Our favorite zero-waste way to bring forth that lit-from-within glow, gua sha not only sculpts the face, de-puffs the under eyes, and naturally boosts collagen production, it's a deeply relaxing ritual that gives us a few mindful moments to recharge and reconnect with ourselves.
Our Blue Spot Jasper Gua Sha Stone is sustainably crafted with Blue Spot Jasper crystal to illuminate the skin and rejuvenate the spirit. Each one is completely unique and nature-made. Keep reading for your all-in-one guide to Gua Sha including:
- What is Gua Sha?
- The Benefits of Gua Sha
- How to: Facial Gua Sha Massage
- The Benefits & Meaning of Blue Spot Jasper
- Gua Sha for Specific Skin Concerns: Acne, Fine Lines, Dark Spots, & Dullness
- All Your Gua Sha Questions Answered
What Is Gua Sha?
Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine ritual that uses a gentle scraping technique with a smooth edged tool to promote healing, detoxification, and drainage of toxins and negative energy.
The Benefits of Gua Sha: Why You’ll Want to Try It
Gua sha has been around for centuries, and there’s a reason it’s still loved today. This simple yet powerful ancient healing practice can refresh your skin, ease tension, and give glow a whole new meaning. Here’s why it’s worth adding to your routine:
1. Supports Collagen Production
If you’re after firmer, bouncier skin, gua sha is our favorite zero-waste way to get there. The gentle scraping motion stimulates the skin’s natural repair process, helping to boost collagen production—a key protein that keeps your skin smooth, firm, and refreshed.
2. Boosts Circulation
Gua sha is the original glow giver, boosting circulation for that rejuvenated, just-left-the-spa look. And it not just aesthetics, the increased blood flow reduces inflammation and floods the body with endorphins for a deep sense of relaxation.
3. Sculpt Your Facial Muscles
You know that puffiness you get after too much wine, a salty late-night snack, or a lacklustre sleep? Gua sha is the antidote. It stimulates lymphatic drainage, helping your body flush out excess fluids and toxins, while taking down the swelling and inflammation. Everyone will think you got your full 8 hours and are a water-drinking, clean-eating goddess (we won't tell).
4. Relieves Pain and Inflammation
Gua sha massage isn’t just relaxing—it's a super effective way to relieve pain and release muscle tension, especially if you deal with chronic neck pain or migraines. In one 14 day study, gua sha appeared to significantly reduce migraine pain.
5. Reduces Dark Circles
Good news for your under-eye area—gua sha can help dim the look of dark circles by boosting circulation and stimulating collagen production. The improved blood flow brightens the skin, while the gentle massage smooths fine lines and enhances firmness for an age-reversed under eye area. While the effects are temporary, they’re impressive.
6. Calms the Nervous System
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), gua sha treatment is thought to help move "qi" (life force energy) and clear blockages, restoring balance to the body. The slow, deliberate scraping motions can activate the parasympathetic nervous system—the "rest and digest" response—helping to shift you out of anxiety and into a sense of calm and grounding.
How to Perform Gua Sha Facial Massage
Before diving into gua sha, it’s essential to prepare your skin. A smooth glide is key to avoiding unnecessary friction, and that’s where our Wound Warrior Balm comes in. This multitasking 100% natural balm is made with locally sourced oils, butters, botanicals, and essential oils to calm inflammation, hydrate deeply, reduce redness, and soothe irritated skin.
Apply a thin layer to your face to create the perfect slip for your gua sha stone. (Note: If you have a known sensitivity to essential oils, perform a patch test before use.)
Follow these simple steps for your gua sha ritual:
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Cleanse your skin thoroughly to remove dirt and makeup.
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Apply Wound Warrior Balm to your face and neck.
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Hold your Gua Sha Stone at a 15-degree angle to your skin.
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Use gentle, upward strokes, starting at your neck and moving toward your jawline.
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Move to your cheeks, using outward strokes from the center of your face.
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Focus on your forehead, gliding upward from your brows to your hairline.
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Finish with the under-eye area, using delicate outward strokes.
Pro Tips for Gua Sha
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Stay consistent: Aim for 2-4 sessions per week for best results.
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Use light pressure: Avoid pressing too hard; the key is gentle, consistent strokes.
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Keep it clean: Wash your gua sha tool after each use to prevent bacterial buildup.
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Pair with hydration: Follow your gua sha routine with another layer of our Wound Warrior Balm to really lock in the moisture.
Who should Not Use a Gua Sha
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Avoid Gua Sha if you've had botox or injectables within the past three to four weeks.
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Avoid Gua Sha if you have very thin skin, chronic skin conditions, are pregnant, taking blood thinners, or have a blood clotting disorder.
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Be gentle when using the tool, as excessive pressure can cause bruising or discomfort.
The Benefits & Meaning of Blue Spot Jasper
Not all gua sha tools are created equal. Our Blue Spot Jasper Gua Sha Stone brings a dose of crystal-charged healing to your skincare ritual. Known as 'the stone of hope', Blue Spot Jasper calms the mind, soothes the spirit, and brings balance to the emotions. When used in a gua sha stone, it'll leave both your skin and your spirit feeling brightened and balanced.
Every Blue Spot Jasper Gua Sha is unique with a one-of-a-kind pattern reflecting the individual stone it was crafted from.
Facial Gua Sha for Specific Skin Concerns
For Acne and Congestion
Struggling with breakouts or clogged pores? Gua sha can help calm inflammation and support your skin’s natural detox process. Focus on areas like your nose, chin, and jawline, using light, sweeping motions to encourage drainage and boost circulation.
For Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Want to smooth fine lines and firm up your skin? Gua sha helps stimulate collagen production and relax tense facial muscles. Focus on areas like your forehead, crow’s feet, and cheeks, gently gliding the tool upward. With regular use, you’ll notice a more lifted, well-rested look.
Pair with our Wound Warrior Balm for an instant softening, smoothing effect and bouncier, more hydrated skin over time.
For Dull, Tired Looking Skin
If your skin feels tired or looks dull, gua sha can help bring back your glow. By boosting circulation, it delivers oxygen and nutrients to brighten your complexion and refresh your skin. Regular use can also support collagen production, improving elasticity for a smoother, more radiant look.
For Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation
For dark spots, gua sha helps by encouraging lymphatic drainage, which removes toxins and supports your skin’s natural renewal process. Focus on areas like your cheeks and forehead, using light, upward strokes to gradually fade discoloration and restore an even, luminous tone.
Start Your Gua Sha Journey Today
Ready to experience the glow-giving magic of gua sha? Shop our Blue Spot Jasper Gua Sha Stone here and pair it with our deeply restorative Wound Warrior Balm here.
Your Gua Sha Questions Answered
What does gua sha actually do?
Gua sha boosts circulation, promotes collagen production, and helps with lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness, firm up skin over time, and bring life back to dull, tired-looking skin.
Does gua sha really work for jawline?
While gua sha can't actually change the change of your face or remove facial fat, it does work to reduce puffiness that can come from inflammation, too much salt/alcohol/sugar, or not getting enough sleep.
How often should you use a gua sha?
For best results, dermatologists recommend gua sha 2-4 times per week.
Does gua sha have side effects?
If too much pressure is used, gua sha could create bruising. And if a non-uniform or rough gua stone is used, the skin can be cut. Always use a stone specifically created for gua sha from a trusted brand.
