Is Gua Sha the original at-home self-care routine? This all-natural ancient Chinese healing technique involves scraping your skin with a massage tool to improve the skin's look and health.

Don't let the term "scraping" fool you, though; it's super gentle and more like a relaxing exfoliating treatment instead!

What is Gua Sha Actually Doing?

Gua Sha offers a unique approach to better health, addressing issues like pain and lack of circulation. How? The practice utilizes short and long strokes to stimulate the soft tissue, relax muscles, and increase blood flow in the face using a smooth-edged instrument known as a gua massage tool. Gua sha is meant to address stagnant energy or chi in the body that practitioners attribute to a slew of concerns. The movements help reduce puffiness and improve circulation by up to 400% while taking away toxins. Some people practice Gua Sha to help with conditions like headaches, tight jaws, or they use it as a unique and relaxing facial technique to promote glowing and healthy-looking skin. Gua Sha facial massages can look different depending on what your desired outcome is.

What are the Benefits?

Gua Sha tools are pressed on the face in gentle, upward strokes. Gua Sha facials stimulate the fascia, a thin casing of connective tissue that's rich in collagen fibers. The practice helps release blockages in the facial muscles to promote optimal circulation, toxin release, and banish bloat. The lymphatic system is encouraged to flush out toxins from the face to help breathe new life into the skin. Some even consider it a viable (needle-free) alternative to Botox.

After a Gua Sha facial, most people notice a clear, more toned complexion. The skin feels recharged, and a glowy hue will soon emerge. After you relieve tension in the face, jaw, and neck muscles, you'll notice a major improvement in your skin. When circulation increases and your chi is flowing well, you look and feel your best.

Gua Sha Basics 101 | What You Should Know:

Gua Sha isn't harmful or dangerous, so you can practice as much as it feels right for you. Most experts say doing Gua Sha at least 3x a week is ideal for rendering the most benefits. For many, Gua Sha becomes second nature! Practicing is just as normal as brushing your teeth or washing your face.

If you're unsure what it feels like, most Gua Sha users say it's incredibly relaxing. If used properly, the Gua sha tool shouldn't hurt. Always play around with the pressure and do what feels best for you. Your delicate facial skin will appreciate loving, gentle strokes. If your skin is irritated or sore, you may need to ease up on the pressure or take a break from using it altogether.

Not Everyone Will Benefit From Facial Gua Sha:

Like any other cosmetic practice, Gua Sha may not be suitable for everyone. If you've recently received injected fillers or Botox, it's best to wait until you get the "OK" from your doctor before implementing Gua Sha into your self-care routine to avoid moving the fillers.

Avoid Gua Sha facial massages over open lesions on the skin, pimples, and cystic acne. The rapid movement may irritate the infected area. Instead, you can keep your Gua Sha tool in the fridge and then place the flat side against the inflamed skin. The cooling and calming effect helps soothe irritated or angry skin.