The Crystal Facial Tools I Use
Facial gua sha essentially involves stroking the skin with a flat tool - traditionally made of jade stone. The treatment releases muscle and fascia tension and stimulates the circulation, allowing Qi to flow more freely. I fell in love with the combination of facial massage with crystals - not only because I’ve always been interested in the energetic properties of various gemstones - but because gua sha tools are designed to work with the facial muscles and tissue layers, and are therefore able to deliver more effective and targeted results than hands alone.
A high quality gua sha tool can deliver dramatic results when used with the right techniques, and the various crystal properties can provide further holistic benefits such as balancing the emotions.
From spoons to mushrooms to wellness gemstone masks, each tool is designed with facial benefits in mind so each edge of a tool can be utilised for a different purpose in order to achieve a different result.
The fact that facial gua sha brightens the complexion, increases circulation, sculpts, tones and depuffs the complexion is really an added benefit - because when used as part of self-care practice, it gives you the opportunity to be present with how you feel and to connect with your body.
When I use crystal tools in my treatments, the tool becomes an extension of my hand, rather than an object between me and another person. The power of human touch is one of the most therapeutic and important aspects of facial therapy so becoming one with the tool is a crucial part of working with gua sha tools. Below is a list of crystal tools that I use in my treatments so you can find out more:
1. Sodalite Spiked Roller
I personally love using a spiked or textured roller to work out tension in my jaw, neck and eyebrows. Facial rollers can be wonderful to use in the morning as they depuff and reduce inflammation. Use on freshly cleansed skin with your favourite facial oil or balm. The roller will also aid the absorption of product into the skin.
In treatments, I like to use a warm spiked roller to work out tension along the jaw, in front of the ear (which can hold a lot of tension), and along the neck and shoulders. I will use this roller alongside a traditional facial gua sha tool to aid tension release and improve blood flow.
Blue sodalite is a powerful stone to cleanse the lymphatic system, enhance immune function and combat radiation damage. Sodalite also brings order and serenity to the mind. A meditative aid, this gemstone enhances self-acceptance and brings emotional balance.
2. CJB Professional Nephrite Jade Gua Sha Stone
This patented tool was designed by Cecily Braden, gua sha educator and expert, specifically for professional use. This high quality tool reduces puffiness, minimises fine lines and wrinkles, firms, lifts, sculpts, contours and reduces blemishes and other skin issues.
Every edge of the tool is designed to work with a specific technique and dark green nephrite jade is a dense stone that helps to strengthen and soothe the nervous system, offer support in detoxification and in the regeneration of the tissues. It is also known as a powerful heart healer.
I use this tool in all my treatments with various gua sha, lymphatic drainage and connective tissue massage. The tool has bevelled edges to gently grab the skin, maximising each movement. It also has a short comb edge which can be used like an eraser on fine lines and wrinkles, and is designed to work with a range of techniques.
(see photo at top of page for reference)
3. Rose quartz crystal spoon
A beautiful, soothing tool - the rose quartz spoon is used for sculpting, lymphatic drainage and smoothing the skin. Rose quartz is linked to the heart chakra and is known as the stone of unconditional love. This feminine, nurturing stone can help to soothe inflammation, calm anxiety and promote skin health.
I use the rose quartz spoon either hot or cold to encourage lymphatic drainage with rhythmic, pulsating motions along the channel pathways. The spoons are also great for sculpting the cheekbones, and smoothing the skin around the eyes. The round tip on the end of the spoon works wonders to release tension in the eyebrows and on acupressure points. Gua sha spoons are an easy tool to use at home and I always incorporate them into my treatments, especially with lymphatic drainage massage.
(see photo at top of page for reference)
04. Jade Comb
Perfect for use on the head and scalp, I love using the jade comb as part of a head massage towards the end of the treatment. The comb edge stimulates energy points and helps to release stagnation and tension. The scalp is often quite a neglected area that can feel surprisingly tense so the comb feels wonderful and relaxing, and helps to promote circulation.
The smooth edge of the jade comb is a great gua sha board for facial massage and the “U” edge is the perfect shape for massaging the inner corners of the eyebrow, and smoothing lines around the mouth.
(see photo at top of page for reference)
05. Rose Quartz Mushrooms
Crystal mushrooms can be used hot or cold. To use hot - you can place them in a steamer, hot towel cabinet or submerge in hot water. Be careful as the stones can get incredibly hot. When used warm they can be used as a therapeutic facial treatment to melt and relieve tension and relax tight muscles.
The rose quartz mushrooms are also wonderfully soothing when used cold - especially round the eyes as they are the perfect round shape to glide over the contours of the orbital ridge. They can also be used to massage tension in the forehead, sculpt cheekbones and drain fluid down the sides of the ears and neck.
Rose quartz stimulates lymphatic flow, which increases collagen and elastin production and helps to rejuvenate the skin. If you are using the mushroom tool at home, one is sufficient for self-care practice.
(see photo at top of page for reference)
06. Rose Quartz Crystal Wellness Mask
I like to include a rose quartz eye mask towards the end of a facial treatment, when I have applied a herbal face mask. I find it’s a special touch during a treatment that enhances a feeling of serenity.
Rose quartz is inherently cool, which makes it soothing for the eyes and the heaviness induces a deep sense of relaxation and comfort. Rose quartz is a high vibrational stone that encourages self-love and self-worth. These masks can also be used as part of a self-care practice at home - to help settle the mind before sleep or meditation.
(Pictured above)
These are generally all the crystal tools that I use in each treatment, and also as part of my own self-care practice at home. If you are just getting started, I would recommend using a traditional gua sha stone that is shaped like this. This kind of gua sha board was the first crystal tool I used and how I fell in love with gua sha. You can find many tutorials online but generally with gua sha you are moving in “up and out” movements from the neck up to the forehead.
If you are interested in practicing gua sha effectively at home, I would highly recommend the Yin Your Skin course with Katja Kokko or this Gua Sha Self Care Tutorial with Cecily Braden.
Otherwise come and experience gua sha and the power of crystal tools during a Soma Ritual facial. As part of the Soma Membership I also teach bespoke facial massage to help you set up a practice at home which will enhance the effects of regular facials and help support lasting change.