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Gua Sha: What Is It and what are the benefits?

20th July 2021

Health Life

20th July 2021

By Beth Shelper

From morning routines on social media to bathroom shelves lined with sculpted stone tools, gua sha has quickly become one of the most talked-about skincare practices of recent years.

It’s often described as a face-sculpting ritual and a way to define your jawline in minutes.

But what is gua sha, what are the real benefits. Is it actually worth the hype?

Here’s the science backed overlook of exactly what to know about gua sha!

 

What is a Gua Sha?

Gua Sha, also known as Kerokan (in Indonesia), has a hugely extensive history, and is a natural, alternative therapy that is part of traditional Chinese medicine. It’s meaning can be split into 2 parts:

  • “Gua” meaning “scrape”
  • “Sha” meaning “petechiae” - this refers to the tiny, red or purple-coloured spots on skin created by the technique.

Historically, it was used on the body as part of traditional healing practices. The facial version seen today is a modern adaptation, designed for cosmetic massage and lymphatic support.

Traditionally, Gua Sha tones were made of stone, but this later transitioned into precious stones such as Jade and Rose Quartz – both of which are renowned for their healing benefits. The technique has been implemented for centuries in Asia, but now everyone else is catching up.

While the body technique can be intense, facial gua sha is much gentler. The goal isn’t to create redness or bruising - it’s to encourage subtle fluid movement and muscle release.

Dating back 475BC, Gua Sha techniques focus on a person’s back, bum, neck, arms and face, and include massages that invigorate the blood flow and stimulate immune responses to improve skin appearance.

What are the benefits of gua sha?

Studies show that gua sha has a positive effect on a range of areas. We’ve rounded up some of the most notable benefits below:

Enhanced circulation and radiant glow

One of the most noticeable effects of gua sha is the immediate flush that appears after use. This happens because the gentle scraping motion stimulates surface-level microcirculation - increasing blood flow to the upper layers of the skin.

Improved microcirculation can temporarily enhance oxygen and nutrient delivery to skin cells. As a result, skin may appear brighter, slightly fuller and more energised. This is often what people describe as a “post-gua sha glow”.

Minimised fine lines, wrinkles and perimenopause effects

Research by the Menopause Journal have found that there is evidence to support the reduction of perimenopausal symptoms following Gua Sha techniques, with The Journal of Chinese Medicine confirming that Gua Sha facials result in improvements in skin texture and reduction of wrinkles.

Treatments

Academics have highlighted that Gua Sha therapy demonstrates ‘potential therapeutic benefits’ for various conditions, including pain reduction, inflammation mitigation, and enhanced flexibility. As such Gua sha is commonly used to treat ailments and illnesses and is suggested to reduce symptoms of:

  • Hepatitis B
  • Migraines
  • Breast engorgement
  • Neck pain
  • Joint pain
  • Carpel tunnel syndrome
  • Inflammation

Reduced facial puffiness

Gua sha aids in something called lymphatic drainage.

The lymphatic system plays a key role in moving excess interstitial fluid through the body. Unlike the circulatory system, it doesn’t have a central pump like the heart - it relies on muscle contraction and movement.

Facial massage techniques, including gua sha, may support this natural flow when performed correctly.

Improved product absorption

Gua sha is often said to improve product absorption. While massage can help distribute skincare more evenly and increase surface-level circulation, absorption is primarily determined by the formulation itself - including ingredient size and composition.

What gua sha can do is enhance application.

Using a facial oil allows the tool to glide smoothly, encourages even coverage and promotes a slower, more deliberate routine. This can help products sit more uniformly on the skin and reduce unnecessary friction.

How to use gua sha? 

Historically, Gua Sha has been performed by a licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner, but today many have turned to the technique as a form of self-care.

It’s incredibly important to follow the instructions on your Gua Sha tool, but the technique is simple. The main aim is to scrape (Gua) your skin in both short and long strokes in an upward and outward direction only – and don’t press too hard. This can lead to light bruising and bleeding, and we definitely don’t want that.

Below we have included our step-by-step guide on how to use a gua sha:

How often should you Gua Sha?

Don’t overdo it here.

Generally, it’s advised to engage in Gua Sha techniques once a week. Our skin (and particularly our face) is delicate, so it’s important to ensure you are being careful to avoid any unwanted side effects.

Maybe you could make it part of your Sunday pamper routine? We know we will be.

Side note: It’s best to avoid the Gua Sha technique if you are currently taking any blood thinning medication, just due to the nature of the technique and it’s influence in blood flow and inflammation.

Step 1: clean the skin and slip

Before using a gua sha tool, cleanse the skin thoroughly. Any friction against dry or unprepared skin can lead to unnecessary dragging, irritation or barrier disruption.

Apply a facial oil or a well-formulated serum that provides enough slip for the tool to glide smoothly.

Step 2: begin at the neck

The next step is to hold the tool flat against the side of your neck and use gentle downward strokes toward the collarbone.

It may feel counterintuitive to start away from the face, but beginning at the neck supports directional fluid movement.

