Meet TCM Chef and Nutritionist: Zoey Gong

We are so excited to finally launch Brightening Berry Vitamin C Facial Oil, and celebrate the powerful ingredient inside: the goji berry. This small yet mighty fruit has been used for its healing properties and sweet taste in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Chinese cuisine. As a way to commemorate Brightening Berry, we spoke with TCM chef and nutritionist Zoey Gong (@zoeyxinyigong) about the benefits of the goji berry and its role in TCM. Zoey owns a company called FiveSeasonsTCM that shares education content, provides high quality products and helps amplify the voices of the Asian community. Through this mission, Zoey hopes to encourage more people to include TCM in their daily lives.  Read our interview with Zoey below.  ML: How did you become a TCM chef? Z: I've been a TCM chef for a couple years now, but I didn't start my career as a TCM chef. I was born and raised in Shanghai, China and I came to the US when I was 16. After just a couple months of eating the foods here, I got very ill. That's when I really paid attention to changing the way I ate and it helped me tremendously. And because of that, I decided to pursue nutrition as my first career. I was in hospitals, in community centers and worked as a clinical nutritionist. And on the side, I was also a chef cooking very western kinds of healthy foods. But after a couple years of doing that, I realized there was something missing. I wanted to offer something more holistic, something that is closer to nature. That’s when I decided to look back to my culture and my roots, and discovered TCM and medicinal cuisine. It has been so inspiring for me and my clients and guests to see the magic of eating for yourself with the season and with this traditional wisdom. ML: The goji berry is a key ingredient in our newest launch, Brightening Berry. What are the benefits of this fruit for skin and nutritional health, and does TCM play a role? Z: Goji berry is probably one of the most important and famous herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. It is widely used in both medicinal cuisine as well as in herbal decoctions. This amazing berry has a neutral temperature and neutral energy. Personally, I love goji berry. I have a brand called FiveSeasonsTCM and we source organically grown goji berry from Central Ningxia, the best land in China to grow goji berry. It's such a versatile berry. You can use it in soups, in tea, smoothies, in granola and so many ways. It is really amazing to brighten our eyes, to help with liver function, treat dizziness, fatigue and some chronic lung issues. I'm very excited to see it being used as skincare. From a biomedical nutrition standpoint, goji berry contains a lot of antioxidants, vitamin A and vitamin C. These amazing compounds can help our skin to look younger and smoother. ML: What do you think of the new Brightening Berry Vitamin C Oil? Z: The Brightening Berry Vitamin C Oil is so nourishing for the skin. I actually love to put it on my hands because my hand is always under either heat or water all day long. It's really important for me to take care of my hands.ML: How do you incorporate TCM in your work? Z: I think most of you probably have heard of acupuncture, Gua Sha and Chinese massage. These are all different branches under a big umbrella called Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). And what I do is another branch under TCM, and it is called food therapy but you can understand it as TCM nutrition. I use around 111 different kinds of herbs, and combine them with fresh produce. Discover our newest launch, Brightening Berry Vitamin C Oil, here.  Credits: Images courtesy of Zoey Gong (@zoeyxinyigong).

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Brightening Berry Inspired Goji Berry Granola

Follow along this fun and easy recipe for a Traditional Chinese Medicine inspired granola, featuring goji berry! Goji berry is the hero ingredient of Brightening Berry Vitamin C Facial Oil, and has incredible healing benefits when consumed and used on the skin.

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A 30 Second Guide On How To Use the Acupressure Gua Sha Spoon

Our Mount Lai sculpting spoon encourages the gentle release of facial + jaw tension through acupressure 😌 Learn how to use this specialized gua sha tool with our founder, Stephanie Zheng! The Acupressure Gua Sha Spoon is a fantastic to add to your existing gua sha ritual, or to use on its own. We love how this tool can really target specific points in the face. Don't forget to prep the skin with skincare product before using your facial massage! Shop the Acupressure Gua Sha Spoon

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A NEW Facial Oil to Support the Skin Barrier - Meet Plant Root Remedy!

