Skin Care: What is Gua Sha & Should I be Doing it?

If you’re on social media, you’ve probably come across a gua sha at some point…. and if not, gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that is used to “massage” or move fluid, tissues, and fascia in the body to increase circulation, oxygen, and restore normal cell function. This traditional holistic method is known to help improve skin health, immunity system function, and reduce stress and inflammation.

In the self care world, gua sha is generally referred to as a smooth edged tool, usually made from stone, that is used to manually “scrap” the skin for a therapeutic effect. Many estheticians and holistic health professionals incorporate gua sha into their skin routine for it’s benefits to tone the skin, remove toxins and extracellular fluid, and tone muscles.

Gua sha has been around for thousands of years in Eastern medicine but, more recently it has surfaced into the mainstream wellness industry by pop culture “influencers and health leaders.” Despite its rise in popularity and longevity in traditional cultures, there has been an on-going conversation about its efficacy:

• Does it really work or is it just another beauty fad?

• What is the proper way to actually use it?

• And, how do you start incorporating it into your routine?

First of all, gua sha is used for therapeutic purposes and meant for pretty much anyone. You don’t need to be a health expert or practitioner to use it. And secondly, the techniques of gua sha are different based on the intention for using it. In an occupational therapy treatment, I only implement an intervention if it is going to compliment or facilitate in the desired outcome, or goal. Same goes for using gua sha—or any self care practice—if you know why you’re doing what you’re doing, you’re more likely to do it because it has meaning, and you’re more likely to achieve the outcome you want.

With that being said, gua sha is commonly used for lymphatic drainage and detoxification. However, some eastern practices use it a bit more aggressively to move stagnant old blood out of tissues to promote re-oxygenation and healing of the cells. And while these both can provide benefits for different reasons, I caution using the gua sha with too much force and friction because that can lead to cell damage, bruising, and additional inflammation to the area. So if you’re looking more for the deep pressure and muscle/tension relief with a gua sha, please consult with a holistic practitioner or provider instead of trying to do it on your own.

Otherwise, using gua sha is an effective and non-invasive way to promote cellular detoxification, skin elasticity, and tissue repair that you can do at home for only takes a few minutes a day. Now, let’s get to the good stuff…..

Does it really work or is it just a beauty fad?

Plain and simple. It works. But, it only works when its done properly to aid in lymphatic drainage and detoxification. It works to move the excess, superficial fluid in our body back into the blood stream to circulate out the toxins, wastes, and proteins. The superficial fluid is called lymph fluid and it holds our cells and tissues in place and collects the waste particles of a cell. Cells are fueled by nutrients and oxygen that are brought in by the blood, and as our cells use this fuel, they excrete toxic byproducts that float around in this superficial lymph fluid (kind of like exhaust from a car). This is the beginning of the lymphatic system…. a network of vessels in the body that collect extra-cellular waste and move it back into the circulatory system.

But, our lymphatic system doesn’t have a “pump” to move this fluid from floating around back into the vessels like the cardiovascular system does with the heart. So, without proper care and attention, lymph fluid can easily get stagnant, cause swelling and pooling, and keep toxic byproducts diluting our tissues.

What is the proper way to actually use it?

Gua sha works to facilitate lymph movement and promote healthy circulation and oxygenation of the tissues with manual and soft strokes. Because lymph fluid is superficial to the skin, meaning it isn’t deep, moving it requires soft, light strokes verses deep pressure. Our lymph fluid gets collected and stored in lymph nodes, which are located in specific areas in the body. And they have a tolerance to how much lymph they can hold at a time. So, its important to ensure they don’t get overloaded and get stimulated before moving more lymph into them.

When using the gua sha for skin care, specifically neck and facial care, you’ll want to have a smooth stone gua sha tool. They come in different sizes and shapes but you’ll want to make sure it has round and curved edges and be something comfortable to hold. Next, you’ll want to apply a little facial oil to your collar bone area, neck, jaw, and face—enough to glide with the Gua Sha, but not too slippery.

Then, you’ll hold the stone in your hand and angle it at a 15-30 degree angle. This helps so you don’t put too much pressure or force down. Next, position your stone at the far side of your chest, between your chest and your arm. Gently and slowly, stroke the stone across towards the center of your chest. Repeat that motion three times and do the other side.

After that, you’ll use the same gentle strokes to pull the stone from the side of your neck towards your collar bone. You may need to stabilize the skin with your other hand so it doesn’t drag when you are stroking. Repeat 3-5 strokes and do both sides. Use this same technique to stroke the stone from your jaw line under your next to your collar bone. Then under your chin to jaw line. You can repeat this process working your way up from the bottom of your face to the top of your forehead using the gua sha.

Take special care and caution around the thin skin of your undereyes, and remember don’t press too firmly. Always start from the bottom and unclog the path ways so that you make room for the distal lymph fluid to back into the body.

How do you start incorporating it into your routine?

Well, first get a gua sha that you like!! You can shop online, support a small business owner, ask a holistic health practitioner for options on sizes, shapes, and colors. But find one that is attractive and appealing to YOU.

Next, make sure you have a good noncomedogenic skin oil. Generally, jojoba oil, Aragon, grapeseed, avocado, and reship seed oils are safe go-tos. You’ll want to avoid any water-based products as that dehydrates the skin, and fragrances/parabens/perfumes that disrupt our natural hormone response. I have been using this natural oil, Balance and Glow Day Oil from Aurelia Skin for my nightly drainage and really liking it. No affiliation

Then, decide when you can add it into your routine, whether it be in the morning at night, or both. From there, give yourself 10 minutes of “skin care” to move the fluid and practice your gua sha technique. To clean your gua sha, simply wash it with warm water and some soap between each session as it can get greasy and pick up dead skin cells throughout the use.

Now, I will admit, I don’t use my gua sha daily during my self care routine, but I do use my hands to provide the same effect. And I have to say since doing a daily facial massage and lymph drainage, I feel I have more energy and clearer skin.

If you’re wondering if you should use gua sha, my answer is yes—as long as you’re doing it correctly, adding this into your routine is a great way to up level your wellness routine.

New to skin care or looking to up-level your self care routine? No problem! Join my free weekly newsletter, Moments & Musings where I send out short and sweet wellness tips, recommendations, and inspiration to help you on your life journey.

disclosure note: there may be affiliate links in this context which may generate a small commission from purchases through the link. In these situations, I am paid a small percentage of your purchase with no extra charge to you. This is your way of supporting me and my content and allows me to continue sharing with you. Please let me know if you have any questions.