The lymphatic system in the face ultimately drains downward toward the neck. Starting here may help “clear the pathway” before working upwards.

Step 3: define the jawline

Place the curved edge of the tool along the centre of your chin.

Glide the tool along the jawline toward the ear using an upward and outward motion. The movement should follow the natural contour of the bone.

Repeat 3–5 times on each side.

Step 4: lift through the cheeks

Position the tool beside the nose and sweep outward across the cheek toward the ear.

The cheek area often holds fluid, particularly in the morning. Controlled outward strokes may reduce temporary puffiness and create a subtly more defined appearance.

Step 5: under the eyes

Use the smallest curve of the tool for the under-eye area.

Glide gently from the inner corner outward toward the temple.

Use very light pressure and limit to 2–3 passes per side. This area is delicate and doesn’t require intensity.

Step 6: move across the forehead

Start at the centre of the forehead.

Glide outward toward the temples in slow, controlled strokes.

Repeat 3–5 times per section. This can help release subtle tension held in the brow.

Step 7: finish at the neck again

Return to the neck to complete the routine.

Use gentle downward strokes toward the collarbone.

This reinforces directional flow and brings the sequence full circle.

Top tip: A lot of people place their tool in the fridge for a relaxing and refreshing cooling sensation. Ensure to use oils too, for a smooth experience.

How often should you Gua Sha?

Don’t overdo it here.

Generally, it’s advised to engage in Gua Sha techniques once a week. Our skin (and particularly our face) is delicate, so it’s important to ensure you are being careful to avoid any unwanted side effects.

Maybe you could make it part of your Sunday pamper routine? We know we will be.

When should you avoid Gua Sha?

Gua sha is generally considered low risk when performed gently and correctly. However, it isn’t suitable for everyone - particularly if the skin is inflamed, compromised or medically treated.

If you fall into one of the categories below, it may be worth speaking to a dermatologist or healthcare professional before incorporating gua sha into your routine.

  • Active acne or inflamed breakouts
  • A history of easy bruising
  • Rosacea or persistent facial redness
  • Recently had dermal fillers
  • Recently undergone laser treatments
  • A compromised or damaged skin barrier
  • Very reactive or irritation-prone skin
  • Open wounds, cuts or active skin infections

Side note: It’s best to avoid the Gua Sha technique if you are currently taking any blood thinning medication, just due to the nature of the technique and it’s influence in blood flow and inflammation

Does gua Sha work?

So, does Gua Sha live up to the hype? The short answer? It depends on what you are expecting.

According to the science, gua sha can work - but not always in the way’s it is discussed.

When used correctly, it may temporarily reduce facial puffiness, support surface-level circulation and help relieve muscle tension, particularly around the jaw and temples.

These effects are largely linked to fluid movement and mild increases in microcirculation, which can create a short-term glow or slightly more defined appearance.

However, there is currently limited strong clinical evidence supporting long-term sculpting, collagen stimulation or permanent contour changes.

In other words, gua sha may enhance how your face looks on a given day, but it doesn’t alter its structure. Approached with realistic expectations (and by avoiding the ‘hype’), it can be a useful, supportive addition to a broader skincare and wellness routine.

Can supplements also support skin health?

100%

While tools like gua sha treat the skin externally, skincare is also shaped by what you put in your body.

Collagen production, inflammation balance, hydration and repair are all influenced by nutrient intake, sleep quality and stress levels. Strategic supplementation can help support these internal processes.

Supplements like Innermost’s The Glow Blend combine ingredients selected to support collagen synthesis, protect against oxidative stress and promote overall skin resilience.

Skincare is health care, people!

References

  • Domingues, A. L. B., Solinho, A. F. N., Sequeira, C. P. D. F. P., da Mota, D. F. R., da Mota, J. M. G., Campos, M. R. R., & Tavares, N. M. R. M. (2020). The Use of Gua Sha to Improve Facial Expression Lines and Wrinkles: A Case Study. The Journal of Chinese Medicine, (123), 38-42. Click here.
  • Meng, F., Duan, P. B., Zhu, J., Lou, Q. Q., Fang, Z. H., An, H. L., ... & Hu, Q. (2017). Effect of Gua sha therapy on perimenopausal syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Menopause, 24(3), 299-307. Click here.
  • Hamp, A., Anderson, J., Laughter, M., Anderson, J., Presley, C., Rundle, C., & Dellavalle, P. (2023). Gua‐sha, Jade Roller, and Facial Massage. 22(2), 700-703. Click here.
  • Chu, E., Wong, A., Sim, P., & Kruger, F. (2021). Exploring scraping therapy: Contemporary views on an ancient healing – A review. 10(8), 2757-2762. Click here.
  • Nielsen, A., Knoblauch, N., Dobos, G., Michalsen, A., & Kaptchuk, T. (2007). The effect of Gua Sha treatment on the microcirculation of surface tissue: a pilot study in healthy subjects. 3(5), 456-466. Click here.
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