At Koka Beauty, we honour rituals that are rooted in wisdom, supported by science, and refined by time. In this post, we explore the ancient, transformative ritual of Gua Sha — not only as a facial treatment but as a full-body self-care practice that reconnects you with your breath, your body, and your beauty.
Not Just a Trend: Why This Ritual Endures
Gua Sha is not a fleeting beauty trend — it’s a tradition passed down through generations for its proven ability to refresh the skin, calm the nervous system, and restore harmony. We choose it for its simplicity, its integrity, and its lasting benefits that go far beyond surface-level results.
So What is Gua Sha?
Gua sha is an ancient healing practice that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years. Originally developed as a therapeutic technique to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and support the body’s natural healing processes, it was traditionally performed using smooth stones or tools made from jade or horn. Today, gua sha has evolved into a popular skincare ritual, celebrated for its ability to lift, sculpt, and rejuvenate the skin.
Gua Sha is a a therapeutic ritual to restore balance, release tension, and promote circulation throughout the body.Gua Sha involves the use of a smooth-edged tool to gently scrape the skin. Every curve and edge of the Koka Beauty Gua Sha tool is designed with intention — to honour the natural contours of your face and body, and to support deep, nourishing self-care. It is crafted from white jade- a stone associated with harmony and purity. White jade has natural cooling and balancing properties, making it ideal for calming the skin and enhancing lymphatic drainage more gently than other materials.
1. Scalloped Edge (Top Curve)
Use this edge to gently sculpt the jawline, cheeks, and forehead. Its curves mimic facial anatomy and enhance definition.
Best for: Lifting and toning.
Tip: Glide slowly with gentle pressure for contour-enhancing effects.
2. Inner Curve (Concave Side)
Perfectly shaped to cradle the jaw, chin, and cheekbones. This edge supports lymphatic drainage while following the body's natural flow.
Best for: Jawline sculpting and facial fluid release.
Tip: Always use upward strokes along the jaw for a lifting effect.
3. Flat Edge (Straight Side)
Designed for broad strokes across the neck, décolletage, arms, and thighs.
Best for: Relaxing muscles and encouraging circulation on larger areas.
Tip: Apply body oil generously and sweep toward the heart.
4. Pointed Tip (Bottom Tip)
Used to target acupressure points and precision zones like the under-eye area, brow bone, and temples.
Best for: Relieving tension, puffiness, and facial fatigue.
Tip: Use very light pressure around delicate skin.
Why It Works
Gua sha massage increases microcirculation, supports detoxification, and promotes a radiant complexion. When used on the body, it relieves muscular tension and supports lymphatic drainage. With consistent practice, Gua Sha can visibly sculpt, soothe inflammation, and serve as a deeply grounding ritual.
Key Insight: Gua Sha is more than skin deep. By stimulating circulation and lymphatic flow, this gentle technique releases tension, sculpts the skin, and restores energetic harmony.
Koka Beauty's Top Tips
Tip: Always prep the skin with a nourishing facial or body oil to allow smooth, friction-free movement.
A Signature Koka Beauty Recipe You Can Make at Home
DIY Massage Oil Recipe: To make your own Gua Sha massage oil, blend 3 tablespoons of jojoba oil with 1 drop of lavender essential oil. This gentler dilution makes it suitable for sensitive skin while still delivering a calming aroma. Warm a few drops between your palms and press gently into freshly cleansed skin before using your Gua Sha tool.
Your Ritual, Elevated
Koka Recommends: Whether you’re craving full-body relaxation or a radiant facial glow, Koka Beauty's Gua sha face and body rituals offer an effortlessly luxurious experience.
Koka Beauty Rosehip Gold Face Serum— a botanically rich oil blend formulated with rosehip, wheatgerm and almond seed oil. Designed to glide seamlessly with your Gua Sha tool, it leaves the face dewy, supple, and comforted.
Gua Sha and 24k Rosehip Gold Face Serum Set
£40.00
Improve the texture of the skin with the Koka Clean Routine! This kit contains all of the products needed to moisturise, hydrate & stimulate the skin. Maximise the nourishing benefits of the rosehip gold face serum by massaging a few… read more
Koka Beauty Body Oils- expertly formulated with high-quality, nutrient-rich botanicals that provide the perfect conditions for gentle yet effective gliding of the gua sha tool, enhancing lymphatic drainage and circulation without tugging the skin. The nourishing blends deeply hydrate and soothe the skin, amplifying the rejuvenating and sculpting benefits of the gua sha ritual.
Jasmine Rose Body Oil
£24.00
Our most luxurious, moisturising body oil with an ultra feminine, complex floral scent; base notes of sandalwood and frankincense and high notes of patchouli, jasmine and rose.Apply to wet skin after bathing to maximise its moisturising affect. Good for dry… read more
Your Koka Beauty Gua Sha Face and Skin Rituals, Step-by-Step
Choose one of the rituals below based on your mood and time — each is simple, sensory, and effective.
Koka Beauty Facial Gua Sha Ritual
Step 1. Soften the skin with 1-2 sprays of Rose Toner, applied to a clean face
Step 2. Moisten the face by applying 2-3 drops of Rosehip Gold Face Serum
Step 3. Massage the face using long sweeping strokes as shown until the serum is fully absorbed into the skin. Use gentle upward strokes on the face and long strokes toward the heart on the body for optimal lymphatic flow.
Step 4. Liberally spray the face with Rose Toner to finish
Koka Beauty Body Gua Sha Ritual
1. Apply Koka Beauty Oil Generously
Warm a few drops of Koka Beauty Oil between your palms and massage into the area you’re treating (e.g., thighs, arms, or abdomen). This provides the perfect glide and deeply nourishes the skin.
2. Start with Long Strokes (Legs or Arms)
Begin with long, upward strokes along the limbs—always moving toward the heart to support lymphatic flow. Use gentle to medium pressure, repeating each stroke 5–10 times.
3. Target Tension Zones
Focus on areas of tightness like the shoulders, lower back, or calves. Use slower, firmer strokes or a zigzag motion with the tool's curved edge to release tension and stimulate circulation.
4. Finish with Gentle Lymphatic Draining Strokes
Use the flat edge of the tool to perform lighter, sweeping strokes from the outer body (e.g., sides of thighs or torso) inward toward the lymph nodes (e.g., groin or underarms), helping to encourage detoxification and reduce puffiness.
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