Facial Gua Sha: Benefits, Acupuncture Points & How to Do It

Facial Gua Sha: Benefits, Acupuncture Points & How to Do It Properly

Facial Gua Sha has become increasingly popular in the beauty and wellness world, often praised for helping reduce puffiness, relieve facial tension, and support a healthy glow. While many people know it as a skincare trend, Facial Gua Sha actually has roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is used to encourage circulation, promote relaxation, and support the natural balance of the body.

Unlike body Gua Sha, which is often firmer and may leave temporary redness, Facial Gua Sha uses a much gentler technique designed specifically for the delicate skin and muscles of the face. When done correctly and consistently, it can become a simple and effective self-care ritual.

What Is Facial Gua Sha?

Facial Gua Sha involves using a smooth-edged tool, often made from stone or metal, to glide across the face in repeated strokes. The movement is usually upward and outward, helping release muscular tension and encourage lymphatic drainage.

Many people use Facial Gua Sha to support:

Facial puffiness reduction

Jaw tension relief

Better circulation

Relaxation

A brighter-looking complexion

Support for natural facial tone

It is important to remember that Facial Gua Sha should feel soothing and gentle — not painful or aggressive.

The Chinese Medicine Theory Behind Facial Gua Sha

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, health depends on the smooth flow of Qi and Blood throughout the body. Qi can be understood as vital energy that circulates through pathways called meridians.

When Qi and Blood flow smoothly, tissues are nourished and the body functions harmoniously. When circulation becomes sluggish due to stress, poor sleep, tension, or lifestyle habits, this may show on the face as:

Puffiness

Dull complexion

Tight jaw muscles

Tension headaches

Dark under-eye appearance

Facial tightness

Facial Gua Sha helps stimulate circulation, move stagnation, and relax the muscles of the face and neck. In Chinese medicine, the face is closely connected to the internal organs, so facial appearance often reflects internal balance.

How to Do Facial Gua Sha

Before You Start

Cleanse your face

Apply facial oil or serum to allow smooth gliding

Hold the tool at a low angle against the skin

Use light to moderate pressure only

Suggested Routes (Neck to Forehead)

* Gentle consistency is better than aggressive scraping. Strong pressure can irritate the skin and cause bruising.

1. Neck

Glide downward along the sides of the neck to encourage drainage and release tension.

2. Jawline

Start from the chin and glide toward the ear.

3. Cheeks

Move from beside the mouth outward toward the ears.

4. Under Eye Area

Use extremely gentle pressure from inner to outer eye area.

5. Brows and Temples

Glide from the inner brow outward toward the temples.

6. Forehead

Stroke upward from brows toward hairline, then outward.

Repeat each route 5–10 times on each side.

Key Acupuncture Points for Facial Gua Sha

Yin Tang (EX-HN3)

Location: Midpoint between the eyebrows

Beauty Functions: Reduces frown lines, promotes glowing skin

Traditional Functions: Calms the mind, relieves headache

Zan Zhu (BL2)

Location: At the inner end of the eyebrow

Beauty Functions: Softens forehead lines, lifts brow area

Traditional Functions: Relieves headache, benefits the eyes

Qing Ming (BL1)

Location: Inner corner of the eye

Beauty Functions: Reduces puffiness, improves dark circles

Traditional Functions: Benefits vision, clears redness of the eyes

Ying Xiang (LI20)

Location: Beside the nostrils

Beauty Functions: Softens smile lines, improves skin tone

Traditional Functions: Opens nasal passages, relieves sinus congestion

Si Bai (ST2)

Location: Directly below the pupil

Beauty Functions: Reduces eye bags, tones cheeks

Traditional Functions: Benefits the eyes, relieves facial pain

Di Cang (ST4)

Location: Lateral to the corner of the mouth

Beauty Functions: Lifts mouth corners, reduces marionette lines

Traditional Functions: Relieves facial paralysis, benefits the mouth

Cheng Jiang (CV24)

Location: Center of the chin-labial groove

Beauty Functions: Defines jawline, improves lower face circulation

Traditional Functions: Benefits gums, relieves facial swelling

Who May Benefit from Facial Gua Sha?

Facial Gua Sha may be helpful for people who experience:

Morning puffiness

Jaw tension

Tight facial muscles

Stress-related tension headaches

Screen-related eye strain

Dull complexion

Desire for a natural wellness routine

It can also be a calming ritual that encourages mindfulness and stress relief.

Many people enjoy 4–6 times weekly or short daily sessions.

Results often come from regular gentle practice rather than intensity.

Who Should Avoid or Use Caution?

Avoid Facial Gua Sha over:

Open wounds

Broken skin

Active acne inflammation

Rashes

Sunburned skin

Irritated sensitive areas

Use caution or seek professional advice if you have:

Blood clotting disorders

Very reactive skin conditions

Recent facial surgery

Recent cosmetic injectables

Pregnancy

Ongoing unexplained skin concerns

Professional Treatment: Facial Acupuncture in Clinic

While home Facial Gua Sha is excellent for maintenance and relaxation, clinical treatment can offer a more personalised and targeted approach.

Facial acupuncture uses very fine sterile needles placed on selected facial and body acupuncture points according to your individual constitution and concerns.

This may be used to support:

Facial circulation

Jaw tension

Stress management

Sleep quality

Digestive balance

Overall vitality

In Chinese medicine, treatment often focuses not only on the face itself, but also on underlying imbalances that may contribute to puffiness, tension, or dullness.

Final Thoughts

Facial Gua Sha is more than a beauty trend — it is a gentle self-care practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. By combining mindful movement, improved circulation, and tension release, it can support both appearance and wellbeing.

Start gently, stay consistent, and listen to your skin. Even a few minutes several times a week can become a valuable part of your wellness routine.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Results vary between individuals. Stop if pain, bruising, or irritation occurs. If you have medical conditions or are unsure whether Facial Gua Sha is suitable for you, seek personalised advice from a qualified healthcare professional or TCM practitioner.