15% off £35 OR 20% off £45

Code:OFFER
 

15% off £35 OR 20% off £45

Code:OFFER

Offers3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline only - Up to 33% offGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 priceOutletIntroductory OfferBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 for £60 Mix & Match2 for £5 Mix & MatchShort DatedVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllHair, Skin & NailsCollagen & SilicaMuscle Support & Joint PainDigestive HealthMagnesiumFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthPerimenopauseMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicWeledaBetterYouBioglanGrass & Co.Nature's WayNatures Aid3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline only - Up to 33% offOutletGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeIntroductory OfferDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkChristmas Food & GiftsAdvent CalendarsFood & Drink Shop AllDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstitutesMushroom DrinksTeasSuperfood TeasMatcha & Green TeaHerbal TeaPeppermint TeaSleep & RelaxationSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSyrupsSpreadsPateDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksKombuchaCBD DrinksSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksProtein ShakesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood BlendsSupergreensMoringa PowderSpirulinaMaca PowderFlaxseedBaobabChia SeedsGoji BerriesGut HealthSnacksShop all SnacksSweet SnacksSavoury SnacksLow Calorie SnacksChocolateCrisps & ChipsSnack BarsFlapjacksLiquoricePopcornVegan FoodShop all Vegan FoodMeat-Free AlternativesDairy Free DrinksEgg SubstitutesVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsGravy, Broths & StockBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsTinned FoodsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy, Broths & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking IngredientsBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy Free DrinksShop all Dairy Free DrinksOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadeHeath & HeatherHuelPukkaTwiningsNakdMeridianPerfectTedSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchOnline only - Up to 33% offGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutlet2 for £5 Mix & MatchGluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeSugar FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeFish FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinWhey ProteinClear ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneElectrolytesEnergy GelsSports CollagenCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutCaffeine Free Pre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutPost WorkoutKetoAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentOptimum NutritionUSNGrenadePrecision EngineeredApplied NutritionMyproteinHolland & BarrettPhDNakdHuelSave up to 1/2 PriceGreat SavingsIntroductory Offer3 for 2 Mix & MatchOnline only - Up to 33% offBuy one get one 1/2 price2 for £60 Mix & MatchOutletGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreePalm Oil FreeMilk FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeNew inBeautyGiftsNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautySun CareShop all Sun CareSun Lotion SPFMineral Sun CareFace SPFAfter SunHair Skin & NailsWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesFeminine CareShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaHolland & BarrettNaturtintTisserandMiaromaSukinQ+AEthique3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline only - Up to 33% offOutletIntroductory OfferAlcohol FreeDairy FreeGluten FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeMicroplastics FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeNew inCBDShop all CBDCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesCBD Food & DrinkCBD BeautyGrass & Co.CBDfxTRIPfourfiveCannaray CBDHolistic HerbHolland & BarrettReakiroLove HempBody & Mind Botanicals3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline only - Up to 33% offBuy 1 Get 1 FreeGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 priceOutletShort DatedDairy FreeAlcohol FreeGluten FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsSlimming TabletsWeight Management Shakes Shop all Weight Management Shakes Meal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkHealthier CookingLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeasExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein BarsHolland & BarrettGrenadePhDHeath & HeatherUSNOptimum NutritionBouncePulsinTrekDiabloSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchOnline only - Up to 33% offGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 priceIntroductory OfferOutletShort DatedGluten FreeSugar FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeNew inVeganChristmasHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessEnergyJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthHair Skin & NailsStress AnxietySleep & RelaxationHolland & BarrettVitabioticsNaturtintWeledaSolgarOptimum NutritionDr OrganicBetterYouApplied NutritionWild3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline only - Up to 33% offGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 priceOutletShort Dated3 for £14 Mix & MatchDairy FreeGluten FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeNew inShop for your WellnessGut HealthImmunityEnergySkincareWomen's HealthMenstrual HealthMenopauseJoints, Bones & MusclesHair, Skin & NailsSleep & RelaxationFood & DietChildren's HealthStress ReliefHealthy HeartLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthLearn about WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesWomen's HealthPeriods & Cycle HealthMenopauseImmunityGut HealthFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast

All about Gua Sha

gua sha tools
Keen to know more about Gua Sha? What it means and what it involves? This article provides you with a useful introduction to this trending self-care & skin-boosting technique.
Gua Sha. Have you heard of it? What do you know about it? What is it? It sounds mysteriously magical, don’t you think? But if you happen to have dug a bit deeper to find out what this trending self-care and skin-boosting technique actually means, you’ll know ‘Gua’ means scraping and ‘Sha’ means redness of skin.1 We don’t know about you, but if you’re only going on the English translation of these two words, then the word ‘ouch’ may just spring to mind… But there’s way more to know about Gua Sha other than what it means. For instance, it’s got a long old history that can be traced to the Stone Age when hunter-gatherers rubbed stones on their body to alleviate pain.2 Meanwhile, Gua Sha has been used in traditional Chinese medicine, as far back as the Ming Dynasty in 1368, to treat issues related to chronic pain caused by inflammation. The main aim of Gua Sha is to literally scrape away illness. (Ouch. Again). In traditional Chinese medicine, energy is referred to as ‘qi’ or ‘chi’. And when it’s not balanced or becomes stagnant, it can potentially cause inflammation. However, rubbing the skin’s surface is believed to be an effective way of breaking up this stagnant energy and reducing redness. And this, in other words, is what’s commonly referred to as Gua Sha or Gua Sha massage, which can be carried out on your face, body or scalp.3 Less pressure tends to be applied if you are having a Gua Sha facial due to the fact the skin on our face tends to be more delicate and sensitive than elsewhere on our body.4

When should you Gua Sha?

