Acupuncture

Gua Sha

Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese therapy offered at AcuPro Clinic Abu Dhabi in which a smooth-edged tool is used to gently stroke the skin. The technique encourages fresh circulation, releases muscular tension and supports the body's natural recovery — and is often used across the neck, shoulders and back, or on the face for a brightening effect.

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Background

Understanding Gua Sha

It is frequently combined with acupuncture or cupping for a fuller, well-rounded treatment.

01
Traditional Background

How Did Gua Sha Develop?

Gua sha is a traditional Chinese technique. The name roughly means “scraping” (gua) and the redness it can bring to the skin (sha). Traditionally, a smooth-edged tool, such as one made of buffalo horn, is stroked over oiled skin to improve local circulation.
On the body, gua sha is firm and usually produces redness or mild bruising. Facial gua sha is a much gentler adaptation: light, sweeping strokes follow the contours of the face, aiming to move Qi and fluids, relieve tension in the jaw and brow, and leave the skin looking fresh, without the marks of body gua sha.
MovesQi, Blood and fluids in the face
Drainspuffiness, especially around the eyes and jaw
Relaxestension in the jaw, brow and neck
Refreshesthe look of the complexion
Figure 1. Traditional aims of facial gua sha.
02
Modern Scientific Perspective

How Does Facial Gua Sha Work?

The gliding pressure of the tool is thought to work mainly through the skin’s surface circulation and the soft tissues beneath it.
Smooth tool on oiled skin
light, sweeping strokes
Surface circulationPressure and stroking may temporarily increase blood flow in the skin, giving a brighter, rosier look.
Fluid movementGentle strokes towards the neck may help fluid move away from puffy areas.
RelaxationThe slow, rhythmic massage can help release facial tension and feel very calming.
Figure 2. How facial gua sha is thought to work.
Most research on gua sha has looked at the body rather than the face. A small study in healthy volunteers found that gua sha on the body produced a short-lived increase in surface microcirculation at the treated area^[1], and a randomised trial in people with chronic neck pain reported short-term improvements in pain^[2]. We are not aware of high-quality trials of facial gua sha, so its benefits for the skin should be seen as cosmetic and temporary rather than proven.

References

Nielsen A, Knoblauch NTM, Dobos GJ, Michalsen A, Kaptchuk TJ. The effect of gua sha treatment on the microcirculation of surface tissue: a pilot study in healthy subjects. EXPLORE. 2007;3(5):456–466. doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2007.06.001
Braun M, Schwickert M, Nielsen A, et al. Effectiveness of traditional Chinese “gua sha” therapy in patients with chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. Pain Medicine. 2011;12(3):362–369. doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4637.2011.01053.x

Your session

What you need to know

1Before your treatment

What to Prepare

Ideally, come without make-up, or wear it lightly. Wear comfortable clothing and avoid coming very hungry or overly full.
Please let your practitioner know if you have sensitive skin, rosacea, active breakouts, broken skin, recent cosmetic treatments such as fillers or injectables, or if you take blood-thinning medication.
2During your treatment

What to Expect
- Your practitioner applies oil or lotion to your face and neck.
- A smooth-edged gua sha tool is then glided over the skin in gentle, sweeping strokes.
- Pressure is adjusted to your comfort. The scraping may cause mild discomfort in tense areas but should not be painful.
- Your skin may look a little pink afterwards; this usually settles quickly.
3After your treatment

Aftercare
- Keep the treatment area clean and dry.
- Keep hydrated.
- Avoid harsh products or heavy exfoliation for the rest of the day.
Any effect on puffiness or glow is usually temporary, which is why many people enjoy facial gua sha regularly.

Who can benefit

Who facial gua sha is for

Facial gua sha is a gentle, relaxing treatment for people who would like to look after their skin and unwind. These are some of the most common reasons our patients choose it.

Facial puffiness

Many people choose gua sha to help their face look less puffy, especially around the eyes and jawline.

Dull-looking skin

Often used to bring a temporary, natural glow to tired-looking skin.

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Jaw & facial tension

Gentle strokes along the jaw and brow are popular with people who clench their jaw or frown when stressed.

Stress & relaxation

Many patients simply find the slow, rhythmic treatment deeply calming.

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Neck & shoulder tightness

Treatment usually includes the neck, which many people find eases tightness.

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A natural skincare boost

Often chosen as a non-invasive addition to a regular skincare routine.

Your practitioner will assess whether facial gua sha is right for you at your consultation.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How often should I have facial gua sha?

It varies from person to person. For general wellbeing we recommend once a week. Your practitioner can suggest what suits your skin.

Is gua sha painful?

The strokes may cause mild discomfort in tense areas, but it should not be excessively painful. Facial gua sha uses much lighter pressure than gua sha on the body.

Will it leave marks on my face?

Facial gua sha is gentle and should not leave the marks associated with body gua sha. Your skin may look slightly pink for a short time afterwards.

Is facial gua sha suitable for everyone?

It is suitable for most people, but please tell your practitioner if you have sensitive skin, rosacea, active acne, broken skin, recent fillers or injectables, or take blood thinners. They may adapt or avoid the treatment.

Will gua sha lift my face?

Many people feel their face looks fresher and less puffy after a session, but these effects are usually temporary and there is little research on facial gua sha. We cannot guarantee a lifting effect.

Still have a question? Ask our practitioners.