Gua Sha is an ancient technique that began in Asia thousands of years ago. It involves using varying types of tools to massage the areas you wish to treat. It can be used all over the body for injuries and areas of discomfort but here we are concentrating on creating a lovely glow to your face and to decrease puffiness.

Sha means “red or “skin rash.”
To perform Gua Sha simply repeatedly massage your jawline, forehead, nose, cheeks and neck with your Gua Sha tool of choice until the area you are treating becomes a little pink. Always err on the side of caution—less can be more. A gentle massage with a Gua Sha tool will still give great results.

As a beauty treatment Gua Sha is sometimes used as a natural face lift. This is because it can improve the flow and drainage of lymph which reduces puffiness. It can also help to stimulate the production of collagen which can make your skin look firmer.

Gua sha helps to smooth fascia, a layer of connective tissue found below the skin. When fascia is gently stressed by Gua Sha it can tighten up giving your face a firmer look.

This simple chart shows the areas and directions for a gua sha massage which can be done with a roller or scraper.

This is of course, just a starting point. You will develope your own contours to work along as you use your tool more.

Unlike acupuncture & reflexology, you don't need to work to specific points or zones. The only real rule is to work outwards from the nose - not inward.