Gua Sha Facial Massage: Does it Really Work?

Sagging face, imperfections, dull complexion? The Gua Sha, precious ancestral care tool for facial massage, has multiple benefits to detoxify, reduce wrinkles, dark circles, double chin and this in an entirely natural way.

This practice involves pressing a small tool, usually made of quartz, jade, horn, or bone, onto your face. By performing repetitive pressure movements, this will activate your blood circulation, stimulate your skin in depth and help eliminate toxins.

Gua Sha: What is it?

If the terms “jade rolling” or “gua sha” mean nothing to you, know that this treatment technique, like roller (jade or quartz roller) dates back several centuries. The face-scraping technique is based on an ancient healing technique called Gua Sha. It was first mentioned in a classical Chinese medicine text called Shan Han Lun, dated 220 CE.

Originally, Chinese doctors wanted to achieve a ‘Sha’ redness that encourages the skin to oxygenate, stimulate and self-heal. Pronounced gwa sha, Gua Sha facial is a facial treatment that involves scraping a flat jade or rose quartz stone across the skin in upward strokes to relax stiff muscles and promote tissue drainage. But unlike the traditional Gua Sha massage, as people used to practice it with a horn in the past, this one will not leave any bruises on the face because it is performed with a much lighter hand.

A treatment for the body originally, Gua Sha, has since been adapted in France for facial therapies, the scraping motion having evolved into a gentler massage technique, which promotes lymphatic drainage. The liquid trapped under the skin is evacuated towards the lymphatic system; the puffiness disappears, while the oval of the face is refined.

When to use a face Gua Sha?

Morning and evening ideally in acupuncture points. In the morning, it’s about treating puffiness and oxygenating the skin, while in the evening, you work more on relaxing the muscles and loosening the connective tissues. But if you’re lazy at least 3 times a week for 5 minutes minimum.

The frequency of use depends on your skin type, its tolerance to the method and your energy for regular use. Once you have got into the habit of practicing gua sha in self-massage and found that it is one of the tools that is ultra-easy to use.

What stone?

The type of stone you choose for your gua sha is important, as is its shape. The material of the stone is also something to consider in your purchase. Some stones have anti-microbial qualities which make them particularly well suited for facial techniques.

Jade, aventurine and amethyst are cool, which counterbalances the warming effect of the massage. Finally, anyone with reactive skin should use roze quarts because of its natural calming effects .

What form?

You will find Gua Sha with varying contours on each edge and you will choose the shape that has the right curvature for you to fit the angles of your face. The variety of contours will also allow you to use your tool on various parts of your face, including the jawline and cheekbones.

The most natural form for your care? The Gua Sha heart is the most classic; This one hugs the contour of the face, encircles the chin, and fits well in the hand because it is flat and smooth. It is anti-aging and firming. It helps to relax the deep muscles of the face while allowing skincare products to penetrate better.

Mushroom Gua Sha is more difficult to understand, but with the rounded tip, you will come to put pressure on acupressure points on the contours of the eyes. It helps to regenerate the tissues. The notched wing Gua Sha is flat and smooth except in one area where it is slightly notched. It is a natural movement that stimulates and heats the epidermis. The gua sha in pressure on each of the folds of mature skin in one direction, then in the other (in the shape of a cross) helps in the production of collagen, and is therefore, part of the anti-aging facial tools.

For the contour of the face, it is essential that your Gua Sha is of a sufficient size, be careful, with reduced formats.

What color?

Most reviews mention that rose quartz is anti-aging, soothing and lifting.

The green jade stone is the most famous because it is a luminous crystal that brings good luck and prosperity.

The blue Gua Sha stone marks harmony and inspires tranquility and peace.

How to Choose Your Facial Gua Sha Tool for the Most Divine Massage?

The Gua Sha, like the jade roller, is an important purchase because they will enter your beauty routine to stay there! A quality tool made with genuine, natural crystal will often weigh slightly more than a resin counterfeit. Heavier skincare products achieve better results because they exert a more powerful massage and better release toxins while releasing facial tension.

I have linked down below a selection of some of the best Gua Shas on the market.

How to recognize a real Gua Sha?

Before buying a gua sha tool (face or body) read the reviews and consider its quality, material, size and price. Relaxation and stone massage are technically nothing new in Chinese medicine. They are very successful in the world of beauty because their benefits go far beyond relaxation and stress reduction: they make it possible to obtain clearer, younger, more toned skin. But you have to be certain that it is natural and not false. To do this, go for recognized brands (and not in Amazon delivery from unknown origin).

Please keep it cool, otherwise it is not a guasha or roller stone, but a fake.

What do the scientists think?

When talking about eliminating toxins as part of a beauty routine, you have to be wary and take the time to check the facts. But can Gua Sha really give your skin a boost? According to a German study, this massage technique actually improves blood microcirculation in the face. Some researchers even claim that circulation can be improved by up to 400%!

The virtues of Gua Sha:

A real massage tool, for the face (especially under the eyes and the neck and body), it is a facial gym treatment with a certain natural friction that causes heat. This movement …

-Helps produce collagen,

-Softens fine lines and wrinkles, fights skin dryness,

-Stimulates circulation,

-Decongests: reduces puffiness around the eyes and dark circles,

-Eliminates toxins, improves acne,

-Decreases inflammation ,

-Sculpts facial muscles ,

-Reduces double chin,

-Releases tension and relaxes features,

-Fight against water retention,

-Brightens the complexion and rejuvenates the look,

-Lifting effect without injections Has properties that help cleanse your chakras.

How to use a Face Gua Sha?

Apply a cream or an organic oil in 2/3 small hazelnuts, then start the massage on the whole face, neck and décolleté. The best method of treatment is to apply gentle pressure and even strokes against the skin, preferably in the direction of the lymphatic flow, stretching from the inside of the face towards the temples. Since the lymph nodes are located below the surface of the skin, lymphatic flow and drainage is stimulated, releasing excess fluid that can make the complexion look a little puffy with a bit of firm pressure. The gua sha face will evacuate the lymph in the body’s drainage system.

Do not exert too much pressure but have a firm hand to feel the benefits of the massage. It is recommended to use daily for more effectiveness and to see real smoothing, sculpting and anti-aging results.

Simply clean it with water.

Here are some of my favorite tutorials for facial massage using Gua Sha.

When should you avoid using a facial Gua Sha?

Gua sha is not recommended for people with rosacea, rashes, sunburn or blood clotting problems. Although natural, it could irritate the skin.

Let me know down below if you massage your face using a Gua Sha after skincare regularly, if you have used any of the ones listed above, and share with us your experience with Gua Sha facial massage.

Looking forward to reading your comments, sending you love and positive energy!!!