When I first heard of Gua Sha, I thought it was some kind of old practice of skin rejuvenation or an ultimate spa experience like an Ayurvedic treatment. Turns out, I was a little right. Gua Sha tools are like the famous jade rollers, which has become one of a skincare junkie’s favorite form of skincare and self-care. I’m sure you’ve seen this tool somewhere along the beauty aisle and it comes in different shapes, sizes, and material. Did you know that just a few minutes of Gua Sha treatment facial every day can improve your skin and clarity?
What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is a traditional East Asian and Chinese technique that is used in order to invite well-being, proper circulation and toxic removal in the body. The Gua Sha tool is used gently on the skin of the face, and a little aggressive on the skin of the body. Basically, Gua means to scrape and Sha means to sand. This practice has been used for thousands of years and the tools that are used vary. From animal bone, Chinese soup spoon to rose quartz and other gemstones, you can choose which works for you the best.
What is Gua Sha for?
In traditional Chinese Medicine, it says that the entire channel of the organ system unites on the face. It also pre-dates from acupuncture. It says that the stroke pattern awakens the meridian lines or lifeforce path in order to activate the body’s natural healing system. For our skin, Gua Sha encourages the production of collagen and helps sculpt and tone the face shape. It promises to help the skin become radiant since it can increase blood circulation in the area. It also allows the inflammation to drain and for the muscles to release tension. Basically, it’s like a massage but a lot gentle and aesthetic in nature.
It is said that the Gua Sha’s effect is skin deep. Because the meridian lines are involved, organs like the stomach, spleen, liver, heart, and kidneys also receive rejuvenation. If you work your way over the area of the face that is connected to the kidneys, such as down the meridian line of the kidney, you can release toxins and help it relax. Thus, enabling it to function at optimal capacity.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what Gua Sha can do for you:
- Aids in diminishing dark spots and hyperpigmentation in your skin.
- Eliminates dark circles around your eyes.
- Prevents and lessens sagging skin.
- Reduces wrinkles.
- Brightens the complexion.
- Can relieve or heal rosacea.
- Helps in the absorption of your skincare.
- Speeds up the recovery and healing time of breakouts and pimples.
- Can relieve migraines.
- Can even be an alternative to face-lift surgery but only when practiced on a regular basis and when you’re receiving treatments from a licensed practitioner.
Step By Step Procedure of Gua Sha
- Start with cleaning your face and washing your hands. After patting your face dry with a clean washcloth, use a facial mist that has hydrosol like OSEA’s Sea Vitamin Boost. Hydrosol is the perfect base to drive the oil, in which you’ll apply next.
- Apply facial oil. My favorite is also from OSEA, which is their Undaria Argan oil. Apply it starting on your forehead downwards. This activates movement in skin and tissues which is a great prep stage before the Gua Sha.
- Warm your Gua Sha tool. You can do this by slightly rubbing it between your hands and adding a little facial oil so it doesn’t tug on your skin.
- Sweep up your neck on both sides. Do this very gently over your Adam’s apple.
- Sweep up under your chin, from the middle of your face outwards to your earlobe while keeping your tool flat.
- Sweep from the middle of your chin over your jawline, towards the back of your earlobe. Gently jiggle at your ear to encourage fluid to drain down the neck to the lymph nodes.
- Sweep underneath your cheekbone, towards your hairline. Lightly jiggle the tool at your hairline.
For a more detailed instruction on how to do Gua Sha treatment, check this video out:
Gua Sha is a very relaxing technique. I usually do this at night along with aromatherapy and it works really well for me. I feel like I’m able to sleep well.
Me too, Krystal Rose! It’s like a spa night every day.
Sounds very interesting. These Chinese medicine treatments really work when needed. I used to not believe in them until I’ve tried acupuncture which literally got rid of my migraines.
That video was very easy to follow. Thank you for including that. I was a little confused just reading through the instruction. Got my jade gua sha tool in Amazon and it works amazing.
I always see these gua sha tools in dollar stores and I thought it was some sort of undereye patch or something. Definitely checking it out next time.?
There’s no problem in using cheaper alternatives for Gua Sha tools, Elsa. Just make sure that there’s no sharp edge or bad trimmings, especially if it’s plastic and it’s not made from gemstones or animal bones. The face has very delicate skin!
That’s a lot of claims for a very small tool. But if you really look into it, it’s a massage tool and massages really do improve circulation.
I saw this in KORA Organics. The one that they have is the rose quartz. They call it a beauty tool instead of a Gua Sha tool but I guess that’s the purpose of it, they just didn’t care to explain how great the benefits were.
