How to - Facial Gua Sha at Home

One question I often get from patients is, "How can I support facial rejuvenation in between my treatments?" One of my favorite tools is Facial Gua Sha. It's origins are rooted in East Asian Medicine, and has been practiced for thousands of years. I'm thrilled to be able to share this with others.

If you know about Facial Gua Sha and have been wanting to incorporate it to your skincare routine, but don't know where to begin, this blog is for YOU.

In this blog, we will discuss -

• What is Facial Gua Sha?

• Benefits of Facial Gua Sha

• What's the Difference Between Gua Sha on the Face or Body?

• Tools and Products You Will Need

• Preparing Your Face Before Gua Sha

• Step-by-step Tutorial

• Aftercare & What to Expect

• Common Mistakes

• Who Should Avoid Gua Sha

What is Facial Gua Sha

Gua Sha uses a smooth-edged tool to gently glide along the body to support healthy skin and create therapeutic benefits. This ancient technique was commonly practiced in homes and passed down from generation to generation.

Benefits of Facial Gua Sha

• supports lymphatic drainage

• reduces puffiness

• improves circulation

• increases nutrients to the skin and tissues

• relieves tension in muscles and tissues

• reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

• lifts and tones skin

• creates a radiant glow

What's the Difference Between Gua Sha on the Face or Body?

Body Gua Sha performed on larger muscles in the body typically uses more firm pressure to reduce muscle tension, increase circulation, break up adhesions, improve range of motion, and relieve pain. One of the most common areas to Gua Sha is the back. Oftentimes, Gua Sha on the body can leave red or purple bruise-like marks, known as sha. It should not be painful. The degree of sha is indicative of toxins and stagnation being released from the tissues. This sha usually resolves within a week or two.

Facial Gua Sha is performed on the face and neck, using gentle pressure to support a healthy complexion. The intention is to promote lymphatic drainage to minimize puffiness, relieve tension to reduce lines and wrinkles, and bring more nutrients to the face to create a healthy and glowing complexion. Since the pressure is gentle, no marks (sha) should be left on the face or neck.

Tools and Products You Will Need

1. Gua Sha tool - may be jade, rose quartz, porcelain, or other smooth material

2. Serum or facial oil - a serum or facial oil allows the tool to glide over skin smoothly

3. Clean hands & face - remember to wash your hands and face prior to Facial Gua Sha

Preparing Your Face Before Gua Sha

Clean your face with a gentle cleanser.

Optional - you can spray a hydrosol over face and neck to hydrate.

Make sure your tool is clean.

Apply your serum or facial oil to your face and neck.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Start with Lymphatic Drainage Massage

   Begin by placing your fingers just above your collarbones, where the neck meets the trunk. Using light pressure, press repeatedly to pump and move lymphatic fluid, about 20-30 times. Then make small circular motions in this area for about 30 seconds. This helps stimulate the lymphatic drainage.

   Then, gently place your fingers just behind your ear lobes and use light pressure to draw downward one to two inches, about 20-30 times. Then make light circular motions to warm up the area for about 30 seconds.

   
   *Remember to use light pressure, as lymph nodes are close to the surface and don’t require deep pressure to stimulate drainage.

2. Facial Gua Sha Routine

   Jawline and Chin

   • Hold the flat edge of the gua sha tool underneath the chin to begin.

   • Starting from the midline and sweep outward under your jawline toward your ear. Use gentle pressure and repeat 5–10 times on each side.

   • Then move the gua sha tool on top of your chin.

   • Starting from the midline and sweep outward along your jawline toward your ear. Use gentle pressure and repeat 5–10 times on each side.

   Cheeks

   • Place the tool on the side of your mouth and glide it outward across your cheeks and under the cheekbones toward your ear.

   • Repeat 5–10 times on each side, using even, smooth strokes.

   • Place the tool on the side of your nose and glide it outward across your cheekbones toward your ear.

   • Repeat 5–10 times on each side, using even, smooth strokes.

   Under-Eye Area

   • Use the smaller, curved edge of the gua sha tool. Starting toward the inner corner of your eye, gently sweep outward along the under-eye area.

   • Be very gentle here, as the skin around your eyes is delicate. Repeat 5–7 times on each side.

   Eyebrow Area

   • Starting from the midline between the eyebrows, gently sweep outward along the eyebrow out toward the temples.

   • Repeat 5–7 times on each side.

   Forehead

   • Place the flat side of the gua sha tool horizontal and in line with your eyebrows, glide upward toward your hairline. Move across the forehead gliding the tool from eyebrows up to the hairline.

   • Then, turn the tool vertical and start at the center of your forehead, glide outward toward your temples. Repeat on the other side of the forehead. Repeat each motion 5–10 times on each side.

3. Close with Lymphatic Drainage Massage

   Repeat Lymphatic Drainage massage in the reverse order that you did before gua sha.
   

   • Gently place your fingers just behind your ears and draw downward one to two inches, about 20-30 times. Then make light circular motions to warm up the area for about 30 seconds.

   • Place your fingers just above your collarbones, where the neck meets the trunk. Using light pressure, press repeatedly to pump and move lymphatic fluid, about 20-30 times. Then make small circular motions in this area for about 30 seconds. This helps stimulate the lymphatic drainage points and prepares your neck for the massage.

Aftercare and What to Expect

There is no downtime, no special care after you Gua Sha.

People usually feel nourished.

Your skin should feel and look more radiant.

No sha marks, no discomfort.

Be sure to wash your gua sha tool with soap and water after each use.

Keep it in a clean place in between uses.

Remember to hydrate to support lymphatic drainage.

Facial Gua Sha can be practiced daily.

With regular use (even just a few times per week), many people notice improvements in tone, texture, and overall skin radiance.

Common Mistakes

Some common mistakes that may hinder the effectiveness of your Facial Gua Sha...

• skipping the lymphatic drainage at the beginning and end

• not using enough facial oil or serum to create smooth glide

• using too much pressure with the tool

Who Should Avoid Gua Sha

• if you've had recent cosmetic surgery, procedures, fillers, injections

• active acne or skin infections

• pregnant

*Consult your doctor before practicing Facial Gua Sha at home.

Facial Gua Sha is more than just a skincare routine—it can support healing and nourish on a much deeper level. In my practice, Facial Gua Sha is a key part of every Facial Rejuvenation Treatment. These treatments include facial cosmetic acupuncture, full-body acupuncture, facial cupping, and facial Gua Sha to encourage lymphatic drainage, improve circulation, release tension, and promote radiant, healthy skin. Patients often leave feeling deeply relaxed, refreshed, and blissed out.

If you're curious about supporting healthy skin naturally and improving overall well-being, I'd love to connect!

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or care. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider before starting any new health or wellness practice, including acupuncture or herbal therapy. Results may vary from person to person.