What is Plant Root Remedy? A lightweight and healing facial oil that contains protective lipids and oils from nutrient-rich plants and antioxidant-rich herbs. It is the perfect oil to pair with your Mount Lai tools, and boost other skincare products. After using Plant Root Remedy Oil the skin is left balanced, nourished and renewed. Who is it for? Plant Root Remedy is non-comedogenic, vegan and cruelty free. It is extremely important to us to not use any ingredients that are toxic for the skin and body, so Plant Root Remedy is formulated without synthetic fragrances, artificial dyes, silicones, parabens, PEGs, phthalates, sulfates or mineral oil. We ensured to craft PRR with all skin types in mind, including: Acne-prone skin Aging skin Sensitive skin Dry skin Oily skin Normal skin Combination skin Pro tip: Facial oils do not worsen oily skin. In fact, oily skin benefits from facial oils as they help regulate and balance oil production. Look for ingredients like Squalane, which is in Plant Root Remedy, that hydrate + balance the skin barrier. Benefits Plant Root Remedy is formulated to help heal, protect, and hydrate the skin, while promoting healthy radiance and a natural glow. Regular use of Plant Root Remedy can help: Care for the skin barrier  Fight against environmental stressors Improve hydration and plumpness Support cellular regeneration Ingredient Highlights Crafted with ingredients you and your skin can feel good about. Below are some key ingredients: Purple Gromwell Root accelerates cellular repair and healing Blue Tansy Oil calms the skin and promotes cellular regeneration Licorice Root fights free radical damage and inflammation with antioxidants Rhodiola Root protects from environmental stressors Astragalus Root soothes skin irritations Squalane + Meadowfoam Seed Oil balance and hydrate the skin What is the difference between CHR and PRR? Just like our Calming Herbal Repair Balm, Plant Root Remedy’s ingredients are commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Both products are crafted with care and made in small batches in our U.S. studio. We formulated each with clean ingredients that nourish the skin, such as Purple Gromwell Root, which gives them their natural purple hue. Calming Herbal Repair Balm is a leave-on balm that is meant to be a more moisturizing and soothing treatment. Ingredients like Murumuru and Kokum Butter make it ideal for drier and sensitive skin types. Plant Root Remedy Oil is a lighter formulation that relieves and nourishes dull or irritated skin. You may use this facial oil as a booster to add to your moisturizer, or on its own as the last step of your routine. Because CHR is meant to replace a facial oil, you would not use both products together at the same time. Instead, you may choose to use CHR in the evening for extra hydration, and PRR in the morning to revive the skin. We equally love using both products and pair them with Mount Lai tools for a luxurious facial massage. Shop Plant Root Remedy Balancing Facial Oil

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Treat Your Skin Concerns with Facial Tools - from acne to facial tension

Turn your skincare routine into a self care ritual. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to skin concerns, Mount Lai’s tools offer a wide variety of benefits and are extremely versatile. Whether you worry about dark circles, texture and acne on a day-to-day basis, our tools work with all skin types and all age ranges to enhance your skin’s radiance. Need some initial guidance in what your Mount Lai ritual might look like? Read on to see what we recommend for different skin types!   Treating Acne-prone Skin For acne prone skin, we recommend this powerful duo that soothes and de-puffs: The Black Obsidian Facial Spa Set contains our Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool and De-Puffing Facial Roller; a pairing that brings harmony and radiance. Black Obsidian is unique for its ability to naturally retain warmth, making it ideal for congested, blemish-prone skin types. The warmth of the obsidian encourages stimulation of the lymphatic system + circulation to remove toxins and absorb nutrients for clear, glowing skin.   Sensitivity + Redness To instantly soothe the skin, our De-Puffing Facial Roller is the perfect tool for sensitive skin. The art of jade rolling works to gently massage the skin and boost circulation, which can calm inflammation. Those dealing with rosacea, hyperpigmentation and sensitivity can find relief through the coolness of the stone, no matter which one you use. For an extra boost of coolness, place your tools in the Mount Lai Skincare Fridge. Cooling your tools can reduce redness, instantly revive the skin and enhance the tool’s soothing qualities.  To Naturally Lift, Contour and Sculpt the Face The practice of gua sha has been used for centuries due to its healing and detoxifying properties. Gua sha tools are fantastic for promoting lymphatic drainage and releasing facial and jaw tension. Consistent use of the gua sha tool lifts the skin and enhances facial features over time.  If you are looking for a complete gua sha ritual, try our Jade Acupressure Gua Sha Spoon and Jade Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool for an ideal combo. Jade symbolizes eternal youth and is naturally cooling—a stone that brings harmony for those wanting to improve their complexion. Our Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool is available in four stone variations (jade, rose quartz, amethyst and black obsidian), as well as in stainless steel. Reducing Puffy Eyes To awaken and rejuvenate the eye area, the Eye Massage Tool can be used to address puffiness by gently gliding the tool around the eyelid. And for at-home spa days, place our Eye Mask flat against the skin to invigorate and soothe the eye area. Both tools are available in rose quartz and jade for a calming moment in your routine. Scalp Care The skin on our scalp is just as important as our face. Not only does using a Jade Comb provide a luxurious head massage, it also boosts circulation and reduces tension. This process can help boost hair growth and relieve headaches. Facial + Neck Tension Revive the skin and release tension with the ultimate stress relief: the Tension Melting Massager and Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool. These tools can be used for the face, neck and shoulders to deeply knead the skin and muscles. The Tension Melting Massager has over 100 facets on each roller head to hug every corner of the face, and the Gua Sha Lifting Tool has unique curves to gently scrape against tense areas for the most luxurious massage. We recommend applying your favorite skincare product before using a facial tool. A product we love is our Calming Herbal Repair Facial Massage Balm, that was made with all skin types in mind. Our balm helps enhance the glide of your Mount Lai Tools to amplify their benefits. To learn more about our tools and how to use them together, read our guide here.

