Ancient Strokes, Modern Glow: The Art of Gua Sha

In the quiet moments of early morning or soft evening light, there lies a ritual—simple, slow, and filled with wonder. It begins with a smooth stone and a gentle touch. With each stroke across the skin, tension eases, puffiness fades, and something deeper begins to shift: a sense of calm returning to the surface.

This is the magic of gua sha, a timeless practice that has traveled through centuries and across continents to find its place in your self-care ritual today.

Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, gua sha has been practiced for over 2,000 years as a therapeutic technique to encourage the smooth flow of energy—known as qi—through the body. Traditionally used to treat ailments such as fever, body aches, and stagnant circulation, gua sha’s original form was more vigorous. But in the realm of skincare, it has transformed into a gentler art: one of smoothing, sculpting, and soothing the face with intention and grace.

Scientifically, gua sha has been shown to improve microcirculation, stimulate lymphatic flow, and relieve muscle tension, reducing the appearance of puffiness and supporting a radiant, more relaxed complexion. But beyond the visible benefits, it’s the act itself—a mindful moment of contact, of honoring your skin—that holds the deepest healing.

In this video, created exclusively for Raconteuse Skincare, professional beautician Annemie guides you through a calming facial gua sha sequence. Her expert touch and soothing rhythm invite you to release the day’s stress, one sweep at a time.

Let the cool touch of stone become your wand. Let your fingers trace stillness into the skin. And with each stroke, let your inner light shine a little brighter.

Follow Annemie or more glowing wisdom on Instagram @beatrizbeautycenter or TikTok @bbcoach_