Gua sha (pronounced "gwah-shah") is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that involves gently scraping a smooth-edged tool across the skin to stimulate circulation, reduce inflammation, and move stagnant qi. The vital energy that flows through your body. Gua sha has been used in TCM for over 2,000 years to treat everything from chronic pain to fever.
At Muihood, we believe the real power of gua sha comes from honouring its roots. When you understand the TCM principles behind the practice, you transform a simple beauty routine into genuine self-care that supports your whole body.
What is gua sha in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
In Chinese, "gua" means to scrape and "sha" refers to the reddish marks that can appear on the skin during treatment. These marks aren't bruises, they're called petechiae, tiny spots caused by increased blood flow to the surface. In TCM theory, this "sha" represents stagnant blood and blocked qi being released from the body.
Traditional Chinese Medicine views the body as a network of meridians, invisible pathways through which qi (energy) and blood flow. When this flow becomes blocked or stagnant, it can manifest as pain, tension, dull skin, or illness.
Gua sha works by:
Moving stagnant qi and blood > The scraping motion breaks up blockages and encourages fresh circulation
Releasing heat and toxins > TCM practitioners use gua sha to clear "heat" conditions like inflammation and fever
Stimulating the wei qi > Your body's defensive energy that sits just beneath the skin
Supporting organ function > Different areas of the face and body correspond to internal organs in TCM facial mapping
What are the benefits of gua sha?
Modern research is beginning to validate what TCM practitioners have known for millennia. Studies show gua sha can increase microcirculation, blood flow through your smallest blood vessels by up to 400%. This isn't just a temporary flush, it triggers a cascade of healing responses.
For your skin
Reduces puffiness and fluid retention. The gentle pressure encourages lymphatic drainage, moving excess fluid away from the face
Improves skin tone and radiance. Increased blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients while carrying away waste
Softens fine lines. Research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found regular gua sha use led to more contoured faces after 8 weeks
Releases facial tension. We hold stress in our jaw, forehead, and around our eyes, gua sha helps release this
For your body
Reduces inflammation. The controlled micro-trauma triggers an anti-inflammatory immune response
Supports immune function. In TCM, gua sha is traditionally used at the first sign of cold or flu to release pathogens
Does the material of your gua sha tool matter?
Yes, and this is where TCM wisdom becomes particularly relevant. While Instagram is flooded with rose quartz and stainless steel options, traditional practitioners have used specific materials for thousands of years based on their therapeutic properties.
Bian Stone
Bian stone is the material TCM practitioners have used for gua sha since ancient times. This rare stone, found primarily in Shandong Province, China, contains over 30 trace minerals and emits far-infrared rays when warmed by body heat. In TCM theory, bian stone has unique therapeutic properties, it's believed to promote blood circulation, clear meridians, and have natural healing energy. Archaeological evidence shows bian stone tools were used for healing practices dating back to the Stone Age.
How do you use a gua sha tool correctly?
Preparation
1. Start with clean skin and apply a facial oil or serum. The tool should glide, never drag across your skin.
2. Warm the tool slightly in your hands if using bian stone
The technique
Angle: Hold the tool at a 15-30 degree angle against your skin (almost flat)
Pressure: Use light to medium pressure on the face. You're encouraging flow, not forcing it.
Direction: Always move outward and upward on the face, following the natural direction of lymphatic drainage
Repetition: 5-10 strokes per area is sufficient
The sequence
1. Neck first: Sweep downward from jaw to collarbone to open the lymphatic pathways
2. Jawline: From chin outward toward the ear
3. Cheeks: From nose outward toward the temples
4. Under eyes: Very gently, from inner corner outward (use the smaller curved edge)
5. Forehead: From centre outward toward temples, then upward toward hairline
6. Brow bone: From between the brows outward, this area corresponds to the liver in TCM facial mapping
Frequently asked questions about gua sha
How often should you do gua sha?
For facial gua sha, 2-3 times per week is ideal for most people. Daily use is fine if you're using light pressure. In TCM, consistency matters more than intensity, regular practice builds cumulative benefits.
Is gua sha supposed to hurt?
No. Facial gua sha should feel like a firm massage, pleasant, not painful. Body gua sha performed by practitioners may be more intense and can leave temporary marks, but facial self-care should never cause pain or bruising.
What's the difference between gua sha and a jade roller?
Jade rollers provide gentle massage and help with product absorption, but they don't create the same therapeutic scraping action as gua sha. Think of a roller as a gentle wake-up call and gua sha as a deeper conversation with your skin and fascia. Gua sha releases tension, moves stagnation, and stimulates circulation more effectively.
Can gua sha help with TMJ or jaw tension?
Yes, this is one of gua sha's most effective applications. Many of us clench our jaws unconsciously, especially during stress or sleep. Working along the masseter muscle (the main jaw muscle) with your gua sha tool can release significant tension. In TCM, the jaw area relates to the stomach and spleen meridians.
Who should avoid gua sha?
Avoid gua sha on areas with active breakouts, sunburn, rashes, or broken skin. Those on blood thinners, with bleeding disorders, or who bruise very easily should consult a healthcare provider first. During pregnancy, avoid abdominal gua sha and be gentle with facial practice.
Bringing it all together
Gua sha isn't just a beauty hack, it's a 2,000-year-old healing practice that connects you to the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine. When you understand why you're moving the tool across your skin (to release stagnant qi, encourage blood flow, support your body's natural healing), the practice becomes more intentional and more effective.
Ready to try authentic gua sha? Our Bian Stone Gua Sha is crafted from 100% bian stone the traditional material TCM practitioners have used for millennia, so you can experience gua sha the way it was meant to be practised.
