Wait WTF Is Gua Sha?

The Art of Gua Sha: How to Elevate Your Skin Ritual Naturally

Let’s set the scene: it’s the end of a long day. The kids are finally asleep, the house is (sort of) quiet, and you’re gazing at yourself in the mirror wondering how it’s possible to look both tired and glowing from all the chaos you just wrangled. What if I told you there’s a centuries-old beauty ritual that not only enhances your skin’s natural radiance but also feels like a mini spa treatment you can do at home? Enter gua sha: the ultimate self-care hack for moms craving a moment of zen and an effortlessly glowing complexion.

What Is Gua Sha?

Gua sha (pronounced gwa shah) is an ancient Chinese healing technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Traditionally used on the body to stimulate circulation and reduce inflammation, gua sha has evolved into a modern skincare must-have, particularly for the face.

The practice involves using a flat, smooth-edged tool—often made of jade, rose quartz, or other healing stones—to gently massage and scrape the skin. The result? Improved circulation, lymphatic drainage, and a radiant, sculpted complexion.

Why You Should Try Gua Sha

Life can be hectic, and self-care often falls to the bottom of the to-do list. But taking a few minutes for yourself with gua sha can have incredible benefits—not just for your skin but for your mental well-being too.

Skin Benefits of Gua Sha

1. Natural Glow: Gua sha boosts blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells, which helps revive dull, tired skin.

2. Sculpted Features: Regular use can define cheekbones, lift eyebrows, and reduce puffiness, making you look like you actually slept.

3. Lymphatic Drainage: By stimulating lymph flow, gua sha helps reduce swelling and detoxify the skin. Bye-bye, under-eye bags!

4. Fine Line Softening: Gentle scraping can smooth the appearance of fine lines over time by promoting collagen production.

5. Deeper Product Absorption: Using gua sha after applying serums or oils helps your skin absorb the good stuff more effectively.

Mental and Emotional Benefits

Let’s not underestimate the power of touch. Taking a few moments to massage your face can:

• Relieve tension (hello, jaw clenchers and forehead frowners).

• Promote relaxation, reducing stress from the millions of decisions you made today.

• Encourage mindfulness by bringing you into the present moment.

How to Use a Gua Sha Tool

Ready to get started? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

What You’ll Need

• A gua sha tool (look for jade or rose quartz for their cooling and calming properties). This Wildling one is what I use and love.

• A hydrating facial oil or serum (True Botanicals, Herbivore, or Pai Skincare offer great non-toxic options).

The Technique

1. Prep Your Skin: Start with clean skin and apply a generous amount of facial oil or serum to reduce friction.

2. Warm-Up: Begin with gentle strokes down your neck to stimulate lymphatic drainage.

3. Cheekbones: Hold the tool at a 15-degree angle and glide it upwards from the corner of your mouth toward your ear.

4. Under Eyes: Use the curved edge and gently glide from the inner corner of your eye to the temple. Be delicate—this area is sensitive!

5. Jawline: Start at your chin and sweep outward along your jaw toward your ear.

6. Forehead: Use the flat side to scrape upward from your brows to your hairline.

7. Repeat: Perform 3-5 strokes in each area for maximum benefit.

Why Jade, Bian and Rose Quartz?

Jade

• Cooling and Calming
  Jade’s natural coolness makes it ideal for reducing puffiness and soothing irritated skin. A quick session with a jade gua sha stone can refresh tired eyes and calm redness, especially if you chill it in the fridge.

• Balances Energy and Promotes Healing
  In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), jade is prized for balancing qi (life force energy) and promoting emotional healing. It’s said to draw out negative energy while revitalizing your skin and spirit.

Rose Quartz

• Known as the Stone of Love
  Often called the “stone of unconditional love,” rose quartz adds a touch of mindfulness to your skincare. It’s perfect for fostering self-love and encouraging a little extra kindness toward yourself—something every mom deserves.

• Soothes Sensitive or Inflamed Skin
  Rose quartz is gentle on sensitive or reactive skin, helping to calm redness and irritation. Its naturally cool properties make it perfect for soothing inflamed areas and leaving your skin feeling nurtured.

Bian Stone

• Artisan crafted from sustainably sourced Bian stone, an amalgamate of 40+ minerals known for their healing and rejuvenating properties. White “veins” of various sizes may appear on the stone. These veins were formed as a result of a meteor striking a mountain in China 65 million years ago and are a sign of the Bian stone’s authenticity. 

• This stone emits energy known for antioxidant and anti-aging benefits, including a measurable ultrasound pulsation and a far-infrared wave.  It also emits negative ions, known to promote relaxation and overall well being.

The Science Behind Gua Sha

It’s not just ancient wisdom; there’s science to back this up.

• A study in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that gua sha significantly increases microcirculation, improving blood flow for hours after treatment.

• Enhanced circulation can lead to better oxygen delivery and skin cell turnover, which are key to a glowing complexion.

Beyond Gua Sha: Jade Rollers

If gua sha feels intimidating, start with its easier-to-use cousin, the jade roller. While it won’t provide the same sculpting benefits, jade rolling can still:

• Reduce puffiness.

• Stimulate circulation.

• Provide a cooling, relaxing experience (especially if you store it in the fridge).

Complementary Practices for Glowing Skin

Pair your gua sha ritual with these holistic beauty hacks:

1. Hydration: Glow starts from within. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day.

2. Healthy Sleep: A supportive, non-toxic pillow like the ones from Avocado can reduce wrinkles and tension.

3. Clean Skincare: Use products with safe ingredients. Check out the Environmental Working Group (EWG) for recommendations.

4. Mindfulness: Incorporate meditation or deep breathing into your skincare ritual for an extra dose of calm.

Gua Sha Tools I Love

• Mount Lai Jade Gua Sha Tool: A beautiful, high-quality option for beginners.

• Herbivore Rose Quartz Gua Sha: Perfect for sensitive skin.

• Wildling Empress Stone: Designed for advanced users with additional edges for targeted treatments.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Skin Ritual Naturally

As a mom, you deserve a beauty routine that nurtures your skin and your soul. Gua sha isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good. It’s a small, sacred moment of self-care in a life that often revolves around everyone else.

So, grab your gua sha tool, put on your favorite calming playlist, and spend a few minutes pampering yourself. Your skin—and your spirit—will thank you.

Remember: Your laugh lines are proof of all the joy you’ve lived. Your skin tells your story. Gua sha just helps that story glow a little brighter.