Gua Sha
The Gua Sha tool is a flat stone (usually made from a semi-precious gem). You can find Gua Sha made from Rose Quartz, Jade, Obsidian, Amethyst and other such stones that bring their own unique healing properties too. It has sharpish edges and is used for massaging the face or scraping gently across the skin. The word Gua means to stroke or to press and the word Sha means redness. While its name may translate to something similar to ‘stroke red’, that doesn’t mean that this practice is as rough and as extreme as it sounds. In short, you use the Gua Sha tool to stimulate the skin and encourage healthy circulation and lymphatic drainage among other things. You could see a Gua Sha facial as a non-invasive gentle kind of acupuncture as it brings similar benefits without the need for needles.
The history of Gua Sha dates back to around 1368 and 1644 and was first recorded as used by the Ming Dynasty. Ancient enough, but the actual date is believed to be even older as far back as the palaeolithic era as records show that when people fell ill, stones and coins would be used to massage certain points in the body to stimulate healing and reduce side effects.
It is a relaxing tool that comes from ancient Chinese facial massage practices. The delicate movement of the massage helps your face stay firmer by stimulating blood circulation and contributing to better drainage for more toned and elastic looking skin. Your complexion will look revitalized and expression lines will be less evident. The jade roller also promotes more effective absorption of your favorite creams and serums.
If you're after more radiant and plump skin, these skincare tools can help boost circulation in your face, says Dr. Li. Jade rollers are also said to do everything from sculpting, toning and firming skin to enhancing glow, reducing puffiness, minimizing fine lines, improving elasticity and detoxifying.
What it is:
Gua sha has been practiced in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. Perfected throughout the centuries, this gua sha tool was built to have a firming, lifting effect on the skin.
Jade is balancing and has naturally cooling properties. It is known as the stone of eternal youth.
IDC INSTITUTE - JADE ROLLER & JADE GUA SHA
Besides improving overall health and radiance of the skin, gua sha has a multitude of benefits.
- Sculpts and contours facial features
- Promotes lymphatic drainage
- Reduces puffiness and fluid buildup
- Relieves facial and jaw tension
- Aids in circulation to give skin a glow
- Firms and lifts the face over time