Gua sha, the practice of putting smooth stones to the skin in upward motions, has been around for thousands of years, but Tik Tok has made it more popular across generations.
Not only Gen-Z Tik Tok consumers love the technique, but also producers over 30 or 40. Jade scraper gua sha has been around for generations.
This therapeutic procedure was originally reported in Chinese medicine about 220 CE. She claims ‘sha,’ or ‘redness,’ has traditionally been associated with skin healing. The premise underlying gua sha is lymphatic drainage.
“Strategically massaging your skin in a methodical motion can promote circulation and drain fluid trapped under the skin towards the lymph nodes to detoxify your skin
“Benefits can be seen at any age, and with a variety of health conditions, especially those that contribute to bloating.”
Harris believes this exercise won't permanently change or lift skin, but it may quickly renew or awaken it, which can boost self-care and mental wellness. "From a medical perspective, gua sha is most certainly effective for anti-aging, regardless of age
"The reason it's become so popular lately is likely because it's a simple and affordable home-based skincare treatment," she says. Harris says "a host of other benefits like improving circulation and lymphatic drainage." Gua sha helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Koo recommends a jade or stone face roller or flat stone instrument. "The gentle massage and relaxing, lowering cortisol levels (decreases inflammation) are key to gua sha
She says facial gua sha promotes "both arterial and helping lymphatic drainage," making it "wonderful for decreasing edema (puffiness)."