At Beyond Chi, we believe beauty starts with circulation, balance, and intention. One of our favorite rituals rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine is facial gua sha—a gentle yet transformative practice that supports skin health, reduces puffiness, and helps reveal a more lifted, radiant complexion.
But here’s the truth: it’s not about scraping hard or turning red. True gua sha is about technique, energy flow, and mindful care. Let’s explore how to do it right—and why it’s a ritual worth integrating into your self-care routine.
✨ Why Facial Gua Sha Works
A well-executed gua sha session does more than depuff the face—it enhances circulation, clears stagnation, and opens up the skin to better absorb your nourishing skincare. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Boost Natural Glow
By stimulating circulation and qi (energy) flow, gua sha helps bring more oxygen and nutrients to the skin’s surface, restoring your natural radiance—no makeup needed.
2. Sculpt and Lift
Our facial muscles and fascia can become tense or sag with time. Gua sha can gently encourage lymphatic drainage, lift the cheeks and jawline, and define facial contours—especially when paired with a high-quality facial oil.
3. A Natural Anti-Aging Ally
Regular gua sha helps smooth fine lines, especially around the nasolabial folds. No fancy machines, just mindful movement and a few focused strokes on areas like the “welcome fragrance point” near the nose.
4. Support Eye Health + Reduce Puffiness
By improving circulation around the brow and under-eye area, this practice can help reduce dark circles and leave your eye area looking refreshed and awake.
🧖♀️ Is Facial Gua Sha Right for Everyone?
While gua sha is generally gentle, there are times you’ll want to skip it:
✘ If your skin is irritated, inflamed, or has open wounds
✘ After cosmetic procedures like lasers or fillers
✘ On highly sensitive or allergy-prone areas like around the lips or eyes
🧬 Tips for Safe, Effective Gua Sha
Facial skin is thinner and more delicate than the body, so your gua sha approach must reflect that. Keep these golden rules in mind:
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Use light pressure — think soothing, not scraping
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Slow, steady strokes — don’t rush the ritual
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Keep the angle low — hold the tool at less than a 15° angle to glide smoothly over the skin
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Prep properly — always apply facial oil first to prevent tugging
Recommended Frequency:
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Dry/Sensitive Skin: 1–2x per month
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Oily/Normal Skin: 1–2x per week
Listen to your skin—overdoing it can lead to sensitivity.
🌿 What You’ll Need
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A clean towel (for warm compress)
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A high-quality facial oil (we recommend Beyond Chi’s Bloom Oil)
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A gua sha tool — try a smooth jade or crystal edge
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A mirror and a few quiet minutes for yourself
💆♀️ Step-by-Step Gua Sha Routine
Step 1: Warm-Up
Apply a warm towel to open the pores. Then massage 2–3 drops of facial oil onto clean skin using your palms.
Step 2: Activate Pressure Points
Gently press along key facial acupressure points (from chin to brow): Chengjiang → Yingxiang → Zanzhu → Yuyao → Sibai → Yintang. Each for 5–10 seconds.
Step 3: Sculpt and Sweep
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Forehead: Sweep from brows upward to hairline
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Brow + Temples: Glide from the center of brows out to temples
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Cheeks: Stroke from nose outward to ears, avoiding under-eye area
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Jawline to Ear: Use the curved side of your tool and sweep from chin up to ear
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Neck & Shoulders: Always finish by draining down the neck to release buildup
Repeat each movement 3–5 times, and pause on tight or tense areas to massage gently.
💎 Editor’s Pick: The Perfect Tool
We love the Mermaid Head Gua Sha Tool for its smooth edges, natural cooling effect, and wave-like shape that fits facial contours beautifully. A staple on our vanities!
A Ritual of Beauty and Balance
Facial gua sha isn’t just about looks—it’s about connecting to yourself, grounding your energy, and inviting beauty from within. Whether you’re looking to ease puffiness, feel more lifted, or simply unwind at night, this practice is a gift of self-love your skin will thank you for.
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Shop the Ritual → Intensive Repair Bloom Oil
Watch It in Action → Gua Sha Tutorial on Instagram
