In a world with seemingly endless recommendations for ways to improve our skin, gua sha (pronounced gwah-shah) tools are having a moment. They’re smooth, half moon-shaped stones that massage your face, claiming to lift, smooth and even drain. But the practice is nothing new. It actually predates modern medicine and originated in China, where the stones have been used to treat all sorts of ailments by scraping (gua) the skin. Like acupuncture, it is based on the concept of promoting qi (pronounced chee), the balance and flow of our body’s energy.

Gua sha has been proven to help relieve tension in the face, reduce puffiness and inflammation, and it can even help reduce sinus pressure.

This massage focuses on the jaw, neck, décolletage, arms, hands as tension builds up there at the end of the day.

The practice of 'stone medicine' is an ancient Taoist healing technique known for stimulating blood flow and reducing puffiness. Using gua sha as part of your holistic at-home skincare routine is both relaxing and therapeutic. It works to relieve tension and supports a fresh, dewy glow.

Beyond its superficial reputation as a skincare tool, Gua Sha offers a treasure trove of advantages that extend to physical and emotional well-being. From enhancing blood circulation and lymphatic drainage to reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation, the therapeutic effects of Gua Sha are both profound and multifaceted. Additionally, it can be a meditative element in your self-care routine.