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Our Ultimate Guide to Tool Pairing

The Mount Lai collection has grown since our first release: The De-Puffing Jade Facial Roller. Now, we are a family of over 30 facial tools, and a (growing!) skincare line.  For those who enjoy pairing our tools just as much as we do, you already know that you can maximize the results of your facial massage by using different tools together! For your personal skincare routine, we always recommend choosing the tools that fit into your lifestyle and that address the benefits that you are looking for. Of course you don't need to use our full collection in your skincare routine, but we wanted to share how you would order them if you wanted to :)  Step 1: Prep the skin! - Shop here Before using facial tools, always start with clean skin that has been prepped with skincare product. Our favorite is the Calming Herbal Repair Facial Massage Balm to ensure that tools can glide on the skin without pulling.  Step 2: Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool - Shop here We love this tool for its ability to promote lymphatic drainage, which can aid in skin health. It's great for lifting, firming, and contouring the skin. If you are looking for one tool to add to your skincare routine, the Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool or the De-Puffing Facial Roller is a great place to start!   Step 3: Our *New* Acupressure Gua Sha Spoon - Shop here Unlike our Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool, the Acupressure Gua Sha Spoon encourages the gentle release of facial + jaw tension through acupressure. It’s spoon-like shape allows for more precise work and a deeper message to sculpt the face, while the pointed end can be used to target acupressure points to melt away tension.  The order in which you use your Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool and Acupressure Gua Sha Spoon is based on personal preference. Our founder, Stephanie Zheng, enjoys using the Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool as the first step for a gua sha massage. How-to use your Acupressure Gua Sha Spoon: Use the rounded spoon side to gently sculpt the face, focusing underneath the cheekbone. The specialized, rounded shape of the gua sha spoon allows for a deeper release.  Use the smaller end of the tool on acupressure trigger points, focusing on the areas near the brow bone, the temples, the ears and along the jaw. Massage in small, slow circles into the trigger points.  Step 4: Our *New* Tension Melting Massager - Shop here Feeling stressed or tense? Had a long day on Zoom? We feel you. The Tension Melting Massager is the ultimate stress reliever for its ability to be used for the face, neck and shoulders to deeply kneed the skin and muscles. Each head has over 100 facets to hug every corner of the face for a luxurious massage. How-to use your Tension Melting Massager: Begin with the neck and roll the Tension Melting Massager along the base of the neck and the shoulders. Due to the special shape and angle of the double rollers, you will feel a deep kneading massage.  Moving to the face, roll the Tension Melting Massager in an outwards and upwards direction across the contours of the face.  Breathe deeply and feel the tension melt away.  Step 5: Jade Textured Roller - Shop here Great to wake up the skin and aid in product absorption. Step 6: De-Puffing Facial Roller - Shop here Bring the skin back to harmony after all of those activating massages with our De-Puffing Facial Roller. Step 7: Eye Massage Tool - Shop here Before using any tool around the eye, prep with a moisturizing eye cream. You can de-puff and soothe the eye area using the Eye Massage Tool, or the tools below: Jade or Rose Quartz Eye Mask Mini De-Puffing Facial Roller De-Puffing Facial Roller Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool When you apply eye cream + use an eye tool in your routine is also based on personal preference. Our team applies eye cream as the first step to prevent transfer of different products to the delicate eye area.    What we love most about these tools is that it is so easy to incorporate different tools depending on how your skin is feeling. Sometimes you just want a gentle, cooling massage - opt for a roller. Other days, you may want something more active, and go for a complete gua sha routine with your Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool and Acupressure Gua Sha Spoon. Maybe your eyes just need a little pick me up, so you go to your Eye Massage Tool or Jade Eye Mask. Whatever your skin is looking for, we hope that Mount Lai can bring you a moment of wellness in your beauty ritual. Shop our full collection here.

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Q: What skincare product do you use with facial tools?

What skincare product should you use with facial tools? Meet Mount Lai's Calming Herbal Repair Balm, a soothing + restorative facial massage balm that pairs perfectly with Mount Lai facial tools. This balm enhances the glide of the tools and melts into the skin, nourishing it with nutrient-rich plant butters, plant oils and herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Featuring healing ingredients such as Purple Gromwell Root and Licorice Root, this balm is the perfect pairing for any of our skincare tools.

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The Gua Sha Tool vs. The Facial Roller - What is the difference?

Stephanie answers one of our most frequently asked questions -- What is the difference between the gua sha tool and the facial roller? These are two very different tools, but both are rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and offer incredible results. Facial massage can improve the look of the skin and give you a firm, lifted, glowing complexion. We recommend maximizing results by pairing together different tools. Regular usage and proper technique is what will really make a difference in your skin! Mount Lai offers gift sets that combine different tools together at a great value. A gift set is a perfect starter kit for anyone new to facial massage. Shop Sets

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Lymphatic Drainage 101

Do you want to naturally achieve glowing skin? Lymphatic drainage can combat dull and puffy skin to give the skin a glow. Mount Lai tools are designed to work on the lymphatic system, address adhesions in the fascia and melt tension in the facial and jaw muscles, to promote a radiant complexion and combat fine lines and wrinkles. Promoting lymphatic drainage offers so many benefits, like improving both the health and the look of skin -- but what is lymphatic drainage, and why is it important?

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