Between clocking in my work hours each day, keeping up on happy hours with my friends, staying in touch with family and dating (eek!), most days are more overwhelming than not. (Maybe you can relate.) And as much as I look forward to takeout on a Friday night alongside sappy romantic movies as a way to unwind from it all, my latest way to practice self love was born when I faced my purest self in the mirror for a session with the Angela Caglia rose quartz gua sha tool.
What Is Gua Sha?
For those stumped on how to actually say it (guilty!), it's pronounced "gwa sha," and it's simply a treatment that involves combing areas of the body with a smooth-edged tool. When performed on the face, it's usually done in gentle, upward strokes using a flat jade or rose quartz stone. The practice reportedly originated in China between 1368 and 1644 in an effort to treat muscle pain and tension, according to Clive Witham at Cecily Braden Spa & Wellness. Supposedly, its benefits include everything from relieving tension in the face to reducing puffiness, inflammation, sinus pressure and headaches.
