Gua sha is a traditional Chinese technique that has been around for thousands of years. In this blog, I will talk about facial Gua sha exclusively, but if you want to know more about Gua sha in general, click here to learn about The Amazing benefits of Gua Sha.

Facial Gua sha is a treatment that uses an instrument (Gua sha tool) that scrapes the skin with gentle strokes to help lift and tone the skin and stimulate qi and blood flow.

It is a relaxing way to start or finish the day. I try to do it at least two to three times a week before going to bed, but honestly, I should be doing it every day. I love it! And you will love it too.

These are some of the benefits of facial Gua Sha:

• Activates acupressure points along the 12 major meridians on the face
• Stimulates lymphatic drainage reducing facial swelling and under the eye puffiness
• Stimulates blood flow to the face
• Diminishes scars
• It gives your skin a youthful glow
• Detoxifies the face
• Softens wrinkles and fine lines
• Reduces facial and jaw tension (great for TMJ and Bell’s palsy)

Facial Gua sha should not be done when there are active skin irritations (eczema, psoriasis, herpes) or growths. It is not recommended during pregnancy, chemotherapy, radiation, and immediately after chemical or surgical procedures on the face.

How to do it

There are different types of Gua sha tools made out of a variety of materials. For the face, my favorite is a heart-shaped jade stone.

To get the benefits of Gua sha, follow these steps:

1. Make sure your face is clean, and your Gua sha tool is too.
2. Apply face serum or oil, make sure the oil is non-comedogenic (non-comedogenic means it will not clog pores). I like to use rosehip oil but feel free to use the best for your skin type. Other non-comedogenic oils are sunflower seed oil, safflower oil, and grape seed oil.
3. Use large, gentle, and steady scraping strokes going upward and outward and in one direction. Do at least three strokes on each part of the face. Apply only light to medium pressure.
4. Start at the jawline, scrape very gentle from the center of your chin to the bottom of your ear, do one side then the other side.
5. Massage the cheeks from the nose area outwards.
6. Then, move to the eye area and glide the Gua sha tool gently from the inner corner of your eyes to the temples.
7. Lastly, scrape your forehead, starting from your eyebrows pulling it up to the hairline.
8. Finish your skincare routine. Don’t forget to clean your Gua sha tool with soap and water and store it carefully because it can break easily.

If you have any further questions, I am always here to help.

Schedule your 30-minute Gua sha session; you will leave the office relaxed and glowing!

Coming soon to the office Cosmetic acupuncture!! Stay tuned for more information about it.