Beauty Tips

The Buzzy Mind-Body Facial That Puts Skin in its Happy Place

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Facial Gua Sha Tool Tricks of the Trade Literally translated, Gua Sha means 'scraping sand.' It dates back to Ancient China and is used in the western world today mostly to dissolve muscle knots across the neck, shoulders, back and spine by scraping a stone or Gua Sha tool forcefully across the skin. It leaves a deep red 'sha rash' on the skin's surface that look like giant hickies.

The Facial Gua Sha tool is an oblong smooth, flat polished stone of jade or rose quartz, with one U-shaped end. "There's no difference in results," says Chiu. "But if you're looking for a certain energy quality, you should consider the qualities of each stone."

Jade is the most highly esteemed stone in China, where it's believed that it blesses anything it touches with grace and beauty and is valued for its protective and healing powers. Rose quartz has feminine energy. It's a heart stone of healing, nourishment, comfort, compassion, peace and unconditional love. If you just want to try it, Chiu says the glassy smooth Facial Gua Sha stones on Amazon are 'good enough,' but does not recommend those made with wood or animal horn. Chiu is working on designing one to ensure quality material as well as improved design. For now, she says Nefeli.com sells probably the highest quality facial gua sha stone — though it's a little more complicated to use.

Image via @pmnaturalskintherapy

SEE NEXT PAGE: The Correct Facial Gua Sha Technique

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