It’s the heart shaped one that Miranda Kerr was using, right?
Sounds really fancy but it does work. Been trying this for a week now since I was curious about natural remedies and natural methods for a youthful skin.?
This is why I also recommend this. It’s very natural, no products needed aside from your very own skin care. Just a good Gua Sha tool and you’re all good!
It’s the first time I’m hearing of Gua Sha but I’ve heard of jade rollers and rose quartz rollers. I kinda like that more though because it seems non-abrasive.
Googled this and it scared me because others got bruises over this. Is that for real??
The jade tool is very common but I don’t even know the difference. Is there even a difference?
Loved this. I am going home and giving myself an at-home gua sha massage.
What should I apply after the gua sha? Do I apply a moisturizer?
I did it with coconut oil and credit card. I had the smoothest skin for weeks after doing it. It’s time to redo.
Where can we buy the gua sha tool??
Coming home from an overnight shift, needing to relax and drift to sleep finding this new blog notification is just perfect.
This is quite interesting, thank you!! As someone who gets swollen face and puffy eyes because of frequent allergic reactions. I’M always glad to learn something new.
I have been doing gua sha and I have seen more changes in my skin with gua sha.
I have been using gua sha for 2 years now, my skin complexion has improved tremendously. Skin becomes more radiant and firm. I do this few times a week. Totally in love with this tool. I carry it everywhere I go.
How do you keep these tools clean and sanitary? Do you disinfect each time you use it?
This is so informative! Thank you!! I want to get gua sha now. I am truly obsessed with beauty and skincare and anything that can add to little rituals of self-love. Will be trying this.
I have never heard of either of these but I am definitely going to look into gua sha! Especially since I am now in my late 30’s looks like it will be a great tool for my oily, aging skin. Thanks!!
I immediately bought a gua sha tool after reading this. Thank for the tips and facial massage routine.
I’ve had a gua sha for a few years and I love using it especially when my face feels super puffy or swollen around my period. Mine is just ceramic.
I really need a machine for making puree. I don’t have any at home and I can already tell that dates will be great as toppings for salads and other baked goodies.
Learned so much in this article, thanks! This can really turn my whole skincare routine in a whole new level.
I will really try this. It’s nice to know that our face is open to suggestions so it’s important that we always use a lifting motion whenever we would apply or touch our face.
I should teach my hubby to do this to me. We can have Gua Sha nights! ?
There’s no harm in trying this since it doesn’t really involve anything other than a tool for gentle massage. I wonder if I can use essential oils if it’s done on the body?
I believe you can, massage oils can be great too. The article only recommended facial oils since it’s geared towards “facial”.
Thank you so much for this! You are the most reliable blogger ever! Keep going with the great content
That looks so neat! I’ve never heard of that type of product before! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Does this technique help reduce eyes puffiness/eyebag? I just want my skin to look as good as yours.
If I was to get this done at a clinic would it be ok for me to wear mascara and do my eyebrows or do i have to be completely makeup free.
The facial massage looks pretty good! I use a dead sea minerals facial massage applicator thing and its good, its proven to remove dead skin and it stops pores from clogging up.
I’ve never heard of this before but it seems interesting! Won’t hurt to give it a go I guess.
Most people do it just once a week. I do it almost nightly for a few minutes. Is that ok?
This seems pretty cool. Ill definitely check it out. Your’e so pretty by the way lol xoxo
I really want to check this out. I always mean to do facial massage but I think that having a tool would make it easier to do consistently. Thanks for sharing this!
ooh I’ve never heard about this! My skin has been a little rough lately and I’ve been upping my skincare routine. I want to try this now 0_o
ooh I’ve never heard about this! My skin has been a little rough lately and I’ve been upping my skincare routine. I want to try this now 0_o
I have never heard of this ! How flipping cool! Thank you for sharing girl! Now I see why your skin looks stunning!!??
Is it okay to do this massage on really sensitive and acne prone skin? I use like a roller to massage my skin but I really liked this technique, but I’m kind of worried ’cause my skin can’t even stand physical exfoliation.
Thanks for all the info and tips. I recently just brought one of these and had no idea how to use it!
So how many times are you suppose to do this? Everyday, once a week, a month…? lol
omg finally someone that recognises how effective gua sha is for the faceee <3 Everytime I do it, I always wake up with really smooth glowy skin the next day! Love youu
Oh wow super cool!!! I’ve never heard of this! But I am SO interested!! Thanks for informing me about this ?
