If you've used TikTok in the past month, you've probably seen tutorials on scraping - or videos of users applying smooth, angled stones to their faces. The shave has been hugely popular lately - in fact, at the time of its release, the hashtag #guasha had more than 432 million views on TikTok - with users claiming the device cleanses skin, reduces wrinkles and provides a more sculpted look. However, while facial tools have recently become hugely popular on social media platforms, the practice is nothing new. It actually predates modern medicine, originating in China, where stones were once used to treat a variety of ailments.
But what exactly is scraping and how can a stone offer so many beauty benefits? To answer these questions, we consulted two TCM practitioners: certified acupuncturist and TCM expert Shaobai Wang, M.D., and Sonia Lee, DACM, LAc. They share the cultural significance of gua sha, the best gua sha techniques, and some products to consider if you want to try this centuries-old practice.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua sha, or scraping, translates directly to "scraping" and "sand" (where sand refers to raised redness on the skin, not actual sand). "'Sand' is caused by bacterial or viral toxins that destroy capillaries and create areas of congestion, or spots in the skin or mucus that form sandy scattered or condensed areas," Wang says. The sand analogy comes from the action of scraping, where the technician gently scrapes the skin and sees small dots appear under the skin; Wang explains that the small particles resemble sand, hence the name. After scraping, users usually experience redness or pressure (signs of blood renewal), but these effects subside within a few days.
Like many words in Chinese, the Chinese characters that make up "gua sha" provide insight into the practice, as Lee shares. The Chinese character for "sha sha" is made up of the character for "tongue" on the left and the character for "knife" on the right. The Chinese character for 'sha' (gua sha) is made up of the character for 'disease' or 'illness' on the top and 'sha' on the bottom. " she explains.
As a treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Gua Sha uses a solution (facial oil, petroleum jelly or water) and a smooth material (jade plate, metal plate or even a spoon) to stimulate specific areas of the body. Experts tell us that unlike Gua Sha, which is popular on TikTok, it is not limited to the face, but can also be used on the back and shoulders.
What are the benefits of Gua Sha?
Although the recorded use of Gua Sha began in the Ming Dynasty, it is still a common Chinese medical technique today. Practitioners have found it to help reduce pain as well as increase blood circulation and energy flow. While there have been many studies on the efficacy of Gua Sha in China, it is only recently that American researchers have begun to publish their own findings. Among those listed above, gua sha also helps to.
Promote blood circulation. "From a TCM perspective, the Tai Yin meridian (made up of the lungs and spleen) and Yang Ming meridian (made up of the large intestine and stomach) are responsible for the overall health of the skin," Li says. "When you gently scrape your face with a gua sha tool, you are stimulating your Yangming meridian. You're also sending a signal to your body that this area needs more blood circulation."
Improves fine lines and wrinkles. Gua sha "can temporarily improve the appearance of new and very mild people," Wang says. However, she notes, "for long-standing wrinkles, gua sha should not be the first choice."
Promote lymphatic drainage. Experts say gua sha can reduce swelling by eliminating fluid buildup.
Relieves muscle tension. By applying pressure with a scraping tool on a regular basis, experts say, users can untangle knotted areas and release built-up muscle tension.
Although some TikTokers claim they use gua sha to sculpt their faces, Wang noted that gua sha does not enhance the user's jawline. Instead, gua sha eliminates fluid buildup in the lymph nodes by touching the tissue (which can give the illusion of a more defined facial profile)-it doesn't actually remove fat from certain areas.
Lee also recommends that people with weakened immune systems (those who struggle with seasonal allergies or are prone to colds) try gua sha. As Wang explains, this is particularly useful for those individuals because by repeatedly stimulating certain areas, gua sha helps to clear the body of non-circulating blood and toxins. The visual signs of this clearance can be anything from redness to minor bruising.
