Known for its durability and magical qualities, Jade is often regarded as a heavenly stone that exudes calming and soothing qualities that balance the body, mind and soul. Jade is especially useful for administering facial Gua Sha because it can enhance the flow of 'Qi' or energy, to achieve toning and defining effect.
A Gua Sha stone should always be made from a high-quality, pure, natural stone. Most Gua Sha tools on the market today are made from jade or rose quartz, but there are many Gua Sha stones available. Generally speaking, each stone suits a particular skin type.
Best gua sha tools: do you need real jade gua sha? Gua sha is traditionally done using a jade or rose quartz tool, but what's key is the facial massage. The material and the exact type of tool are up to your personal preference, whatever feels best on your skin.
Green Jade (or feng jade) is the traditional choice for gua sha. Jade gua sha has a long history of use in Chinese medicine and is considered the ultimate gemstone of ancient Chinese beauty treatments.
Jade is used to balance yin and yang energy, whilst rose quartz supports heart energy in particular. It's good to gua sha on the chest with rose quartz because the action tonifies the heart qi.
If you spot pieces with consistent grains or look perfectly clear, they are most likely fake. If there are bubbles in the Gua Sha tool, it is a clear sign that it is not real Jade or Rose Quartz. The bubbles are most likely formed when colors are injected into the glass or fake stone.
But if we want to get technical, when choosing a gua sha tool, the shape is often more important than the type of stone being used. “Ideally, the tool should be flat, thin, blunt with curved edges,” says Wu and Grey. If you're looking for a beginner's option, we recommend something that's heart-shaped.
Potential Risks. Typically, gua sha is considered safe. However, you may have some bruising or discoloration of your skin. You could also be sore and tender for a short while after you have your treatment.
What is the difference between jade rolling and gua sha? "The main difference between jade rollers and gua sha tools is that jade rolling is mainly a lymphatic drainage massage, and gua sha is a fascial [i.e., fibrous tissue] release massage," says Hamdan. "Think foam rolling, but for your face.
There's nothing going on there anyhow other than you're repeatedly damaging your skin, which you'll pay for dearly as you age.
If you find a so-called "synthetic jade" for sale, you're probably looking at a lookalike or simulant. These are gem materials that may resemble natural jadeite or nephrite but are neither. These can range from glass pieces to natural gemstones of other species, such as serpentine or prehnite, or even assembled stones.
Using marble or glass will not give you the energy benefits. Your fake roller is keeping you away from an authentic Gua Sha experience. Rubbing a glass is not the same as rubbing jade or rose quartz. In the long run, your skin might be irritated and cause breakouts.
The most common tool material, Jade is a naturally cool stone, which makes it ideal for gua sha which generates heat in the face. It's also credited with having a qi energy that is similar to the human body and with balancing properties.
Here's the trick: Hold your Gua Sha tool in your hand, see how it reflects light, and then run your fingers over the tool. Authentic Green Jade is not shiny, not entirely smooth, and feels a little grainy, like soapstone. If the tool in your hand is super shiny and very smooth - it's not authentic green jade.
How often to Gua Sha? It is recommended to follow the practice of facial Gua Sha at least thrice a week to maintain results. You can choose to do it in the morning to reduce puffiness or at night, just before sleeping, to relax your facial muscles.
Can you use gua sha without oil? You can use gua sha with a serum or even a moisturizer, but you need to use it with something. If you don't pair it with a product, it will pull at your skin, which is exactly what you don't want to be doing.
Science shows it's more than just a fad. Yes, there is evidence that strategically rubbing a stone (or a roller, a spoon, or your own hands) across your face can actually improve circulation, reduce wrinkles, and decrease inflammation.
I understand that cupping/gua sha modalities should not be combined with aggressive exfoliation, after getting a sunburn or when I'm hungry or thirsty. I understand that I should avoid exposure to cold/wet/windy weather conditions, hot showers, baths, saunas, hot tubs and aggressive exercise for 4-6 hours.
With every massage, fine lines are softened, under-eye puffiness is reduced, skin feels firmer, and the complexion looks more glowing. Plus, if you use the Gua Sha regularly (at least two or three times a week, and ideally every day), you'll see results very quickly. An effect on acne.
Gua sha isn't supposed to be painful at all. If you use the wrong kind of scraping instrument or lubrication you might end up breaking the skin – and that can be painful.
To tone the neck, glide the gua sha tool up towards the jaw, starting at the base near the collarbone. Move up from the center, then work your way around the side of the neck until you reach your shoulder, always working the tool upwards.
Incorporating gua sha into your morning and/or evening skin care routines is an easy way to make it a consistent practice. According to Chen, doing facial gua sha in the morning can help with “reducing puffiness in the cheeks and under-eyes”, while gua sha at night “promotes relaxation and better sleep.”
In comparison to jade and rose quartz, stainless steel is more durable. So when it comes to choosing a stainless steel gua sha, you forego the risk of having it break too easily. Definitely a more worthwhile investment! Stainless steel is also non-porous, meaning that air or liquid won't be able to pass through.