- Jul 17, 2025
How gua sha and breath can bring you back to you
- Em King
- 0 comments
If you’ve ever seen someone gliding a stone across their face on Instagram and thought, “What are they doing — and does it actually work?” you’re not alone.
That practice is called gua sha (pronounced gwah-shah), and it’s an ancient technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Originally used on the body to release tension and support health, gua sha has now become a much-loved ritual for the face, known for its ability to lift, brighten, and calm the skin, naturally.
At its core, it’s incredibly simple: a smooth stone, a few gentle strokes, and a moment to reconnect with yourself.
But if you’ve never tried it before, or if the idea of learning a new technique feels overwhelming, don’t worry — you’re in exactly the right place.
So, what is gua sha?
Facial gua sha is a slow, soothing technique that involves gliding a smooth-edged tool across the contours of your face in specific directions. It works with your skin, your muscles, and the flow of lymph and energy beneath the surface.
That might sound technical, but the result is something you can both feel and see:
Puffiness softens
Tension melts
Skin looks more lifted and radiant
Think of it as giving your face a reset, like a gentle massage that also brings your whole nervous system down a notch.
Why you might love it
If your skin has been feeling dry, tight, puffy, or just different lately — especially if you're going through a stressful season in your life or business — gua sha can be a beautiful way to reconnect with your face.
It encourages blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which helps with glow, but it also supports your nervous system. Many women tell me that gua sha becomes a moment of calm in their day, one that helps them feel more grounded and at ease in their own skin.
It’s not about chasing flawless skin or “fixing” anything. It’s about meeting your skin with curiosity and kindness.
What makes gua sha so special?
In a world full of quick-fix promises and complicated routines, gua sha offers something refreshingly different. It’s quiet. Intentional. Grounded. And once you know how to do it, it becomes something you look forward to doing.
Here’s what regular practice can help with:
Tension release — especially around the jaw, brow, and neck
Softening puffiness and improving circulation
Supporting skin that feels dull or tired
Helping you tune into your body and breath, even on busy days
And no, you don’t need to carve out 20 minutes or follow a fancy routine. Even a few mindful strokes after applying your skincare can make a difference.
Meet Jenny Nordic Gua Sha School
I created The Gua Sha School for women who want to feel confident using gua sha, without having to piece it together from random online videos.
It’s a self-paced, beginner-friendly course that teaches you everything you need to know.
Whether you’ve never held a gua sha tool before or you’ve tried and felt unsure, this will give you the guidance to create a practice that actually fits your life.
Inside, you’ll find:
Step-by-step video lessons that are simple and clear
My full facial sequence, broken into easy sections
Support for building a ritual that feels calm and sustainable
Tips on choosing the right oil and stone (and how to use what you already have)
There’s no pressure to do it all at once. You can move through the lessons in your own time, revisit whenever you like, and slowly build a practice that feels like yours.
Is this right for you?
This is for you if:
You’re curious about gua sha but feel unsure where to start
Your skin feels like it’s changing, and you want to support it naturally
You’ve been craving a simple ritual to help you feel calmer and more connected
You’re tired of overcomplicated skincare routines and just want something that feels good
Let this be a new beginning — not another skincare “thing”
There’s so much noise out there about what your skin should look like or what you should be doing. But what if the most powerful change starts with something much simpler?
A pause.
A breath.
A tool that fits in the palm of your hand.
And a few minutes just for you.
The Gua Sha School is here to guide you — gently, clearly, and with zero pressure. Whether your goal is to brighten your skin, release tension, or just feel more like yourself, this ritual can be a beautiful way to begin.
Ready to give it a try?
Your skin, your face, your whole self — they’re waiting for you to come home.
About Jenny
Jenny is a holistic facialist, skincare formulator and founder of Jenny Nordic Skincare — a brand rooted in simplicity, nature, and care for skin that’s shifting with age or hormones. Her approach blends skin science with calming ritual, helping women feel more at home in their skin through minimal routines, gua sha massage, and pro-ageing support. Through her workshops and signature online course, The Gua Sha School, Jenny guides women to connect with themselves, not through pressure or perfection, but with curiosity and kindness.