Gua sha has been practiced in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. Perfected throughout the centuries, this Black Obsidian gua sha tool was made to have a firming, lifting effect on the skin. 

Gua sha has multiple health benefits. It promotes lymphatic drainage, reduces puffiness and fluid buildup, helps with circulation, and relieves facial tension. It firms and lifts the face over time. 

To use this tool:

• Start with a clean face and prep your skin with a facial oil or serum. 

• Keep the tool flat against the face and begin with the forehead. 

• Scrape in an upwards motion from the eyebrows to the hairline. 

• Move to the cheeks and scrape in an outwards motion starting from the crease of the nose until the ear. 

• Move to the jawline and use the end of the gua sha tool with the two curves.

• Start from the chin and scrape until the ear. 

• Gently massage the gua sha tool into the ear to release tension. 

• For the under-eye area, very gently scrape the gua sha from the inner corner of the eye outwards to the temple. Because the area is so sensitive, it is important to only apply light pressure.

This gua sha facial lifting tool is made by Mount Lai, founded by Stephanie Zheng. The beauty brand was inspired by Stephanie’s grandmother, who referred to her daily skincare routine as a peaceful act of self-care. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the brand takes a modern approach to ancient rituals for radiant skin.

Unlike the other stones, Black Obsidian naturally retains warmth and is great to use on congested, blemish prone skin. The warmth of the obsidian encourages stimulation of the lymphatic system and circulation. To warm the Black Obsidian tool, we recommend placing it in a glass of warm water.

Black Obsidian is known as a stone of clarity, and helps block and transform negative energy. It also can help release blockages, whether physical or emotional.

Woman of color owned, ethically sourced

Images & information credit: Mount Lai