If you’ve scrolled through social media lately, you might have seen influencers gliding flat green stones across their faces. This technique, known as facial gua sha, may seem like a new beauty fad, but it’s actually an age-old technique.
What are the benefits of facial gua sha, and should you try it? Henry Ford Health board-certified acupuncturist Yating Du, PhD, LAc, explains.
What Is Facial Gua Sha?
“Gua sha originally comes from traditional Chinese medicine,” explains Dr. Du. “It’s a gentle scraping technique that stimulates blood circulation and lymphatic drainage using a specially shaped tool.”
The practice has deep historical roots. “Chinese medicine has a 2,000-year history,” Dr. Du says. “In ancient China, gua sha was used to release energy blocks or energy stagnation, which may feel like tenderness, tightness or swelling.”
Acupuncturists often use gua sha alongside acupuncture or cupping to promote the flow of vital energy (Qi) throughout the body. “Stagnation of qi can lead to tightness, pain and illness,” says Dr. Du. “Traditional Chinese medicine practices address qi that is stuck or imbalanced.”
Henry Ford Center For Integrative Medicine
Does Facial Gua Sha Work?
People may notice improvements in their facial appearance after practicing gua sha for several weeks. “Gua sha can improve circulation in your skin, giving you a more radiant glow,” says Dr. Du. “It can also reduce morning puffiness and give your face a tighter-looking appearance.”
Facial gua sha offers potential benefits that go beyond the skin. Dr. Du has successfully used the technique in-office to treat some medical conditions. “I’ve used gua sha to treat facial paralysis from Bell’s palsy,” she shares. “Gua sha can help stimulate healthy nerve function, which can lead to a faster recovery from this illness.”
The technique, when done by a professional who has studied Chinese medicine, can also address headaches and jaw pain. “I’ve treated people with headaches in the front, top or back of the head due to stress,” Dr. Du says. “Gua sha can also bring relief from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and jaw tension.”
Is Facial Gua Sha Safe?
While facial gua sha is generally safe, some people should avoid it. “Pregnant women should talk with their provider before trying gua sha,” says Dr. Du. “You should also not perform gua sha on your face if you recently had a cosmetic procedure, such as Botox, fillers or any kind of facial plastic surgery.”
You should avoid facial gua sha if you have:
- Acne
- Inflamed skin from eczema or rosacea
- Open wounds
How to Do Facial Gua Sha
Most people can safely practice facial gua sha at home, and online videos can teach you how to do it correctly. But only try it if you’re in overall good health and looking for beauty benefits. “If you have pain or an illness you’re trying to address with gua sha, see a licensed acupuncturist,” says Dr. Du.
For home practice, Dr. Du recommends performing the technique in the morning and at night, after washing your face. “Always apply an oil to your skin before using the tool to help it glide smoothly,” she advises. “Facial skin is very delicate, and you want to avoid friction. Gua sha should feel relaxing, not painful.”
And you’ll need to invest in a proper gua sha tool. The most popular type is natural jade, which is green. But tools also come in rose quartz, stainless steel, wood and even plastic. “In Asian culture, we prefer natural stone or wooden tools,” says Dr. Du. “These materials have a natural cooling effect that can reduce inflammation.”
While you might be tempted to try a gua sha massage with your fingers, you likely won’t get all the benefits this way. “A gua sha tool provides more consistent, gentle pressure, which provides better results,” says Dr. Du.
Give Gua Sha a Go
Facial gua sha is an ancient practice that has stood the test of time. “People have been using gua sha for thousands of years because it works,” says Dr. Du. “It’s a low-cost way to enjoy some self-care time with the added benefit of more radiant skin.”
Reviewed by Yating Du, PhD, LAc, a board-certified acupuncturist at Henry Ford Health.
