Gua Sha is an ancient healing technique that involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool, typically made of jade or natural crystal.

The term "gua sha" comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is derived from two Chinese words:

Gua (刮): meaning "to scrape" or "scraping."

Sha (痧): referring to the reddish, raised marks or petechiae that appear on the skin during the process. These marks are believed to indicate the release of stagnation, toxins, or blockages in the body's energy (qi) or blood flow.

Together, Gua Sha translates roughly to "scraping away stagnation" and when incorporated into your skincare and self care routines it helps to boost microcirculation and blood flow for plump, glowing skin, lifts and sculpts the face, releases muscle tension, reduces inflammation, softens fine lines and wrinkles and promotes lymphatic drainage which helps to remove toxins from the body.

Gua Sha is a key technique in TCM for both therapeutic and cosmetic purposes.

Just as we dedicate time to exercising our bodies I believe it is important to exercise the muscles in our face and neck. Qi (energy) can get blocked and stagnant in the body but by encouraging movement with an intentional Gua Sha facial massage you can boost circulation, energy and blood flow to create a healthy and radiant complexion.

But most importantly, I think the main benefit Gua Sha delivers is the connection to self. That you dedicated time to connect with yourself, to understand your body and be guided by what it needs. I find Gua Sha a very therapeutic act of self love.