Can a simple scraping tool reshape your jawline? While social media says yes, science says something different.
Gua Sha has become a staple part of many modern skincare routines, thanks to influencers worldwide promoting the tool for its claimed benefits, from increased blood flow to lymphatic drainage and more. But, are these effects clinically proven, or is it just hype? Scroll down for the truth.
Gua Sha is an ancient technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and translates to "scraping" or "rubbing." It is also known as "Cao Gio," meaning "coining" in Vietnamese.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) aims to restore balance within the body to maintain overall health and wellness. Gua Sha is believed to support this process by promoting the release of vital energy, known as qi (or chi), which is considered essential for the proper functioning of all cells.
Traditionally, Gua Sha was practiced on various parts of the body to relieve muscle pain and stiffness. Its modern adaptation as a facial treatment is a much gentler version of this ancient technique.
Usually, Gua Sha massages are performed by trained professionals or acupuncturists. The technique involves stroking the skin in a particular direction using a smooth-edged tool until reddish-purple spots, or petechiae (tiny red or purple spots caused by broken capillaries) appear, due to broken capillaries.
Facial Gua Sha, however, is a gentler do-it-yourself massage. It focuses on light strokes that improve circulation without causing bruising or discoloration.
For demonstration, Dr. Jenelle Kim, a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) and Licensed Acupuncturist, demonstrates how to do it below.
Below are the scientifically proven benefits of Gua Sha.
Research shows that Gua Sha can enhance the blood circulation in the face (microcirculation), thus increasing the flow of oxygen and nutrition delivery to the skin, making it rejuvenated and healthy .[1]
This massage helps in improving facial contour by activating receptors in muscles that help to reduce muscle stiffness and tension. However this effect is temporary. [2]
The following are the plausible benefits that require further scientific validation.
The scraping motion of this massage is believed to help drain lymph from facial lymph nodes, thereby reducing facial puffiness and fluid retention.
The increased microcirculation promoted by the therapy may enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to skin tissues while supporting lymphatic drainage. Together, these effects can temporarily improve skin tone, radiance and firmness.
A study published in Indonesian journal of Acupuncture reported that Gua Sha therapy, when combined with rejuvenation acupuncture helped in reducing smile-line wrinkles around the mouth, although further research is needed to confirm these findings.[3]
MedBound Times connected with Dr. Sandhya B. Ravindran, MD (Dermatology) for her expert insights. She answered the most common questions that people have about Gua Sha.
Does Gua Sha actually slim the face or reduce double chin?
Gua Sha is a tool that helps improve blood circulation, lymphatic drainage and relaxes muscles. It cannot reduce or burn fat. So, no — it cannot reduce a double chin or slim your face.
Is it safe for sensitive or acne-prone skin?
Gua Sha can irritate or scrape the superficial layer of skin. So, it is better avoided on sensitive or acne-prone skin.
How often should it be used to see visible results?
The frequency of usage depends on what benefits you intend to achieve. Applying too much pressure or using it aggressively can lead to bruising and skin damage.
However, when used gently, it is a wonderful tool that can reduce facial puffiness and promote muscle relaxation. It can be used daily: in the morning to reduce facial puffiness and at night for muscle relaxation.
What type of facial oils or serums can be used with it?
It's always best to use non-comedogenic serums along with Gua Sha as oils can clog your pores and lead to acne or folliculitis.
What’s the best Gua Sha stone for the face — jade, rose quartz, or steel? Should it be warm or cold?
The most popular ones are the stone types. Stainless steel is the easiest one to maintain. More than the material what matters is that it should be light weight, easy to handle and clean, with smooth rounded edges.
A cold Gua Sha should help in reducing puffiness while a warm one can improve circulation and reduce muscle tension.
Before using Gua Sha, users should be aware of important safety precautions:
Avoid using it on broken, irritated, or infected skin, including eczema or active acne.
People with bleeding disorders or those on blood thinners should use caution.
Avoid scraping over areas with severe inflammation or skin barrier damage.
While Gua Sha can't slim the face, it is effective in boosting facial blood circulation, hence, making the skin healthy and radiant. However, individuals with sensitive, acne-prone skin or compromised skin conditions should consult a dermatologist before trying this trend.
References:-
1..Nielsen, Arya, Nicola T. M. Knoblauch, Gustav J. Dobos, and Ted J. Kaptchuk. 2007. “The Effect of Gua Sha Treatment on the Microcirculation of Surface Tissue: A Pilot Study in Healthy Subjects.” Explore (New York, N.Y.) 3(5): 456-466.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1550830707001772?via%3Dihub
2.Ahn, Sun-hee, Ui-jae Hwang, Hyo sun Han, Jun-hee Kim, Hyun-joo Lee, Yu-rin Jeon, Hyun Hwa Lee, and A-hyun Hwang. 2025. “Comparative Effects of Facial Roller and Gua Sha Massage on Facial Contour, Muscle Tone, and Skin Elasticity: Randomized Controlled Trial.” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 24: e70236.https://ira.lib.polyu.edu.hk/bitstream/10397/113936/1/Ahn_Comparative_Effects_Facial.pdf
3.Putri, Arsy Amalia, Heni Nur Kusumawati, and Purwanto. 2024. “The Effect of Acupuncture Rejuvenation Combination of Gua Sha on The Smile Line Area in Mothers at RT 15 RSS Sriwijaya Mothers South Sumatera.” Indonesian Journal of Acupuncture 2 (2): 70-74.https://indonesianjournalofacupuncture.org/index.php/hakti/article/view/25/24
4.Cleveland Clinic. 2025. “Gua Sha: What It Is and How to Do It.” September 18. Health Essentials, Cleveland Clinic.https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-gua-sha-might-be-good-for-you
Edited by Arushi Roy Chaudhary