The Complete Guide to Developing a Gua Sha Routine

Download Article

Get the most out of gua sha with a personalized routine

Co-authored by Bailey Bujnosek, BA Reviewed by Barbie Ritzman

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

Easy Gua Sha Routine for Skincare

|

Customizing Your Gua Sha Routine

|

Benefits of Gua Sha

|

Types of Gua Sha

|

When to Avoid Gua Sha

|

History of Gua Sha

|

Video

Gua sha is more than just the latest viral skincare trend—the practice of rubbing one’s skin with a rounded stone or tool to stimulate lymphatic drainage, energize your skin, and balance your qi has roots in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) going back thousands of years. Wondering how you can create your own gua sha routine to reap self-care and physical benefits? We’ve got you covered. Below, learn every step to establish a gua sha routine, from buying the right gua sha tool to practicing proper technique.

How to Establish a Gua Sha Routine

Decide what you want to achieve through gua sha so you can find or create a routine that aligns with your skincare and self-care goals.
Choose a gua sha routine, tool, and oil or lotion that suit your needs, considering your budget, time, skin type, and desired results.
Perform your gua sha routine 3-5 times per week for 3-5 minutes per session.
Set reminders on your phone to help you stick to your routine. Perform gua sha in the morning and at night for different benefits.

Section 1 of 6:

Easy Gua Sha Routine for Skincare

Download Article

Clean skin will help prevent impurities from being absorbed into your skin while performing gua sha. Once you’ve cleansed, liberally apply facial oil to your skin to create a slippery surface for the gua sha tool.^{[1]
X
Research source}
2
Position the tool at a 35-45 degree angle and use gentle pressure. Place the tool flat against your skin (not perpendicular) and only use light or medium pressure when gliding the tool over your skin. Glide the tool in complete outward, upward strokes, 3-5 times per section of the face or neck, to help direct and stimulate lymph drainage.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- While upward strokes are commonly advised in gua sha, you can also use downward strokes, particularly on the neck and shoulder area.^{[3]
  X
  Research source} Just go in one direction at a time, rather than scraping back and forth, to avoid aggravating the skin.^{[4]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  
  Go to source}
- Be mindful while performing gua sha. Practice deep breathing to potentially reap mental wellness benefits such as stress relief and relaxation.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
Advertisement
3
Start at your neck and work your way up to your forehead. This is believed to prevent fluids from getting trapped in the skin by following lymphatic flow. Below are steps to guide you through the typical order of facial gua sha. You can shorten this routine if your goal is simply relaxation through the calming ritual.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Neck: Glide the long side of your gua sha tool up and down the neck, 3-5 times per side.
- Throat: Glide the notched side of the gua sha tool from the base of your throat to your chin, 3-5 times.
- Jaw: Glide the notched side of the gua sha tool along your jawline, from the center of your chin to under your ear. Do this 3-5 times on one side, then repeat on the other side.
- Cheeks: Glide the notched side of your gua sha tool along your cheekbone, moving upward from the side of your nose to your ear. Do this 3-5 times before repeating on the other cheekbone.
- Eyes: Glide the long side of your gua sha tool across your under eye area, moving from below the inner eye to the temple. Do the movement 3-5 times before repeating on the other side of your face.
- Eyebrows: Glide the notched side of the gua sha tool over your brow bone 3-5 times, starting from between the brows and moving outward toward the temple. Repeat on the other brow bone.
- Forehead: Glide the long side of your gua sha from the center of your forehead outward. After doing this motion 3-5 times on both sides, move up. Repeat until you’ve scraped all sections of the forehead. You’re done!

