A good gua sha tool is like an extension to the hand. Use this guide to find the perfect tool for you.

Our somatosensory system is pretty incredible. Even though, in facial gua sha, there is an object between your hand and the skin, after a while, you begin to tap into the sense of touch and take note of even the most delicate sensations: what tension feels like in connective tissue and stiffness in the matrix. How about puffiness and, above all, blockages becoming released and energy getting to flow freely? In gua sha, the other hand follows continually along either as an anchor or palpating the skin, yet sensations can be felt through the tool in the hand. A good a gua sha tool is an extension to the hand. There are some fascinating studies on sensing touch through a tool.

Facial gua sha has the potential to reap amazing results. But achieving results requires regular treatment and mastering the right technique. The results accumulate in the long-term, and also the technique becomes honed along with regular practice. The Yin Your Skin online course will teach you the basic techniques for facial gua sha. To become a master in facial gua sha, the course is worth the investment, and you’ll find the instructions accompanying gua sha tools pale in comparison.

Jalo is the latest addition in the Yin Your Skin range of tools. It is a fusion of all the other tools in the collection. The idea was sparked by the wavy LAHJA facial tool.

Jalo is heavier and thicker than the other Yin Your Skin tools. The weight of the stone is all the pressure you need for treatment. The thin, tapered edges mean you can apply pressure at exactly the right depth in loose connective tissue. The thin edge also ”grabs” the skin along as needed when applying a sweeping action. The wavy edge is the perfect fit with the trapezius and back of the neck, and it fits like a glove with the many acupuncture points. The hook-shaped end is great for precision treatment of the corners of the mouth, nasolabial skin and skin around the eyes and under the chin, and is a nice fit around the ears. The U-shaped edge wraps around the cervical spine and tip of the chin. The serrated edge softens any stiffness in the matrix, improving fluid flow and skin mobility, and is suitable for scraping lines and wrinkles.

Jalo is the top choice for demanding users, professionals and anyone after the best possible results.

The Niva spoon is the most essential tool alongside the Jalo and the number one choice for treating sensitive skin, acne, atopic skin, rosacea and perioral dermatitis. It’s a perfect fit for the skin around the eyes and key tool for removing puffiness. There is a special technique for treating sensitive skin and removing puffiness with a focus on invigorating lymph flow, i.e. the flow of stagnated fluids, metabolic waste and other unwanted substances away from tissues.

The plump shape of the tool coupled with a wavy pumping technique make it unparalleled. It is gentle for sensitive skin, as the edge won’t catch onto the skin. The thin, tapered edges mean the tool can also be used for treating sagginess and wrinkles. The end is excellent for treating the scalp, while the handle boosts treating under-eye skin and targeting acupuncture points.

The wavy Lahja facial tool is a wonderful general purpose tool, which is a good choice for beginners and lazier gua sha experimenters. The wavy edge is shaped to conform to the anatomy of the face and the perfect fit for treating the bone structure of the face, jawbone, cheekbones and skin around the eyes. The hook-shaped end gently boosts precision treatment, while the U-shaped end wraps around the cervical spine and tip of the chin. Lahja is a delicate and handy tool, its thin shape making it gentle and efficient.

The Lovi comb s a classic gua sha tool suitable for treating the entire body from head to toe. If after a spot of traditional Chinese medicine-based gua sha, Lovi is your go-to tool. It can also be used for an efficient, skin-firming gua sha treatment for the face. The simple design with no extra gimmicks makes it great for a basic gua sha or to be used as a first tool. The comb part has the potential to take you to nirvana; combing the scalp (or soles of the feet) feels heavenly and invigorates the nervous system in just a few strokes.

The spikes of the Kuulas roller soften the hardened extracellular matrix (tissue fluid), improving fluid flow, and circulation. Kuulas is suitable as a quick beauty fix, “pre-softener” before the actual gua sha treatment, or at the end of a treatment to seal a super glow on the skin. The  roller is not suitable for sensitive skin or problem skin like acne, atopic skin, rosacea and perioral dermatitis.

After each use, wash the tools with soap and water and dry carefully. You can also spritz them with disinfectant. If treating others, careful disinfecting is vital. Store the tools safely in their own box or a tiny pouch. The tools are eternal, but can easily break if dropped on the floor.

For a facial gua sha, it’s recommended to have a good kickstart at the beginning to really get to see results and learn the technique. You could start with a daily treatment for a course of three weeks. Observe your skin during this time: a long, thorough treatment isn’t necessary every day, and some days you may benefit from focusing on selected areas of the skin.

After a 3-week kickstart, maintain the results with 2–3 sessions a week. A facial gua sha is a bit like hitting the gym: going now and again brings a feelgood factor and instant results that do not last –you need regularity and maintenance.

At the beginning, impurities can surface along with improved metabolism of the skin. Skin has a secretion function, meaning that metabolic waste can become removed through the skin. In this case, carry on with regular treatments working around blemishes and treating underneath them instead. Impurities can begin to swap places – they commonly move downwards. They will gradually disappear.