Gua Sha (pronounced gwa sahh, the ‘h’ is silent) is a friction scraping technique applied on the skin. The term Gua Sha literally means scraping the disease to the surface.

This is a Chinese medicine technique. It is used in skin care as a releasing technique to remove skin toxins and deeply nourish the skin by allowing the circulation of nutrients to its cells.

It is also a great exercise for the pores and small blood vessels that sustain the skin. It prevents skin dryness by enabling the skin to redistribute moisture, thus improving skin respiration.

As we age, we tend to lose the ability to hydrate the outer layers of our skin effectively, but this technique helps improve that.

Benefits of Facial Gua Sha

• Brings moisture to outer layers of the skin.
• Stimulates blood flow and lymph flow and helps to increase collagen production
• Releases muscle tension in the jaw and neck
• Relieves sinus congestion

How To Gua Sha Your Face

Massage face with your favorite Lotus Moon beauty oil.

The Gua Sha process will allow the product to penetrate and be absorbed into your skin. Apply it liberally, more than you normally would, and re-apply it if the skin dries out.

• Place the smooth edge of your Gua Sha tool at a 30-degree angle to the skin.
• Press down on the tool to feel a good amount of pressure [but not to the point of pain] and slide the tool over the skin without releasing the pressure.
• Repeat each pass 2-3 times.

Perform more passes over areas that show signs of aging; wrinkling, sagging, or dryness. Perform more passes on areas that are tight.

Areas to Perform Gua Sha

On Zone 1 Forehead: From the point between the eyebrows and above the eyebrows to the outer corner of the eye. From the inner point of the brow to the outer point of the brow (and right under)

Zone 2 Cheek: Under the eye – from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner of the eye. From the side of the nose to the ear under the cheekbone.

Zone 3 Chin: From the center of the bottom of the chin to the ear.

Zone 4 Jawbone: From the center of the face right under the mouth to the outer corner of the mouth.

Zone 5 Neck: Over the neck from the collar bone to the jawbone.

What to Expect After Performing Gua Sha

Your skin will appear blushed, and there may be even a little perspiration. The Gua Sha procedure should not cause any bruising. 

When done correctly the facial Gua Sha technique is gentler than the therapeutic Gua Sha done for various illnesses on other parts of the body.

If there is an appearance of 'Sha' (small dots like red, purple or blue), it indicates an underlying stagnation or inflammation. This is a good sign that it was released; however, the spots can take a few days to fade away.

Happy Gua Sha-ing!