Section 2 of 6:

Customizing Your Gua Sha Routine

Download Article

Gua sha can be performed on the face or body for differing benefits, but a gua sha routine focuses on performing gua sha on your face to achieve physical, skincare-related, or mental wellness benefits.^{[7]
X
Research source} Have one or all of these goals in mind (or write them down!) to help you find a routine that aligns with your desired results.
2
Choose the right gua sha tool for your needs. Below is a breakdown of popular gua sha tools based on possible gua sha routine goals, as well as advice on tool shape and porosity. When it comes to price, keep in mind that some experts argue you can use any rounded tool to perform gua sha—even a wooden spoon—but you want something you can easily clean.^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source

Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
- For mental/spiritual wellness: You’ll likely want a gua sha (the term refers to the stone tool as well as the practice) associated with healing benefits according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).^{[9]
  X
  Research source} Jade is a popular material because of its cooling properties, and rose quartz is said to be ideal for those with sensitive skin.^{[10]
  X
  Research source} Look out for fake (glass or plastic) stones, and consider supporting Asian-owned brands when shopping for authentic gua sha that aligns with TCM principles.^{[11]
  X
  Research source} Avoid porous stones, as these can breed bacteria over time.^{[12]
  X
  Research source}
- For cosmetic benefits: Maneuverability and shape are important to consider when picking a gua sha tool. The popular heart-shaped gua sha is easy to hold, and its notch allows you to easily perform gua sha on the jawline and under eye area. A comb gua sha (also called a wave-shaped gua sha tool) offers ridges to perform gua sha on the scalp as well.^{[13]
  X
  Research source} Avoid porous tools that can breed bacteria, or weak tools (for example, plastic rollers) that could break easily.^{[14]
  X
  Research source}
3
Find the right facial oil or lotion for your routine. There’s no specific face oil or lotion used when performing gua sha.^{[15]
X
Research source} Pick an oil that suits your skin type, budget, and preferences regarding ingredients or fragrance. If you have sensitive skin, an oil-free face lotion may be a better choice than a face oil.^{[16]
X
Research source} You’ll apply the oil before beginning gua sha (and may need to reapply it throughout the process) to lubricate your skin and help the tool glide easily, so make sure you have enough!^{[17]
X
Research source}
- Look for a moisturizing face oil that’s suited to your skin type—if there’s already a skincare brand you love like Youth To The People or Drunk Elephant, see if they offer face oil.
4
Create a schedule based on your goals and availability. Gua sha is typically performed at least 2-3 times a week. However, some experts recommend using a gua sha tool once or twice a day as part of your regular skin care or self-care routines to create a consistent practice.^{[18]
X
Research source} Timing is also key—performing gua sha in the morning can address puffiness and energize your skin, while gua sha at night can help relax your facial muscles before bed.^{[19]
X
Research source}
- If you aren’t a morning person or only have time to perform gua sha on the weekends, plan a low-frequency routine. Try to space out the days you perform facial gua sha (for example, once every three days), especially if your goals are physical/cosmetic in nature. This way, you can attempt to consistently achieve results such as stimulating lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness.^{[20]
  X
  Research source}
- When deciding when to perform gua sha at night, aim for fitting it in after cleansing your face and before putting on night creams or moisturizers. Since performing gua sha can increase blood circulation in the face, it’s believed by some experts to help with absorption of products.^{[21]
  X
  Research source}
- Set reminders on your phone, smart watch, or other device to help you remember when it’s time to perform gua sha. Performing a gua sha routine takes 3-5 minutes (or 7-10 if you adopt a longer routine), so you only have to allow a little time each day to reap the benefits!
5
Watch videos to learn proper gua sha technique for each part of the face. For example, if using a heart-shaped gua sha tool, you typically use the long straight edge on the neck, but use the notch over the brow bone and under eye area. Seeing a routine performed can give you a sense of technique and timing, especially if you’re a beginner to gua sha.
- Some YouTube channels with popular Gua Sha tutorials to follow along with include Tina Engeo, All You Can Face, and Lémore Beauty.
- Be advised that videos may feature claims about gua sha’s effects that are not supported by research or empirical evidence. Currently, there is little or no research supporting the claims that gua sha can tone muscles, spot-reduce fat, or reduce wrinkles by promoting collagen production—so focus on achieving possible effects such as muscle relaxation, stress relief, skin brightening, and lymphatic drainage.^{[22]
  X
  Research source}
Gua sha can increase blood circulation in the face to brighten skin by giving it a temporary glow.^{[23]
X
Research source} If you want to maintain this result, you may modify your routine to perform gua sha every morning. On the flip side, you may experience excess redness or light bruising from gua sha.^{[24]
X
Research source} This could be a sign you’re performing gua sha too frequently, using the wrong oil or tool, or applying too much pressure. Try to diagnose the issue and tweak your routine accordingly.