How often do you do this? Also, thank you for this instructional article! It’s a huge help!
Whenever I think I know pretty much everything about skincare, you appear with something new and interesting.
WOW your skin is glowing! I attempted to go for clear skin look with different products, but I would have never imagined to use a gua sha stone :)))
I’m wondering if this is disruptive towards your skin if you have spots???? I wana like know before I buy and try but idk?
Thank you so much. Will definitely be adding this to my nightly routine. Would you also be willing to do a tutorial for a jade roller?
Does this help with inflammation? I feel like my skin is always puffy especially if I have been stressed .
Interesting, don’t know why I haven’t heard of this til now. Will have to try it out when I stop breaking out.
omggg im so excited im real firm believer in facial massages! I find that I always have a nice slimmer depuffed face in the morning whenever I do them!
Does this really do any good? I did it before for a few days and noticed no positive changes.
Where can you buy this? I saw so many different ones and I don’t know which one to get. thanks!
Oh wow I’ve never seen something like that before! I’m not really a huge fan of facial massage because I must be wrong but it looks like they’ll make my skin more likely to have wrinkles like it’s literally moving around the skin right? But your skin look really amazing though! I should look into facial massages. <3
Would this be ok for ultra sensitive skin? I have a few visible capillaries around the eyes. Should I do it a bit more gently?
Super helpful. I had read about gua sha but never seen someone do it, so I’m gonna YouTube it. But your instruction answered a lot of questions too. Thanks!
Quick question. I’m assuming with this technique there is a bit of lymphatic drainage happening. Would you also use a downward motion on the side of the neck to help flush what you’ve moved out of the sinuses?
Magnificent! Thank you for being so down to earth with your teaching. I love it!!!
I just recently received a Gua Sha (rose quartz) and a jade roller for my birthday. Thank you for sharing your information and making and posting this article.
Thanks for this greatly informative article! Quick question- what are your thoughts on the jade roller?
Thank you so much for sharing! This is very similar to what I have been doing, but without the stone. I will have to invest in one of those.
I get Gua Sha done on my back! Its actually amazing! I’m def going to try this on my face. thanks for posting.
I always wondered how to properly use the gua sha so I never took the splurge. But now, thanks to you, I might! 🙂
Your skin is lovely. I have this tool. I need to use it more. Would you say this also helps take the place of a face massage? I hope so. 🙂
Thanks for sharing. I just bought the facial gua sha. And I am going to try it once it arrives.
I used to have very dark under-eye bags and I tried every product on the market in hopes of treating them. Eventually I just accepted that they were there to stay, until I discovered gua sha. It literally drained away the darkness, so to speak. Lol. Now they’re slowly creeping back though.
I need to incorporate this into my routine. I’m pretty minimal with taking care of my skin and I need to work on it. Thanks for this!
How often do you do Gua Sha or facial massage at home? You are a literal angel for sharing this with us! Thank you! ?
Thanks for sharing this, beautiful. Do you do it at night time? Also do you have any tips for eczema on skin?
Love finding someone who loves skincare just as much as I do! You rule! I love every article you post!! ??
Never heard of this before. I love you and your amazing wisdom!! Can’t wait to get started <3 Thank you !
Recently, I’ve been reading a lot about Gua Sha and I really want to start including this in my daily routine. Thanks for sharing!
Love this and love learning from you. Can you elaborate on how you follow up after this? Do you cleanse or go straight to bed? Love ❤️
I was wondering how do I clean the tools. Also can I use it without oil? thank you .
Would this be the same as using a jade facial roller? or is it different in some ways?
Wow. Great advice on gua sha. What do you recommend for dry skin on the forehead that won’t go away?
Thank you so much for showing us how to use it! I just got one from Amazon!! I have a question for you, how do you clean it or do you clean it? Cheers!
Hi! Thank you so much for this one, really helpful! I also have a night time routine with gua Sha massage, but I do something different. Instead of going downwards with the tool on the neck, I go upwards because I feel like I should massage against the gravity. What do you think about it? Thank you!
Loved this! I’m an acu student, so I have this tool, but have never applied it to myself – thank you for the inspiration!
Question: Is it okay to practice Gua Sha if you are currently struggling with bad acne?
I’m very curious about how this differs from a Jade roller..? I have one so wondering if I need both tools
Wow You explained this better than anywhere else I looked, thank you so much this was very informative I m new to this. You are awesome.
You’re an amazing young woman..great info and insights on so many levels. I can’t wait to try some gua sha!
