Gua sha is an ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice that has recently gained mainstream popularity for its skincare benefits. The technique involves using a smooth-edged tool to scrape the skin, improving circulation, reducing puffiness, and promoting lymphatic drainage. While traditionally used for healing, modern gua sha focuses on facial massage to sculpt and refresh the skin.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to use gua sha, its benefits, and the best gua sha tools to incorporate into your skincare routine.
What Is Gua Sha?
Gua sha is a natural therapy that addresses inflammation, chronic pain, and stagnant qi (life force energy). According to TCM principles, the gentle scraping of the gua sha tool stimulates circulation, removes toxins, and relieves tension.
While gua sha tools are commonly made from jade or rose quartz, stainless steel gua sha tools are now gaining popularity due to their durability, cooling effect, and hygienic properties.
How to Use a Gua Sha Tool
Each part of a gua sha tool is designed for a specific area of the face:
- The notch at the top – for delicate under-eye areas
- The long edge – for the neck and cheeks
- The short edge – for the forehead
- The double notched ‘U’ shape – for the throat, jawline, and eyebrows
Simple Gua Sha Facial Massage Routine
Follow this beginner-friendly gua sha facial routine, repeating each step 3-5 times:
- Neck & Throat: Use the long edge to stroke upward from your collarbone to your jaw.
- Jaw: Start at the chin with the U-shaped edge and gently scrape up to the ear.
- Cheeks: Use the long edge to stroke upward from the center of your face to your ears.
- Under-Eyes: Use the notch at the top of the tool to lightly sweep outward toward the temples.
- Eyebrows: Use the U-shaped edge to glide along the brow bone.
- Forehead: Use the short edge to stroke from the brows to the hairline.
For optimal results, apply a facial oil before using the gua sha tool to help it glide smoothly across the skin. Check out this highly-rated gua sha facial oil on Amazon.
Does Gua Sha Work?
While results vary from person to person, gua sha has been used in TCM for centuries with several potential benefits:
- Promotes Lymphatic Drainage – The scraping motions encourage the removal of toxins and reduce swelling.
- Reduces Tension & Pain – Helps relieve tension in the jaw, temples, and forehead.
- Improves Circulation – Boosts blood flow, leading to a brighter complexion.
- Reduces Puffiness – Especially beneficial for the under-eye area.
- Encourages Mindfulness – Incorporating gua sha into your routine creates a relaxing self-care ritual.
Pro Tip: Store your gua sha tool in the fridge for 15 minutes before use for a cooling effect!
Best Gua Sha Tools to Try
If you’re looking to add gua sha to your routine, consider these top-rated tools:
1. Mount Lai Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool
Why It Stands Out: Handcrafted from natural jade, this tool is designed to reduce puffiness and sculpt the face. Its curved edges ensure a comfortable grip, making it perfect for beginners and experienced users alike.
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2. Stainless Steel Gua Sha by Sacheu Beauty
Why It Stands Out: Unlike jade and rose quartz, stainless steel is self-cooling, non-porous, and extremely durable. It’s ideal for those looking for a long-lasting, hygienic option that won’t break easily.
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3. Wildling Empress Stone
Why It Stands Out: Made from Bian stone, which contains over 40 minerals known for their healing properties, this gua sha tool is uniquely shaped for facial contouring and deeper muscle relaxation.
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4. Eco-Friendly Stainless Steel Gua Sha by UpCircle Beauty
Why It Stands Out: Sustainably made, this stainless steel gua sha is designed to improve skin tone and reduce puffiness without the risk of breakage. Its smooth, polished surface ensures easy gliding across the skin.
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Advantages of Stainless Steel Gua Sha Tools
✅ Self-Cooling: Naturally cool to the touch, soothing the skin without refrigeration.
✅ Hygienic: Non-porous material prevents bacteria buildup.
✅ Durable: Unlike jade or quartz, stainless steel won’t chip or break.
✅ Better for Puffiness & Collagen Production: Helps reduce dark circles and firms the skin.
Explore more stainless steel gua sha tools on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
Gua sha is more than just a beauty trend—it’s a time-tested self-care practice that offers numerous skin benefits. Whether you’re looking to reduce puffiness, improve circulation, or simply relax, adding a gua sha routine to your skincare regimen can be a game-changer.
