How to choose your Gua Sha tool

When considering a gua sha tool, first look for something that fits well in your hand — a tool that is comfortable to hold and cannot easily slip.

You may re-appropriate tools you already have at home such as a large coin, a smooth round rock, or a ceramic soup spoon. Don’t use regular silverware, they are too thin and sharp, (and no glass, it can break and hurt you.)

A gua sha tool is a smooth solid object, about 0.2 – 0.4 inches thick (1/2 to 1 cm thick) with a blunt curved edge you can comfortably hold in your hand. Materials to consider are stainless steel, stones, ceramics, bones, horns, and wood.

Although any tools that fit the description above could work, It is a plus if the tool you are using was designed with the scrapping technique of gua sha in mind. The varied edges, diverse angles, and ergonomics to fit into your hand and meet the curvatures of your body make a difference.

Stones such as jade, quartz, and carnelian are very popular these days. Buffalo bones and horns have been traditionally used in Asia, and so does wood. My personal favorite is wood, for several reasons. The material is warm, soft, and gentle yet sturdy. It is naturally antibacterial, and it can last a lifetime.

Below are a few factors to consider when choosing your gua sha tool

Would it last? (Breakability) I have used so many beautiful semi-precious stone tools such as jade, quartz, etc. and sooner or later they all broke! They are highly fragile, and since we use them often in a slippery environment, such as in the bathroom with oil or soap, the likelihood they slip off your hand and shutter on the bathroom tile is high. Keep that in mind. Bones and horns would deteriorate over time with frequent use and frequent washing. Metal and wood are probably the top choices regarding durability.

Ergonomic design/ease of use: Does it fit comfortably into your hand? look at the size, shape, and thickness to assess the fit. Keep in mind, that a larger tool will give you more versatility in use for both body and face. Does the material feel pleasant to hold? Metal and stone can be cold to the touch. Wood tends to feel warmer and pleasant regardless of the weather. 

Functionality: Does it have a larger curved edge to address larger body parts such as the hips and legs? Does it include a rounded edge to fit into smaller body indentations such as under the jawbone, between the eyebrows, and inside the underarms? Does it have varied edges; rounded, curved, and rippled to address diverse applications?

Cleanability: How easy it's to clean? This is not so much of a concern for personal use, but if you end up using your gua sha tool in a professional setting, it is important to sterilize it in between patients. Most materials can be easily sanitized, but the bone and horn material will deteriorate with frequent use of soap and disinfecting agents.

Sustainability: Scrap wood, upcycled wood, and renewable wood sources are sustainable and make effective, beautiful, and long-lasting tools. On the other hand, plastics, animal-derived materials such as bones and horns, and mined materials such as stones all impact our beautiful planet in their production process.

Personal Preference: When you love the tool you work with, your practice becomes more delightful. I think it is valuable to use a tool you deem attractive. A gua sha tool is a sacred instrument used in the intimate setting of a healing practice. When you enjoy looking at and holding your gua sha tool, you will find yourself using it more often for self-care.

Budget: If you are not ready to spend money on your gua sha tool, don’t. Improvise. Find a smooth rock or get a cheap ceramic spoon in an Asian market. Perhaps invest in a high-quality tool later on when you're ready.

Are you curious about which tool I recommend?

My favorite gua sha tools are designed to meet all of the varied applications I use gua sha for and to last forever. They are gorgeous one-of-a-kind pieces of art made from beautiful hardwoods (sustainably harvested). You can get yours here: Ripple Gua Sha



Another source I recommend is my teacher from Sebastopol, Deannas’s shop at Dhyana Essentials.

I Can't wait to see which gua sha tool you choose and meet you in practice. >>