This was so lovely and informative! Thank you! I want to get a gua sha tool. have tremendous tension and knots in my left shoulder and really want to start seeing an acupuncturist -this would be a lovely compliment to it. Also truly obsessed with beauty and skincare and anything that can add to the rituals of self love. Will be trying this :). You look radiant by the way.
I love my gua sha. i’ve heard that the rollers break so I purchased a gua sha kit and love it so much
So helpful! I definitely want to try the gua shua. I was stuck between the jade roller and the gua shua but after your post I am leaning towards gua shua 😀
I am 61 and always looking for natural connected healing. You are pretty amazing for one so young. Thank you for being such a wonderful healer and sharing it!
I’ve been using both jade roller and this for a while now and prefer Gua Sha. I’ve seen more change in my skin with Gua Sha. I do love the idea of using the jade roller with a sheet mask!
If you would like more fat, plumpness in the face, do you think this might not be good to use?
I did this with coconut oil and a credit card after reading the Romans did this. Then found it’s called ‘gua sha’ so it’s good to see it done. I had the smoothest skin for weeks after doing it. It’s time for a redo.
Oh wow this sounds so comfortable. A good exercise for the face muscles. I need to try this out.
I love this!!! Best traditional therapy you can ever receive 100% natural and drug free.
So is it basically breaking up the fascia? Is it the oil that helps with the “bumps” to guage the area that needs more work? First time seeing this, very interesting!
The good thing about gua sha is that you can do it with whatever material available. My grandparents used to use coin and left over cooking oil to perform gua sha during the war.
I get this done on my back and I just finished my monthly session and my back is really bruised.
I get this done on my back and I just finished my monthly session and my back is really bruised.
I was looking into getting a jade roller, but now I’ve decided on the gua sha! Knowing my shopping habits I’ll probably get both anyways though xD
Anyways, how do you take care of your neck skin?? No wrinkles! I’m 19 years old but mine got wrinkles more and more
I started by using jade roller and then I switched to Gua Sha tool. now I’ve been using Gua Sha for a few months now, my skin complexion has improved tremendously. Skin becomes more radiant and firm. I do this a few times a week. Totally in love with this tool. I carry it everywhere I go. Thanks for the article! Love it.
Been using my gua sha for about 2 years now. I’m 38 and I think it’s really improved my skin tone and texture ?❤️?you have gorgeous skin! Wish I’d been more proactive and avoided the California ☀️ sun !
I would not recommend either one of these tools for acne prone skin. These tools can cause extra friction on the skin, therefore irritating existing acne and acne prone skin.
Gua Sha is a little bit like dry brushing for the face in a sense that it helps with lymphatic drainage when done correctly. It also helps a lot with water retention. My mom and I started doing it a few years ago and felt a big difference. Our faces seem firmer and less puffiness. For reference I’m 27 and my mom is 52
This really works, it helps improve blood circulation makes skin texture looks finer, really smooth out the skin. The scraping opens up the pores of the face and it’s the best time to apply essence or apply essenced paper mask to your face after the scraping. Face scraping is also good for general health too especially the T-zone area, as they’re reflections of different organs of the body such as lungs, heart and liver etc, improving blood circulation on these areas will also help improving condition of respective organs.
Guasha is helpful to increase blood circulation but not lymph drainage, as you actually need to use light as feather pressure to flow it. Once the skin is pressed where there is indentation you are actually pressing the down the lymph system, which is above where your hair root grows!
Thank you, that was really helpful!! As for the accupressure points, how long do you have to press them? It can’t work quite that fast, can it?
There must be something to this idea! I saw a lady using a CD on edge for same benefit!
If it is a lymphatic massage shouldn’t you go downward on your neck ? No offense, I am just curious 🙂
Love this! I’ve decided me and my sister are going home and giving ourselves an at home gua sha massage tonight!
Could this be used for cellulite or is their something better for stimulating that area. I would love an article on that. I’m pretty fit but that damn cellulite.
Great post again! I’ve incorporated the gua sha with one of my facials. I use it regularly on myself 🙂
So that’s why you have such beautiful, outstanding facial skin. Thank you for sharing this technique !
Thank you very much!!! Fantastic information! I am going to give it a go, is this going to help me also with eye wrinkles???
Your skin looks very vibrant and glowing. Thanks for sharing . Would you recommend a website to get the stone from?
I’m curious to understand, why do we use the gua sha tool upwards on the neck? I’ve always thought we needed to drain stuff down… I’m confused. Please help! Thank you!
