Everything you need to know about Gua Sha
© Mount Lai
An ancient Far Eastern tradition is coming back to life. We reveal why Gua Sha is now becoming a favorite among beauty tools again.
What is Gua Sha?
A Gua Sha is a stone about the size of your palm made of jade or quartz. Originating from Traditional Chinese Medicine, the stone is used for facial or body massages. When applied with the right technique, a Gua Sha massage stimulates lymph flow in your lymph nodes. This lymphatic drainage helps toxins to be removed faster, improves circulation, reduces swelling, and nourishes your skin with essential nutrients.
The result is a natural, healthy-looking glow. Your face looks rosy and fresh again. Additionally, the Gua Sha stone application stimulates your collagen production. This important natural substance makes your skin elastic and gives it a youthful appearance.
No wonder the beauty trend from Asia has long since conquered Hollywood.
Why do I need a Gua Sha?
- Stimulates blood flow and lymph nodes
- Releases muscular tension
- Relieves swelling
- Increased collagen production
- Supports the absorption of skincare products
- Creates a fresh glow and is a refreshing boost for tired skin
- Prevents the formation of fine wrinkles
- Anti-aging: Regular use is said to minimize small wrinkles and train the facial muscles
- Anti-headache: Applying and gently massaging the head and face can relieve headaches
How do I properly use a Gua Sha?
The most important thing: For the Gua Sha to unfold its effect, it must work with the lymph flow of the face. This means: The Gua Sha may only be moved in one specific direction over the face. Namely from bottom to top and from the center outward.
Source: Douglas.de
Just don't scrape the skin or apply too much pressure, only stroking, gentle movements and absolutely no pulling, as is mistakenly seen with many influencers or tutorials, because that actually promotes wrinkle formation instead of counteracting it!
Facial oils complete the application. Apply a few drops to the face and go. Don't forget to thoroughly clean the stones afterwards.
Now you might rightly ask yourselves? Who has time for that? But a 2-3 minute massage in the morning or evening is enough to see a difference. And believe me, it's also very relaxing. Especially if you have tension in your neck, a Gua Sha neck massage is a dream - particularly effective when combined with peppermint oil.
Tip: For an especially fresh effect, store the Gua Sha in the refrigerator!
Where can I find my Gua Sha? Our shopping favorites:
Different stones and shapes have different effects. There is something for everyone here.
Rose quartz: Natural protection and stress blocker
These two rose quartz Gua Sha stones in wave shape from Lavay Paris or in heart shape from Rosental Organics are especially suitable for sensitive skin.
Black Jade: Calming & balance like this Obsidian Gua Sha by Alicia Keys
Green Jade: Harmony & balance can be found in the Ari Anwa Glow Kit Jade
Clear Quartz: Mood enhancer & healing is provided by the Clear Quartz Gua Sha
The best facial oils for massage with Gua Sha stones
For a Gua Sha massage, a good facial oil is essential. I love the Midnight Rejuvenation Oil Serum from LePure or the Virgin Marula Facial Oil from Drunk Elephant
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About the author:
Eva Staudinger is a German model signed with international agencies in New York, London, and Paris. With her many years of professional experience, skincare, beauty, and wellness are topics she deals with daily and with great enthusiasm. Business trips to New York, Sydney, or London allow her to always gain insight into the latest beauty trends, which she will then share with us as part of the SoSue Beauty section. In addition to her work as a model, the native of Bergisch Gladbach has also completed her bachelor's degree in economics at the University of Cologne. She has since relocated her base from the Rhineland to the north in Hamburg, where she lives with her boyfriend and where her German agency "PMA" is located. She regularly takes her followers on her Instagram account "evastaudinger" on her travels around the world and provides insights from her latest discoveries in beauty, wellness, and food – anyone interested is welcome to take a look.