June 8, 2025
THE HISTORY
An ancient Chinese healing technique, Gua Sha practice dates to the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644AD). Back then this smooth stone tool with rounded edges was used on the body, stimulating specific points to encourage a healthy flow of energy (Qi) and blood.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the energy should flow through the body freely and Gua Sha practice helps it do just that.
THE SCIENCE
Both ancient wisdom and contemporary research confirm that Gua Sha massage provides a multitude of therapeutic benefits including improving energy flow and blood circulation, providing relief from muscle tension and stiffness, and even helping with anxiety, insomnia and headaches.
Scientifically speaking, using Gua Sha enhances microcirculation, the flow of blood through the smallest blood vessels, like capillaries and arterioles. The result - improved oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues, accelerated waste product removal, and faster tissue healing.
According to recent research, the scraping motion stimulates nerve endings and acupuncture points, causing neurochemical responses in the body - the release of endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters. As a result, this practice helps to reduce muscle pain, decreases fatigue and even improve mood.
And, best of all, Gua Sha delivers great results in minimum time! According to the research, just 5 minutes of scraping doubles blood flow to the skin and lasts for at least 40 min. The result - improved blood circulation, lymphatic drainage and detoxification on the face and neck, even skin tone and decreased face puffiness.
SHUNGITE GUA SHA
Our Gua Sha is made of Shungite,a natural mineral of organic origin, believed to be around 2 billion years old. Shungite is known for its many unique properties and benefits and has been used for centuries in holistic and wellness practices, and also in various industries, such as nanotechnology, medicine, water filtration, agriculture.
One of the special properties of Shungite is the fact that it contains Fullerenes, nano-sized carbon molecular structures that react easily with free radicals and act as a free radical sponge. They help with eliminating free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, making Shungite an effective tool in restoring skin health, among other benefits.
THE PRACTICE
First, a couple of general rules
- Before using the Gua Sha, apply your favorite serum or oil to the skin for smoother movement. (Our RESTŌRE Oil Blend is a great choice)
- Use sweeping motions in upward and outward strokes with light to medium pressure
- Wash the Gua Sha with warm water and a little soap after each use
Below is a short tutorial on how to get the most out of this useful tool in just minutes of daily use.
TO RELEASE BACK TENSION
Firmly drag the inward curved side of the tool up the back of the neck, to the hairline. Apply pressing motions on the neck where it feels most tense. Repeat several times.
TO RELIEVE NECK TENSION
Using the inward curved side of the Gua Sha, move it up the side of the neck from the collarbone towards the jawline. At the jawline, make short pressing motions. Repeat several times and move to the opposite side.
TO RELAX AND FIRM THE JAW
Starting at the chin, slide the top of the “heart” upwards following the jawline towards the ear. Repeat several times and move to the opposite side.
TO LIFT AND SCULPT THE CHEEKS
Using the inward curved side and a medium pressure, sweep the tool up the cheekbones towards the hairline. Start just above the mouth and to the side of the nose following the contours of the cheekbones. Repeat several times and repeat on the opposite side.
TO DE-PUFF THE EYES
Place the longest tallest curve of the ‘heart’ flat against the inner corner of the eye and gently sweep it outwards towards the hairline. Repeat several times and move to the opposite side.
TO LIFT THE EYE BROWS
Position the dip in "the heart" over the eyebrow, with the smaller curve of the ‘heart’ above the inner corner of the eye. Gently slide the tool over the eyebrow towards the hairline. Repeat several times and move to the opposite side.
TO SMOOTH THE FOREHEAD
Using the longest side of the Gua Sha, move it upwards from just above the eyebrows towards the top of the forehead. Repeat several times over each eyebrow and above the nose.
Gua Sha at a glance.
We hope you will try this simple tool and a very effective practice. It really delivers multiple benefits, in a short time and with lasting results.
