PUBLISHED: 02/04/2020

Jade roller connoisseurs move aside, Gua Sha is the new kid on the block. Actually, Gua Sha isn’t a new trend at all. In fact, Gua Shas are an ancient Chinese traditional medicinal tool once primarily used to relieve muscle pain, tension, and to promote overall healing (through improved circulation). It’s pronounced “gwah-shah” which originates from the Chinese word for scraping.

The idea behind the Gua Sha is this—energy (what the Chinese call “chi”), blood, and fluid can often become stagnate due to poor circulation. Everyday, about 20 liters of bodily fluids flow around the body. Roughly 2 to 3 liters are picked up by the lymphatic system and become lymph fluid (1). Build up of lymph fluid can cause swelling, increase the look of puffiness, and result in an overall bloated appearance around the stagnant areas. Gua Sha tools help to physically increase circulation, move any slow moving fluid, and aid in lymphatic drainage.

What is a Gua Sha? How to Use a Gua Sha Tool?

Gua Shas are simple flat tools typically made out of an energetic stone (such as jade or rose quartz). They come in a variety of shapes and sizes that are meant to perfectly contour the face, neck, and jawline during a Gua Sha massage session.

For a more thorough explanation, check out our quick How To Gua Sha Guide at the bottom of this article for more details. Using a Gua Sha tool is simple and takes less than 3 minutes. All you have to do is apply a cleanse your skin, apply a facial serum, and glide the Gua Sha across each section of your skin.

What Are the Benefits of a Gua Sha?

• Reduced risk of lines and wrinkles – Tension in the face (from anxiety and stress) may lead to an increase in wrinkles and fine lines (3). Massaging daily with a Gua Sha facial tool sculpts and tones the face shape, increases blood circulation (more than 10 times), and encourages collagen production (4). 
• Depuffs and tightens skin – Lymphatic build up (due to stress, poor diet, lack of proper sleep) may manifest as puffiness around the eyes and the face. The gentle lymph stimulation helps to promote circulation which can reduce puffiness and tighten the skin.
• Increases Absorption of Serums – Did you know that using a Gua Sha to massage products into the skin can increase the number of active ingredients that are able to penetrate deep below the surface? (5). With circulation improving, the skin is also able to more easily absorb targeting moisturizers, serums and oils.

How to Choose an Authentic Gua Sha?

When shopping for a Gua Sha stone, beware of the fakes. Authentic Gua Sha tools are made with real crystals & stones like Jade, Rose Quartz, Blue Sodalite, and others. Fake Gua Sha tools are made from plastic, glass, and composite materials designed to look like real crystal, but offer none of the benefits of real crystal (such as durability, the ability to cold a cool temperature, and various specific energetic properties). You can usually spot a fake Gua Sha because it will be really inexpensive (<$15), lightweight, won’t stay cool for long when held, and breaks easily.

No need to become a Gua Sha expert overnight—we’ve taken the liberty of researching and reviewing dozens of Gua Shas to bring you this list of the best of the best. These Gua Sha stones are made by legitimate brands who use authentic crystals that are durable and healing. While each Gua Sha may be shaped differently, each one works on all areas of the face (including the neck, eyes, and jawline). Enjoy!