In the heart of Chicago, I booked a gua sha facial with Latonya Saqiid, a licensed aesthetician, makeup artist, and founder of Wholistic Skincare. With 28 years of experience in the beauty industry, she has honed a deep understanding of skincare and holistic beauty. Her intimate salon was comfortable and relaxing, and I felt welcome.
She walked me through the gua sha facial, an ancient practice passed down through generations in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
The Origins of Gua Sha
Gua sha is a smooth-edged tool made from jade, rose quartz that is used to treat ailments by improving circulation and releasing stagnation in the body
Dating back over 700 years, practitioners used buffalo horn or smooth stones to scrape the skin, encouraging blood flow and detoxification. Over time, this technique was fine-tuned and adapted into facial treatments. These treatments in the West are gentler yet still effective approach to rejuvenating the skin.
Inside the Gua Sha Experience with Latonya Saqiid
The treatment starts with deep cleansing, often a double cleanse, to ensure a fresh canvas. A light exfoliant follows, allowing serums and facial oils to penetrate more effectively.
Next comes hydration, a crucial step in the process. “I’m hydrating the skin really well using a hyaluronic acid and ceramide mist,” my aesthetician explained. “Ceramides are great for repairing and healing the skin, while hyaluronic acid delivers deep hydration.” Once the skin is prepped, a light facial oil is applied to provide slip, ensuring the gua sha tool glides effortlessly across the contours of the face.
How to Perform a Gua Sha Facial at Home
With the skin prepped, the gua sha tool comes into play. The technique involves gentle, rhythmic strokes designed to relax the facial muscles and encourage lymphatic drainage.
- Starting at the neck, the tool is moved upwards in smooth strokes, promoting circulation and firming the skin.
- Focusing on fine lines and wrinkles, the tool smooths out the fascia and relaxes tense muscles, helping the skin retain a more lifted appearance over time.
- Using the Gua-Wen tool, gentle circular motions are applied to the temples, releasing built-up tension and easing headaches. “You can do this yourself at home whenever you’re feeling tense,” my aesthetician suggested. “It’s especially good for those who clench their jaw at night.”
- Strumming along the jawline, a sculpting technique is used to define facial contours, making it an excellent alternative to more invasive procedures. “Better than Botox,” she noted. “These tools have been used for thousands of years for a reason.”
- Clearing congestion, the tool glides along the nasal folds, helping to relieve sinus pressure and improve circulation—perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather.
The Beauty of Consistency
Like all great skincare practices, gua sha is accumulative—the more often you do it, the better the results. Ideally, it should be practiced two to three times a week, though daily use is even better for those looking to see long-term sculpting and firming effects.
The experience was not only deeply relaxing but also a reminder that beauty rituals don’t have to be about instant gratification. Gua sha encourages patience, presence, and a connection to centuries of tradition. Whether you’re looking to sculpt, de-puff, or simply unwind, this ancient technique offers a natural, holistic path to radiant skin.
A gua sha facial is more than just a luxurious experience—it delivers real results. Here’s what makes it a staple in natural skincare:
- Boosts Circulation: The rhythmic strokes increase blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the skin.
- Lymphatic Drainage: By stimulating the lymphatic system, gua sha helps flush out toxins and reduce puffiness.
- Natural Sculpting: With consistent use, gua sha can define cheekbones, lift the jawline, and soften fine lines.
- Relieves Tension: Many of us unknowingly carry stress in our facial muscles, leading to wrinkles and tightness. Gua sha relaxes these areas, promoting a smoother complexion.
- Enhances Product Absorption: The technique allows facial oils and serums to penetrate deeper, maximizing their benefits.
Gua Sha in Global Beauty Traditions
Though gua sha is rooted in Chinese medicine, similar facial massage techniques appear in cultures around the world. Ayurveda incorporates kansa wands for detoxification, while Japanese beauty rituals emphasize lymphatic massage for a youthful glow. Today, gua sha is embraced across the globe, merging ancient wisdom with modern skincare.
A gua sha facial is a centuries-old ritual designed to enhance beauty from the inside out. This practice offers a natural, effective way to care for your skin.
Would you try a gua sha facial? Share your thoughts in the comments!
