Should you be doing gua sha? A plastic surgeon weighs in
In the world of beauty, many trends come and go, while some stay and stand the test of time. One ancient skincare practice that has been in the spotlight lately is gua sha. This holistic healing technique gently scrapes and massages the skin and promises a range of benefits, from facial contouring to improved complexion. But does it really live up to the hype?
In this post, Richmond plastic surgeon Dr. Sharline Aboutanos dives into the details behind this buzzworthy practice.
The origins of gua sha
Gua sha, pronounced "gwa-shah," has deep roots in traditional Chinese Medicine. “Gua” translates to scrape, while “sha” means sand, referring to the sand-like, dotted appearance of tiny broken capillaries that occur under the skin as a result of applied pressure or friction. The practice has been used for centuries to treat various ailments by promoting blood circulation and the removal of toxins, particularly to release stagnant energy called Chi or Qi.
In recent years, gua sha has transcended its roots beyond traditional eastern medicine and found its way into modern skincare and wellness routines. Social media is filled with tutorials and testimonials from beauty influencers who swear by the practice's transformative effects for skin health and appearance.
How does gua sha work?
Gua sha requires the use of a smooth-edged, blunt handheld instrument to scrape and stroke the skin. Traditionally, gua sha tools are made from natural materials like jade or rose quartz due to their cooling properties and smooth texture. Historically, bone or horn have been used as well.
The gentle scraping motion of gua sha is believed to stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to increase circulation, move excess fluids, and flush out toxins from the tissues.
Regardless of the tool, it's important that it:
Has a smooth edge to avoid scratching or injuring the skin.
Is firm enough to apply pressure, but not so hard as to cause discomfort or harm.
Is ergonomically shaped to fit the contours of the area you're working on.
How to perform gua sha
A gua sha treatment involves repeated pressed strokes over oiled or lubricated skin. The smooth edge of the tool is pressed against the skin’s surface and then moved using firm but gentle, upward strokes.
When using gua sha on your face, it’s best to scrape in an upward and outward direction. Work in sections of the face, beginning at the neck and then moving from the nose across the cheeks, from the middle of the forehead out to the temples, and from the middle of the chin out to the ears. Always be gentle, especially around the delicate eye area.
Experts recommend spending about 3-5 minutes for the entire face and neck. Some people use gua sha daily, while others prefer 2-3 times a week. It's essential to monitor how your skin responds and adjust the frequency accordingly.
What are the benefits of gua sha?
The gentle scraping motion of gua sha is believed to stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to increase circulation, move excess fluids, and flush out toxins from the tissues. This may result in a reduction in puffiness, and possibly greater collagen production. Additionally, a regular gua sha practice is said to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
There are several studies related to the potential benefits of gua sha, but nearly all of them point to the medical benefits of it, namely treating musculoskeletal pain, chronic inflammation, and boosting immunity. There are currently not any known scientific studies documenting the specific benefits of gua sha for skin health and appearance. Thus, more comprehensive and large-scale research is needed to fully understand the benefits of gua sha from a cosmetic and aesthetic standpoint.
The benefits of gua sha are more medical than aesthetic, and there are no studies documenting its cosmetic benefits.
At the foundation of gua sha is the concept of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), which is a recognized bodywork modality often used to reduce swelling after surgery. The techniques and goals of gua sha differ slightly from traditional MLD methods.
Are there any risks or disadvantages to gua sha?
While gua sha is generally considered safe, it's not without its risks and drawbacks. Most notably, the results achieved through gua sha are temporary and thus require a regular and consistent practice to maintain. Many people simply do not have the time or discipline to keep it up enough to see any noticeable results in their appearance.
Next, quality gua sha tools are hard to come by. From jade rollers to rose quartz combs, there are a wide variety of scrapers available ranging in quality, cost, material, craftsmanship and design. So, buyer beware: not all gua sha tools are created equal and if you don’t invest properly, you could end up disappointed.
Safe and noticeable results often require professional guidance and support from a licensed practitioner. Improper technique such as tugging or pulling can lead to skin irritation or excessive bruising. There are also some patients, namely those on blood thinners or who have certain skin conditions or underlying health conditions who may experience an increased risk of complications and sensitivity to gua sha treatment. If you're considering gua sha or any alternative therapies, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to see if it’s right for you.
Setting realistic expectations for gua sha treatment
Gua sha is a wonderful complementary practice to your regular skin treatment plan, but should not be considered a replacement for established facial rejuvenation or contouring procedures.
We can honor the historical, cultural, and therapeutic significance of ancient treatment methods like gua sha, while maintaining realistic expectations and embracing more modern and proven techniques such as facelift, thread lift, Virtue RF, laser resurfacing, Botox®, or dermal fillers. These procedures are backed by clinical evidence and can provide more substantial and lasting results than gua sha.
About Dr. Sharline Aboutanos
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sharline Aboutanos offers a range of surgical, non-surgical and minimally invasive options to help you find the skin-tightening or wrinkle-reducing beauty solutions that suit your needs and preferences. Schedule your consultation by calling (804) 355-3410 or contact us online to learn about our wide range of facial aesthetic procedures and treatments.