Gua Sha, without the bruising

The traditional body technique is deliberately intense and leaves marks. Facial Gua Sha borrows the tool and almost none of the force.

Keep the stone nearly flat against the skin, at roughly a fifteen degree angle. Standing it upright concentrates the edge and is the most common reason people leave a session red.

Always work over oil. If the tool catches, there is not enough slip — add a pump rather than pressing harder.

Start at the neck. Lymph drains downward, so clearing the neck first gives everything above it somewhere to go.

Three to five passes per area is enough. If skin is warm and slightly pink afterwards that is circulation; if it is blotchy or sore, the pressure was too high.

Stop entirely if skin is broken, actively inflamed, or if you have recently had an injectable or a procedure — and ask a qualified professional first.