There are plenty of great options for self-care and when it comes to taking that to a whole new level, gua sha is the secret sauce. Popularly said to be Millennials’ beauty tool of choice, this facial tool is becoming one of the most popular self-care and skin-boosting techniques, and the benefits explain why. Read along to learn more about this trending skincare technique, and where you can get a gua sha facial in Hoboken and Jersey City.
(Photo credit: @acupuncturewithbelinda)
First things first: What is gua sha?
Translated – gua means stroke, and sha refers to a rash or redness. Used in traditional Chinese medicine, gua sha involves scraping a flat, rounded tool, usually made of jade, over the skin. It improves local circulation and breaks up scar tissue or adhesions in the muscles and connective tissue. This technique can be performed anywhere on the body but is commonly done on the face, back, neck, and shoulders.
Hoboken
Classical Acupuncture and Wellness | 113 Monroe Street
As Belinda says, “gua sha for the face is a luxurious anti-aging experience. It relaxes facial muscles, tones up weakened or slack muscles, erases fine lines, sculpts, and gives you a gorgeous glow and color,” She offers a custom quartz crystal gua sha facial as well as a microneedling facial, both designed to plump your skin while naturally tackling wrinkles. A gua sha facial paired with an acupuncture session is a perfect complement to the treatment.
Acupuncture Atelier | 1321 Washington Street
Sara Khosrowjerdi is the founder of Acupuncture Atelier, and just recently started offering gua sha. This Acu Glo facial massage aims to fade out the wrinkles by using a unique collection of gua sha stones and is known to promote blood flow to increase skin elasticity to create a youthful glow.
Read More: A Guide to Dermatologists in Hoboken + Jersey City
Attain Medspa | 720 Monroe Street
The real ‘Treat yourself’ experience begins at Attain medspa. It is a physician-owned, state-of-the-art, luxury medispa committed to solving issues of hair and skin. Also known as the non-surgical facelift, their gua sha facial helps to relieve tension and detoxify the skin to lift and tone the facial muscles. It can be performed as a stand-alone massage or as an add-on to other treatments.
EC Beauty Studio + Spa | 80 River Street
EC Beauty Studio’s highly-trained estheticians uniquely customize each treatment to each client’s needs and goals. The spa has added gua sha to its list of services and uses the best quality organic oils during treatment to increase circulation in the skin, and decrease inflammation. It can be done by itself, paired along with a service, or as a package deal with a weekly visit.
Studio 17 Cosmetics + Wellness | 601 9th Street
At Studio 17, Grace’s gua sha facial adopts an all-natural and holistic approach to giving your skin a gorgeous glow and youthful appearance. This is a one-stop-shop for all things beauty, skincare, and wellness.
Jersey City
Acuworx Acupuncture Studio | 190 Christopher Columbus Drive
(Photo credit: @acuworx)
Often referred to as Jersey City’s healing oasis, the team uses Chinese medicine to find a balance between a busy lifestyle and wellness. The gua sha sessions help release spasms, tension and relieve pain. Commonly used tools or scrapers include a ceramic Chinese soup spoon or a flat stone with an edge carved from jade or rose quartz.
See More: Where to Get Microdermabrasion in Hoboken + Jersey City
Erin Kumpf Acupuncture + Herbs | 212 Palisade Avenue #1R
Dr. Erin is a certified and state licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist in the states of New Jersey and New York. The services include gua sha, acupuncture, cupping, and tui na. Don’t worry if it’s your first time — Erin offers a free initial 15-minute consultation after which you will have the option to schedule your session.
NJ Acupuncture Center | 550 Newark Avenue #201
NJ Acupuncture Center offers treatments that are customized to the needs of each patient. From pain management to infertility, stress relief, anxiety, weight loss, anti-inflammatory treatments, and gua sha, the team does it all.
Walker’s Apothecary | 264 Newark Avenue
Founded in 2004 by Shalea Walker, Walker’s Apothecary provides a range of services including gua sha facials. This can be either an add-on service to other facials or solely by itself. The steps include cleansing, exfoliation, and a hydrating mask that allows the gua sha tool to gently slide along the skin. It is known to help with hyperpigmentation and release any tension in the facial muscles.
