By Charmaine Griffin
The Gua Sha Stone is a stone used to perform Gua Sha, a traditional Chinese healing method that pre-dates acupuncture. The name “Gua Sha” literally translates to “scrapping,” which describes the motion used by practitioners. Often made with Jade, Rose Quartz, or Bian Stone, the Gua Sha Stone is raked against various parts of the skin. As pressure is applied, the skin is left with a bright red tone. When used on the face, the ancient practice is performed gently without leaving any visible markings.
Similar to the jade roller, the Gua Sha Stone follows a massage technique promoting blood circulation and drainage of the lymphatic system. The stone is placed at an angle, around 15 degrees, and guided along the meridian (lifepath) lines of the face. The stone is able to sculpt and contour the face –– which is why it is often considered a natural alternative to botox. It also boosts collagen production, carrying nutrients and oxygenated blood throughout the face.
Other Benefits:
- Reducing wrinkles
- Depuffing skin
- Tightening
- Reducing discoloration
- Relieves acne and acne scars
- Brightens complexion
- Relieves rosacea
- Improving the body’s energy system, chi or prana
If you are new to using the Gua Sha Stone, be sure to start very gently and gradually add pressure. The skin on your face is much more sensitive than your body, so avoid pressure on more fragile areas like under your eyes.
Using The Gua Sha Stone For Face Sculpting:
Prep: On a nightly basis, start out by cleansing the skin and using oil or an oil-based moisturizer immediately after. This allows the Gua Sha Stone to effortlessly glide across the face.
Forehead: Place the flat side of the stone against the center of your forehead at an angle, slowly sweeping to the outer edge of your hairline.
Undereyes: Slowly glide the stone from your nose to the outer corner of your eyes, up to your hairline. Use little to no pressure in this area to avoid damage.
Cheekbones: Starting from the inner part of your nose, use gentle pressure to sweep the stone underneath the cheekbone and past the ear toward the hairline.
Chin: Work the stone from the center of the chin to the lower part of your lip and out towards your earlobe.
Repeat on the other side. Repeat steps 1-3 at least 3-5 times on each side.
Be sure to avoid using the stone if you have had any recent injections, wounds, or acne scarring. Once you are comfortable with these basic motions, try to experiment with other meridian points on the face (there are over 60). Always prep the skin prior to using your stone.
