5 Common Gua Sha Mistakes You Didn’t Know You Were Making {and How to Fix Them!}

At bloom balance, we call Gua Sha the OG of self-care.  

Gua Sha is a technique that was developed centuries ago in Traditional Chinese Medicine to release toxins and relieve pain. Gua Sha has been popularly known to be used on the face to reduce fine lines, boost collagen production, create glowing skin and sculpted cheekbones.

And while doing GuaSha is super DIY, we’ve noticed that some of our besties online could maybe use a few tips...let’s just say we can always improve our Gua Sha technique.  Use our tips to help get your Gua Sha and your glow on!

1. Holding the Gua Sha Tool Incorrectly

Angling the tool is important.  To get optimal results, keep the tool at a 45 degree or flatter to your skin to get the most blood flow circulating.

2. Working in the Wrong Direction 

Think UP and OUT.  Upward, and outward sweeps will do the most for your Gua Sha game.  Pull rather than push and don’t forget to anchor the skin - so you can properly stretch out the skin and release tension and tightness and smooth out any fine lines.

Use light pressure and avoid active acne or breakouts.

3. Don’t Forget Your Neck!

Most of our besties often skip this part! The neck is the “superhighway” to your face.  With tons of lymph nodes and blood flow, encouraging circulation in your neck via Gua Sha will help improve your complexion, smooth fine lines and just keep you healthy and glowy!

4. Be Gentle

While a bit more pressure may be needed for body Gua Sha (yes you can use Gua Sha on your body) - for our purposes, go gently for facial Gua sha (and also keeps bruising to a minimum).

5. Oil Oil Oil

Three times for our besties in the back!  Using a facial oil is important to help get that Gua Sha glide.  A serum may cause redness and interferes with the gua sha technique.