Wong and Gray point out that gua sha was originally used to release different aches and pains in the body. "It's often used in Chinese medicine to scrape the skin, commonly on the upper back, to invigorate blood flow, release heat toxins, stimulate lymphatic drainage, activate various acupressure points of the body, and stimulate an immune response bringing beneficial cells to the area," Grays says.
Now the practice continues to evolve into a much sought-after addition to people's beauty regimen to tone and tighten and skin.. When you scrape the skin gently on the face, what you are doing is stimulating a certain meridian point, which corresponds to an organ in the body that's responsible for your skin's overall health," Wong explains. "In turn, you're sending a signal to your body that this area needs more circulation.
Board-certified dermatologist Neda Mehr, MD, notes that the stimulation of circulation helps decrease inflammation and boosts detoxification, "which can lead to a clearer complexion and promote lymphatic drainage.”. "Gua Sha helps drive movement and circulation in the body to release stagnation," Gray explains. "Depending on the amount of pressure used with the gua aha tool, you can target different regions of the body. This is where the proper technique matters.
Mehr explains that a gua sha tool can help drain the lymphatic system by "stimulating the lymph nodes to help move extra fluid from swollen areas to excretion." This results in an overall more refreshed, toned and healthy complexion.