across the skin instead of tugging. We love using nutrient-rich Mount Lai skincare products with our gua sha tools. Mount Lai skincare is vegan and non-comedogenic, and their formulations draw on plants and adaptogens that have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for their healing benefits for centuries.
Once the skin is prepped with skincare product, you're ready to start your massage. Pick the gua sha tool that fits into your routine, whether you want to use just one or all three!
If you are looking for a comprehensive gua sha routine, here's the order we recommend using the tools in: Start with the Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool. After, use The Acupressure Gua Sha Spoon to continue the gentle release of tension with acupressure and for deeper sculpting. To complete your facial and head massage, end with The Massaging Gua Sha Comb for a luxurious scalp massage, and the ultimate tension release. Don't forget to breathe through each movement for a moment of calm and extra stress release.
