Qua Sha

Goal

Gua sha literally means “scraping away illness.” In Chinese, “qua” means stroking while “sha” refers to the red spots that can appear on the skin. Please note, the red spots refers to body qua sha, not facial. This practice is designed to relieve the stagnation of the blood due to week circulation in the skin, which will help reduce stress and tension, and brighten and tighten the skin.

History

Gua sha can be traced back to the Paleolithic Age, also known as Old Stone Age (about 2.6 million years ago). At that time, hands or stones were rubbed on the body to help with pain or when someone was sick.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Chinese used various tools including jade, copper horns, and pointed stones.

Benefits

Qua sha releases tension in muscle tissue, allowing better circulation. It is a great tool for conditions such as tension headaches and TMJ, prevents and fades light expression lines, and clears blockages in meridian channels which connect to various body organs.

Qua sha works as an all natural face lift because of the shape of the stones, which helps to lift and sculpt facial muscles, prevent sagging, dull, gray and wrinkled skin, stimulates circulation and oxygenates the skin, and improves lymphatic function, resulting in a natural glowing skin.

Jade: Gets rid of energy (qi) blockages. Known for its cooling properties, it reduces puffiness and soothes inflammation, a great tool for facial lymphatic drainage and relaxation.

Rose quartz: Spiritual stone used to enhance love and bring better relationships. Best used in mornings, it combats the signs of premature aging and inflammation. It has healthy, beneficial materials such as magnesium, sodium, oxygen, and iron.

Tools

Warning: Be careful when purchasing Qua Sha tools. Some companies use chemicals to make carving the crystals easier. Make sure you are buying natural stones.

Here are some of the tools you can use and their benefits.

Jade roller: Boosts circulation, helps lymphatic drainage, reduces tension, lifts and sculpts muscles, stimulates acupressure points, and reduces puffy eyes and bags.

  • Improves circulation

  • Reduces puffiness and swelling

  • Enhances skin elasticity

  • Relives tension

Clear quartz: Known as the “master healer,” it is best used in the evenings. It calms and soothes tired skin, supports circulation and lymphatic drainage, and reduces appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Rose quarts roller: Great for sensitive skin, boosts circulation, helps lymphatic drainage, reduces tension, lifts and sculpts muscles, stimulates acupressure points, and reduces puffy eyes and bags.

  • Brightens complexion

  • Detoxifies the skin

  • Sculpts and lifts

  • Reduces inflammation

Stainless steel: Some people choose this qua sha tool because it is more hygienic and durable.

Basalt Mushroom Stones: Heat retention, enhances blood circulation and relieves tension, improves skin tone and texture, leaves face refreshed and rejuvenated.