Here's Why I Keep My Gua Sha on My Work Desk
YINA’s Bian Stone Gua Sha is this editor’s favorite facial massage tool.
Like several skincare lovers, I became obsessed with gua sha as the traditional Chinese medicinal practice entered the mainstream, thanks to TikTok. The high stress of the pandemic paired with the never-ending prospect of a life spent indoors had me desperate for ways to relax. As a particularly anxious person, I often neglect self-care and find myself holding a great deal of tension in my face, so the idea of gliding a cold stone over my face sounded like the best way to de-stress.
As a beginner, I found myself using rose quartz facial massage tools, then gradually moving to stainless steel. Yet, the YINA Bian Stone Gua Sha tool is the only one I’ve managed to use consistently, as it has not left my nightstand. Continue reading to learn what makes the Bian Stone Gua Sha tool different.
WHAT IS IT: YINA Bian Stone Gua Sha
WHY IT’S WORTH THE HYPE: What makes the tool unique is its material as the gua sha tool is tenderly crafted from the ancient Bian stone, a microcrystalline stone that was formed when a meteor struck the earth 65 million years ago. What also sets the YINA Bian Stone Gua Sha tool apart is its generous size, large enough to use on the entire body. The Bian Stone Gua Sha, in my opinion, is the best gua sha tool I’ve used so far. From the large size to the pain-melting ridges, I’ve found that this tool has enabled me to see my gua sha routine as a ritual of self-love and preservation, necessary for my health and well-being.
Essentially an acupuncture tool, the gua sha tool features four edges — a ridged side resembling knuckles, which I’ve found to be perfect for relieving that stubborn tension in between my neck and shoulders from sitting at a desk all day. The pointed tip is ideal for under the eye, temples and the third eye, an oft-looked over area the founders of YINA point out as crucial for aiding with headaches, insomnia, anxiety and tension — common ailments of modernity. The notch is great if you tend to clench your jaw as it can be used to massage the lower half of the face as well as the sides of the arms. The curved edge allows for a deeper tissue massage, promoting lymphatic drainage.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND IT: Priced at $60USD, the YINA Bian Gua Sha tool is available on the brand’s website. Keep reading to learn how to do gua sha at home.
How to use gua sha tool
Prep
1. Apply a facial oil or balm on the skin.
2. Hold tool at a 30 degree angle.
3. Use one direction to glide. Light to medium pressure.
Facial gua sha
1. Start with the neck and chest to stimulate lymphatic drainage and relaxation. Downward motion on the sides and back of the neck.
2. Gua sha from the middle of the face slightly upwards and toward the hairline. On the forehead area, gua sha from the brow upwards toward the scalp, applying pressure at the hairline. You can use your fingers for a scalp massage if that’s preferable.
3. Apply and hold pressure on appropriate points.
4. For the jawline, glide the gua sha on the jawline and chin area towards the ear lobes. You can also hold the pointed tip at the hinge of the jaw for relief.
5. Gua sha over the same area for five to 10 times before moving to other areas.
