Gua sha (pronounced gwa sha) is an ancient self-care practice used in traditional Chinese medicine in which a tool, usually made from jade, bone or horn is scraped across the skin to redirect energy flow. In doing this, stagnant energy is broken down, reducing inflammation, increasing blood flow and stimulating the lymphatic system to promote healing in the body. It’s a simple but rigorous technique that has been used for centuries to treat ailments such as fever, muscle pain and tension, inflammation, chronic coughs, sinusitis and migraines.
Self-care is a focal point of Chinese medicine, where it is known as Yang Sheng (nourishing life) and traditionally, Gua sha was practiced at home. As is the way with many ancient wellness traditions (here’s looking at you, Ayurveda!) it’s become increasingly popular in the western world. Much like cupping or acupressure, many acupuncturists and practitioners offer Gua sha massage as a treatment in their clinics. Like a sports massage, but with a prop, it is performed with medium to intense pressure all over a person’s back, neck, arms and legs, honing in on whichever areas are in particular need of attention. The friction caused from the repeated strokes results in scary-looking bruising and redness that can last for days after treatment.
Read more: Why To Make Dry Body Brushing A Daily Habit
So what does this all have to do with beauty and skincare? Well, a gentler version of the Gua sha technique works beauty wonders when practiced on the face. What’s more, there’s no need to see a therapist as it can be done at home as part of your everyday skincare routine, taking it back to its ancient roots as a method of self-care.
All you need is a Gua sha tool, and around one minute a day to see instant results and long term benefits. Studies have shown that this daily ritual improves microcirculation by up to 400 per cent, reduces wrinkles, rejuvenates, tones and smoothes skin, boosts collagen, combats pigmentation, dark circles and puffy eyes, defines jawlines (hello contouring!) and even decongests the sinuses. It’s literally like rubbing your way to healthier, glowier skin. As it essentially works from the inside out, you’ll also notice a release of tension and relaxing of facial muscles, so if you clench your jaw at night it’s a great way to ease any soreness in the morning. If you often get eye twitches from lack of sleep or stress, holding the Gua sha over your eyes with gentle pressure can also help to relieve and relax the muscles.
To make sure you’re using the right tools for the job, it’s best to go for a Gua sha made of jade. Aside from looking beautiful on your dresser, this green stone is revered for its cooling properties. Avoiding anything made from bone and horn for obvious reasons, you should also steer clear of cheaper alternatives which could be made from acrylic or other artificial substances that can irritate the skin. Applying facial oil before massaging will help the stone to glide easier while moisturising the skin too.
Katie Brindle is a Chinese medicine practitioner and founder of Hayo’u, a natural health and skincare brand based in the UK. Hayo’u makes the self-treatment aspect of Chinese medicine accessible and approachable with simple daily rituals and practical techniques. They offer the tools, such as their Gua sha, which is carved from traditional Xiuyan Jade and comes with a velvet pouch (ideal for travelling) as well as short easy-to-follow videos so that you can perfect the ritual at home.
Whether practiced first thing as a morning ritual or as an evening wind-down to remove the day’s stress from your face, this mindful beauty practice is meditative and relaxing. Plus, even the simplest act which makes you feel good harnesses the nourishing benefits of self-care.
