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Rose quartz, jade and steel gua sha tools look lovely on a shelf, but the material tells you little about safe use. Here is what to ask first.

The appeal of a beautiful tool

Walk through any shop in Manly and you may spot gua sha tools in rose quartz, jade, polished stone or stainless steel. They look lovely on a bathroom shelf. Yet the material is only one small part of the picture. A gleaming tool says nothing about how much pressure to use, which areas are suitable or what you are hoping to achieve.

Getting personal advice first

Before starting a routine at home, Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, can talk through what suits your skin and circumstances at the Freshwater clinic, which welcomes people from Balgowlah and across the Northern Beaches. Let her know about:

• active skin problems such as eczema, acne flares or broken skin;
• skincare products that can heighten sensitivity, such as retinoids or exfoliating acids;
• recent cosmetic procedures, injectables or laser treatment;
• medicines that make you bruise more easily.

Aim for a light touch and plain directions, rather than the idea that a premium material automatically delivers a superior result.

Letting your skin set the pace

Before another session, whether at home or in the clinic, describe any soreness that hangs around, redness that will not settle or bruises that look out of the ordinary. Choose technique to suit your situation rather than to match a photograph of a certain skin colour. Based on what you share, Christine can discuss whether to go ahead, change the approach or try another option.

Using your tool thoughtfully

If you already own a tool, bring it along to your appointment. Christine can look at its shape and edges, show you how lightly it can be used and point out areas to steer clear of. That way the tool on your shelf becomes part of a considered routine, not a guessing game. If you would rather keep gua sha for the clinic only, that is a perfectly reasonable choice too, and one you can talk over with her at any visit.