Most skin treatments, such as facials, aren’t something you do every day, but every now and again to promote skin health. Can the same be said for Gua Sha? Let’s delve a bit deeper shall we…. There aren’t any set rules that tell you when you should and shouldn’t Gua Sha. It’s important to listen to your skin and be guided by that. For example, if you wanted to, you could do it once, twice or three times a week. But if you’re looking to relieve facial muscle tension or tackle wrinkles, then you may want to do get into the habit of doing it every day.5 Some people like to Gua Sha in the morning to help reduce puffiness and give their skin a boost. Others prefer to do it in the evening to relax their muscles and release tightness. The main thing is, you find the routine that works best for you, and stick to it.6

How does Gua Sha work?

You can go to a professional for a Gua Sha facial or you can practice some Gua Sha on yourself, whatever works best for you. It essentially involves scraping a flat, rounded tool over your skin. It gets to work by:7
  1. Relaxing muscles.
  2. Getting energy and blood moving.
  3. Reducing puffiness.
  4. Encouraging healthy circulation (by up to 400%)
  5. Eliminating toxins and generating oxygen and nutrients.
  6. Encouraging the skin to make new collagen.
Some people describe it as a combination of massage and workout. While others say it really helps relieve feelings of tension. Overall, it’s said to leave skin immediately feeling more supple and with a healthy glow.

What is a Gua Sha tool?

It’s what’s used to scrape the skin, using short or long strokes to promote circulation and increase blood flow. Gua Sha tools have smooth edges and are applied with water or massage oil.8 Just as Gua Sha can be used on different parts of the body, there are different Gua Sha tools you can use. They’re mainly made from either rose quartz or jade crystals and come in the form of rollers, pretty ‘pebble’ shaped stones and many more shapes that wouldn’t look out of place on a coffee table.9

Which stone is best for Gua Sha?

It’s entirely down to personal preference. Some people prefer rose quartz, while others prefer to use jade, as well as other materials.

Rose quartz

Has long been associated with helping repair, destress and decongest complexions, thanks to its remarkable healing properties. It’s widely linked to reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Try this Rose Quartz Facial Wand from The Psychic Sisters.

Jade

Is known for eliminating toxins to maintain skin's health and clarity. It’s also reportedly beneficial for helping with breakouts and skin congestion. Before we move on, a quick note about jade rollers and Gua Sha…10 Jade rollers and Gua Sha tools are different. Jade rollers are specifically designed for lymphatic drainage massage. While Gua Sha tools are for fibrous tissue release massage, which is made possible because of their contoured edges, and the end result isn’t too dissimilar to foam rolling. (See image below) But don’t get too hung up on the differences, the main thing is, both rollers and the many other elaborately shaped tools are geared up to promote optimal circulation and lymphatic drainage. Try this Jade Facial Roller by The Psychic Sisters

gua sha tool and jade roller

How do I give myself a Gua Sha massage?

So, now you know what it is and why people do it. Which tools you need to do it. You even know a bit about its long old history. But if you’re planning on giving it a go yourself and not going somewhere to get it done, how do you go about it? Here are some practical pointers to help get you started:11

How to give yourself a Gua Sha facial

  1. Make sure your skin is wet or has oil on it, never use your Gua Sha tool on bare skin. (Applying a facial oil or making sure your skin is moist helps ensure your tool will slip and glide over your face with minimal friction).12 Check out our pick of the best facial oils here.
  2. Hold your Gua Sha tool flat against your skin.
  3. Then use the curved side and work it over the skin, always taking short strokes in just one direction, don’t go back and forth.
  4. Stroke it down the neck to drain, not upwards.
  5. Work it in small horizontal strokes over the brow bone to lift or hold and press upwards between the brows to release tension.
  6. If you want to reduce puffiness, work lightly, then more firmly to relax muscles. (Your skin may look flushed afterwards, but like post-workout redness, this just shows a boost in circulation).
  7. Do not do Gua Sha if you are prone to broken capillaries.
  8. Try and avoid areas of broken skin or breakouts.

3 tips for using your Gua Sha tool

  1. Move it in gliding motions going upwards and outwards
  2. Start from the centre of the face, then use the tool to go down the sides of the neck to maximise lymphatic drainage.
  3. Always use light pressure13
Feeling all geared up about Gua Sha now? We hope this article has helped you see past the unusual name and the translation, and opened your eyes to the many ways it can benefit the skin on your face, as well as on your body. Your Gua Sha journey starts here! 

Related Articles