Facial Gua Sha: The Non-Invasive Facelift

The History of Gua Sha

Gua Sha is an ancient healing modality that originated in China, and, from there, progressed to other parts of Asia. While we know that it was widely used during the Ming Dynasty (where its use was first recorded), it has likely been in practice for thousands of years, since the Paleolithic age. It is considered a folk medicine, passed down in households from generation to generation.

“Gua Sha” literally translates to “scraping for sand” or “scraping the sickness out.” Using friction with the aid of a stone tool, stagnant blood is brought to the tissue to promote Qi. By moving stagnant blood, you are promoting circulation and the movement of lymph, therefore supporting the body’s own detoxification system.

Gua Sha was traditionally used on the body, using a very firm pressure that resulted in bruising and redness. However, the practice of facial Gua Sha is a relatively new phenomenon.

What Does Gua Sha Do?

When using a Gua Sha tool on the face, you are affecting multiple layers of connective tissue, depending on pressure and technique used. The main difference between Gua Sha used on the body and Gua Sha used on the face is that when working on the face, we use much less pressure and the goal is never to cause bruising or too much redness.

A Gua Sha session should always start at the neck, which is the major pathway for lymphatic drainage. A tight neck can create blockages that make it harder for your body to drain excess fluids from the face, and it can also lead to tightness and tension in other muscles.

After working on the neck, I will generally work with light pressure along the major lymph channels to assist with lymphatic drainage. If you are someone who gets “puffy,” this is where you will see the biggest changes. This can also be incredible beneficial for relieving sinus congestion, and you will likely notice you are able to breathe more easily after a Gua Sha session.

Using a variety of different pressures and techniques, Gua Sha will also help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and release muscle tension. We are working with both the superficial fascia (fine lines) and deeper fascia (muscle tension that, over time, contributes to deepened wrinkles).

I have had clients tell me that after a Gua Sha session, they feel a “buzzing” in the bones and the muscles of their face, as if their face has had a workout… That’s the goal! While certain muscles of the face get overused (whether that’s due to having an “expressive” face or due to mismanaged emotions that get “stuck” in place), some muscles don’t get used enough and over time they can sag and get droopy (the upper neck muscles are notoriously underused, resulting in the dreaded “jowls”).

I use the Wildling Empress Stone both in the treatment room and in my home practice. I love how the contours of this stone match the natural contours of the face. It is made from bian stone, a type of stone found in China that is the result of a meteor colliding with a mountain. Bian stone is said to emit ultrasound pulsations and FAR infrared rays, and contains 40 trace minerals that are beneficial for your overall health. You can purchase this stone here.

Who Is Gua Sha For?

Gua Sha is for anyone who wants to achieve a more sculpted facial structure in a non-invasive way. In addition to its anti-aging benefits, Gua Sha is also incredibly relaxing (and we could all use a little more self care in our lives).

Due to cultural norms and societal structures, most of us spend way too much time in “fight or flight” mode, and it’s so important to do things for ourselves that allow us to get into a parasympathetic, “rest and digest” state. And if you happen to fall asleep during a Gua Sha session, don’t apologize! Your body clearly needs the rest.

Who Is Gua Sha Not For?

Gua Sha is not suitable for those who are actively breaking out, as using a stone over active breakouts can spread bacteria and create more inflammation. However, it is possible to skip around active breakouts and focus on lymphatic drainage movements, which will naturally help your body detoxify and help keep your skin clear. Remember, acne is an inflammatory response to internal imbalances, and I always recommend treating acne from the inside out.

When Will I See Results?

The beautiful thing about Gua Sha is that you will see results immediately!

The changes may be subtle, or they may be drastic, depending on how much excess fluid and/or tension you hold in your face.

However, long lasting changes and a more sculpted facial structure will require consistent sessions. I highly recommend having a home Gua Sha practice if you’d like to see profound, long-lasting changes. Look out for upcoming events and workshops where I will help you implement a home facial massage/ Gua Sha practice.

This is just one of many examples of what just one Gua Sha treatment can do. Photo by Wildling

Where Did You Learn About Facial Gua Sha?

I am certified in Facial Gua Sha through Green Beauty Academy, led by Britta Beauty. This course recognizes the importance of acknowledging the history of Gua Sha and its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine. I have also done continuing education in Advanced Facial Massage, which integrates beautifully with the practice of Gua Sha.

How Can I Book a Gua Sha Session?

I almost always incorporate Gua Sha into my ECOLOGY Signature Facial, but if you’d really like to have Gua Sha be the main focus of your treatment, I highly recommend the GUA SHA Sculpting Facial. You can head to the booking link below to book a treatment with me.