Gua sha (pronounced gwah-shah) tools smooth, half moon-shaped stones that massage your face seem to have popped up everywhere over the past two years. But the practice is nothing new. It predates modern medicine and originated in China, where the stones have been used to treat all sorts of ailments by scraping (gua) the skin. Like acupuncture, it is based on the concept of promoting qi (pronounced chee), the balance and flow of our body’s energy.
Facial gua sha claims to give you clear skin, fewer wrinkles and a more sculpted appearance, and many skin care brands now produce a facial gua sha tool to accompany their products.
While the jury is out with aesthetic professionals as to its effectiveness, there are many Chinese medicine practitioners who stand behind gua sha.
Gua sha directs blood flow to the targeted area of the body, helping the body heal from injury. For this reason gua sha has been tried to relieve chronic pain. However, gua sha also has value as part of a skincare regimen.
While gua sha was traditionally applied to the body, the technique can also be used on the face. On the face, gua sha strokes are generally modified from deep scraping to gentle gliding. Gua sha claims to provide valuable benefits, including relieving inflammation, improving blood circulation, boosting collagen production, relieving muscle tension and reducing bloating by promoting lymphatic drainage. Those who practice gua sha find it relaxing and a great way to relieve stress.
However, according to Katie Brindle, a qualified Five Elements Chinese medical practitioner based in the UK, people who are undergoing chemotherapy shouldn’t use gua sha 48 hours before or 24 hours after a treatment. Pregnant women should also avoid it unless a professional handles the task, due to the pressure points on the face and body that can trigger uterine contractions in rare circumstances. One other situation where gua sha isn’t recommended is on skin with rosacea.
