With Winter dragging on and spas being closed for the time being, a facial seems like something of a long, lost dream. Thankfully, we’ve got something to help you out in the meantime and, once you fall in love, beyond. Gua Sha tools can be used for an amazing, and quite affordable, at home facial treatment. If you haven’t yet heard of these trendy little stones, we’re here to give you a beginner’s guide on all things Gua Sha.

What is Gua Sha?

While the Gua Sha beauty tools have just recently become a trend in the West, they are anything but a new practice. Dating back to nearly 700 years ago, this traditional Chinese medicinal exercise was originally used for scraping away illness. Really, Gua Sha loosely translates to ‘to scrape sand’. The stones are typically carved from Jade or Rose Quartz, the reason being that these crystals are naturally cool and calming when placed on the skin. While traditionally used to combat sickness, Gua Sha tools are more commonly known among Westerners as a beauty regimen. The practice is known to reduce puffiness, promote blood circulation for a natural glow and encourage lymphatic drainage. When done properly, Gua Sha can even help relieve pain and boost circulation for digestion, breastfeeding, arthritis, muscle & joint pains, and more!

How to Use the Gua Sha tools?

To effectively use the Gua Sha tools it is best to start with a clean face. Facial oil is recommended so the stones move smoothly along. With soft pressure, you will scrape the tool along the contours of your face and neck starting in the centre and moving your way outwards. The stones are to be held at a close angle to the face, never used perpendicularly along the edge. They are designed to fit each section of the face, depending on which side you use. We definitely recommend watching a few tutorials rather than freestyling your own technique.

Does Gua Sha Work?

I tried out the Gua Sha facial technique a few months ago when my friend sent me some tools. I had never heard of the practice before but I was nevertheless intrigued. After watching tutorials, I tried it for myself and the results spoke for themselves. After just one month of using, I had a more distinct jawline and my cheekbones seemed higher. So much so that even my friends and family began commenting on it. Not only does my face appear more defined it feels amazing too. The 5-10 minute process is quite meditative, you will feel very relaxed afterwards as if you just received a facial massage. Within a few minutes of beginning my routine I find the tension in my face is relieved, my jaw unclenches, and my brow unfurrows. I even found that using the tool on the back of my neck helped to relieve headaches.

Where to Buy Gua Sha Tools?

We are all about supporting small businesses these days, even better yet love when they use eco-friendly packaging! Inner Beauty is a local startup from medical aesthetician and entrepreneur, Alexandra Fox, with the goal of spreading a natural beauty habit that aids in relaxation, health and, more commonly today, contouring. Fox mentions the quick opt for injections nowadays, such as Botox and fillers; great services as well but are not always necessary. “If someone told you, you could receive similar effects as injections with a $20 stone if you massage your face every day for 10 mins, wouldn’t you try it? Of course, technique matters so the massage is done safely and properly, but many would be happy to hear this amazing option! As a universal law, good things happens to people who wait!”