I have been so curious about Gua Sha lately. Thank you very much for all the information! You are very nice, helpful and beautiful! ??????????????
Amazing! Thanks for your demonstration, very interested in starting this routine.
You made it very simple and to the point, thank you so much. Blessings ?
Never heard about this but it seems very simple and to the point. Much thanks! I will try it!
I have been educating myself about the gua sha facial techniques, so this was coincidentially very helpful. Thanks.
I think this is the best article about gua sha on the internet! thank you so much! 🙂
Thank you, this is soo well explained!! ? would you tell me why we are holding the skin during the massage?
You just convinced me to try this, been looking for a new method of lymphatic drainage since I used to do the Tanaka face massage daily.
I was curious so I just tried with my bare hands and the right side of my face just felt lighter it was so good I’ll try to do it more often and hopefully with the tool !
I just want to say that I love this article. I have never ever heard of this before but I would really like to try it so I will definitely purchase a facial tool and hope to see an improvement in my skin. THANK you for making this tutorial ☺?
Great info! But I’m curious as to why many people do gua sha with the smooth edge of the tools? Like when I see this being done on people’s backs, arms, etc on places like YouTube or Instagram. Should the tool always lay somewhat flat while doing gua sha on the face and neck only? Are you supposed to use the smooth edge of gua sha tools on the back, arms, and legs? Or does this depend on personal preference? Truth be told, I’m very new to this.
This is so helpful! Now I just need to get the tool so I can give it a try 🙂 Thank you!
? Very informative post. Looking forward to using these techniques! No wonder your skin is beautiful?
Do you wash your face with water or soap after guasha before the usual skin routine?
This is a great tutorial! Can you use a triangle tool for this same application? I see a lot of recommendations to use them together at the same time, do you agree? Thank you!
Definitely got some post nasal drip while doing the eye and forehead area. Hope to see some results with continued use!
You look like my best friend Amy. And this article is very helpful. Thank you!
Yup, this tutorial is real good and very different from others out there, thank you very very much!
Fantastic tutorial. I am going to buy one right now. Do you know if this tool will help with acne scars?
What if you have acne or just red irritated skin? I don’t want to make anything worse.
Does it matter which material the tool is made of? They offer jade, rose quartz etc.
Would using this over the neck have a negative impact on the thyroid gland? I have recently been diagnosed with a hyperactive thyroid, and I am nervous to potentially stimulate it even further.
Really well explained! How often should I be doing this massage? Few times a week? Everyday? AM or PM?
Love this! Thank you so much for telling us about the secret of Chinese beauty. They never look old.
Thank you so much for this article! It was really thorough and easy to follow. I just recently got a jade roller and a jade gua sha tool and an excited to get started using this technique.
Wow I already have a rose quartz Gua Sha tool. Do I need roller too? What’s the difference between the two?
I’m wondering if this affects the symmetry/assymetry of the face. Also if this slims the face down .
so how come we go up and not down? some places go down for the lymph drainage? or are you supposed to just go up?
I am curious and always learning new things. This evening I am going to do exactly this routine. Can’t wait!
I have acne breakouts on my face an neck as well as shoulders an back, would this stone an techniques help at all?
Incredibly relaxing and informative post. Truly I’m so happy I found your page. I look forward to trying this out myself. Your skin is incredible!
Thank you for sharing this knowledge one of the best Guasha articles I’ve seen. Very informative and thorough. Using this for training purposes for my Holistic Skin Care business in the downtown area.
Very helpful! Does this help to reduce smile lines or wrinkles and how often should I do it? Thanks!
This is the holy grail of gua sha tutorials. Small question – can we start with the face and then do the neck ? Reason being, sometimes I have heavy neck oil or cream and wouldn’t want that on my acne prone face. Thanks.
By far the most complete and clinically correct technique. Wonderful education. Thanks you so much!
I can attest to this working! I do this daily after a shower and have seen astounding results in fine line reduction. I do each step 10 times utilizing rose water and shea butter (cost effective and works great for my sensitive skin.) apart from the physical benefits this is incredibly meditative.
Seen loads of this online and I don’t even know what it does until I saw this. How do I figure out which shape I should choose?
If you’re already investing your skincare, I think it’s great if you invest your time in doing this daily. The benefits are really nice and if it does work, then wow! ?
The jade rollers actually work similar to this but I think the jade rollers are only for the face (that’s the only place I use it). Compared to this that can be used on your body. Such a small tool with big benefits.
I haven’t heard of Gua Sha but it really is similar from the rollers. I used that one before but I was having trouble doing it on a regular basis.