Section 3 of 6:

Benefits of Gua Sha

Download Article

Performing gua sha on the face can have mental and physical benefits. Facial gua sha is often practiced to achieve cosmetic and mental effects such as relaxing facial tension, stimulating lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness, and providing calm through ritual.^{[25]
X
Research source}Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, also claim it can alleviate problems like migraines by promoting the body’s flow of qi (one’s life force, in TCM).^{[26]
X
Trustworthy Source

Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
- Researchers have examined bodily gua sha’s effects on short-term pain relief when applied to the neck.^{[27]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  
  Go to source} However, research substantiating gua sha’s effects is limited and body gua sha is typically performed by professional practitioners of TCM. Talk with your doctor to see if gua sha is safe and appropriate for you.^{[28]
  X
  Research source}
EXPERT TIP

Tracy Zollinger Dipl. OM, L.Ac., FABORM
Licensed Herbalist & Acupuncturist
Tracy Zollinger (she/her) is a Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist, and the Founder of Island Acupuncture in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 15 years of experience, Tracy specializes in a holistic approach to reproductive health, fertility, and pre and post-natal care. Tracy creates comprehensive treatment plans using acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, and western labs. She holds a Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences and is board certified in integrative reproductive medicine, with a focus on LGBTQIA specific needs.

Tracy Zollinger Dipl. OM, L.Ac., FABORM
Licensed Herbalist & Acupuncturist

In Chinese medicine, we say gua sha expels heat or external evils. That means it can be used for things like common colds, fevers, morning sickness for people that are pregnant, and to relieve painful areas, like joint pain.

Section 4 of 6:

Types of Gua Sha

Download Article

This type of gua sha is popular as part of skincare and self-care routines.^{[29]
X
Research source} Unlike traditional gua sha which involves applying moderate pressure to parts of the body with gua sha tools to break capillaries under the skin, facial gua sha encourages light pressure.^{[30]
X
Research source} It is not associated with healing or pain relief, but rather de-stressing and energizing your skin.
This practice of applying moderate pressure (like a massage) causes petechiae, or small red bumps, to appear near the surface of the skin. These bumps are believed to activate your immune and nervous systems to bring about pain relief and spiritual healing, although limited research has been done to validate and prove these claims.^{[31]
X
Research source}

Section 5 of 6:

When to Avoid Gua Sha

Download Article

If you had Botox or other cosmetic fillers injected within the past four weeks, wait to perform gua sha until four weeks have passed. If you have psoriasis, rosacea, or another skin issue, gua sha may aggravate your condition. You should also avoid gua sha if you have diabetes, circulation issues, are on blood thinners, or are pregnant or think you might be. Unsure? Check with your doctor to decide if you can add gua sha to your routine.^{[32]
X
Research source}

Section 6 of 6:

History of Gua Sha

Download Article

Gua Sha originated in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). According to one TCM guru, it dates back to the Yuan Dynasty and was used to treat bodily collapses (like heatstroke) or seasonal diseases.^{[33]
X
Research source} It’s also used regularly today as an alternative medicine practice for treating chronic pain.^{[34]
X
Research source} Traditionally, it was performed with natural tools or stones.^{[35]
X
Research source}
- The name gua sha translates to ‘scrape’ (gua) and ‘petechiae’ (sha)—referring to the temporary, small red dots on the skin that appear when performing gua sha on the body to relieve pain and encourage healing.^{[36]
  X
  Research source}