By Kristen Laing-Herbert, Dermal Clinician and Co-Owner of LaGaia UNEDITED & People4ocean
At LaGaia, we see skincare as more than a daily routine—it’s a way to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and honour your skin. One of the practices we love to share is Gua Sha, a centuries-old ritual rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
If you’ve ever wondered about the benefits of Gua Sha, think of it as a beautiful blend of inner calm and outer radiance. Using a smooth stone tool with gentle, upward or downward strokes on the face and neck, Gua Sha helps to:
- Boost circulation for a natural glow
- Encourage lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness
- Release muscle tension in the jaw and temples
- Support skin health and definition over time
How to Use Gua Sha at Home
Starting Gua Sha at home is simple—and it doesn’t require a long commitment. Begin with a freshly cleansed face and apply a nourishing facial oil or balm to create slip. Then, hold your tool at a slight angle and use slow, upward strokes along the cheeks, jawline, and downwards along neck if working lymphatically. If you are working towards a lifting aesthetic, keep all stroke direction upwards.
Think of it less as a strict technique and more as a mindful ritual. Just five minutes in the evening can leave your skin looking refreshed while giving you a chance to breathe and reset.
A Ritual of Self-Care
Co-owner Kristen Laing-Herbert often reminds us, “The glow you see on the outside is a reflection of the care you give within.” Gua Sha is not just about face sculpting—it’s about creating small, intentional moments of self-care in your day.
With consistency, this ancient practice becomes more than skincare. It becomes a way to release stress, activate lymphatic flow, lift musculature, nurture your skin, and reconnect with yourself.
Ready to Begin?
If you’re curious about how to use Gua Sha at home, start small. Choose a few strokes that feel good for you and build your ritual from there. Over time, you’ll notice the difference—not just in your complexion, but in the way you feel.
Your skin (and your mind) will thank you.
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