Sculpt, soothe, and glow. Learn the benefits of gua sha and how to use it.
What Is Gua Sha?
In recent years, Gua Sha has taken the beauty and wellness world by storm — but this isn’t a new trend. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years, Gua Sha (pronounced “gwa-shah”) is an ancient healing technique designed to promote circulation, relieve tension, and enhance overall vitality.
Gua Sha involves gently scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool — traditionally made of jade, rose quartz, or bian stone — to stimulate microcirculation and release muscle tension. The term “Gua Sha” literally means “to scrape away sand,” referring to the light redness that can appear on the skin as circulation improves.
The Key Benefits of Gua Sha
1. Improves Blood Circulation
The gentle scraping motion helps increase blood flow to the surface of the skin. This boost in circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients more effectively, giving your complexion a healthy, natural glow.
2. Reduces Puffiness and Inflammation
Lymphatic drainage is one of Gua Sha’s biggest claims to fame. By stimulating lymphatic flow, it helps reduce puffiness, especially around the eyes, and can even help minimize the appearance of fine lines and dark circles.
3. Releases Muscle Tension
Just like a deep-tissue massage, facial Gua Sha eases tight muscles — especially in the jaw, temples, and forehead. Regular use can relieve tension headaches, TMJ discomfort, and even improve posture in the neck and shoulders.
4. Promotes Collagen Production
When circulation improves, skin cells receive more oxygen and nutrients, which encourages collagen and elastin production. Over time, this can result in firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin.
5. Enhances Product Absorption
When used with a facial oil or serum, Gua Sha helps work products deeper into the skin, ensuring better absorption and maximizing the benefits of your skincare routine.
6. Encourages Relaxation and Mindfulness
Beyond the physical benefits, Gua Sha is also a soothing self-care ritual. The slow, repetitive strokes have a meditative quality that helps reduce stress and bring calm to your daily routine.
How to Use Gua Sha at Home
Start with clean skin and apply a facial oil or serum to reduce friction.
Hold the tool at a 15° angle against your skin.
Gently glide it upward and outward from the center of your face — from jawline to cheekbones, and from brows to hairline.
Use light to medium pressure and repeat each stroke 3–5 times.
Finish with a glass of water to support lymphatic drainage and hydration.
Final Thoughts
Gua Sha is more than a beauty trend — it’s a time-tested wellness practice that connects the body, mind, and spirit. Whether you use it for glowing skin, stress relief, or simply as a moment of calm in your busy day, incorporating Gua Sha into your self-care ritual can make a noticeable difference inside and out.