Holistic Wellness Product Reviews Skin Trends

Gua Sha (a.k.a Jade Rollers): Does Science Back its Claims?

Serina Bernardo February 7, 2022

You’ve likely seen a jade roller or angled stone tool that claims to sculpt and lift the face. Are you curious to know if these are just more gimmicky marketing products or if they actually work? To answer that question, let’s first take a look at what these tools are and where they come from. Though in recent years, jade rollers and stones have become more popular amongst skincare and beauty enthusiasts, the two tools actually have a rich history.

The concept behind jade rollers and stones originates from “Gua Sha,” a traditional Chinese remedy that uses tools to scrape the skin. This scraping motion stimulates blood flow, relieves tension, and helps with lymphatic drainage on the applied area. As a matter of fact, Gua Sha has been supported by scientific research. One study, comparing blood flow before and after Gua Sha, found that there was a significant increase in blood flow after scraping. These findings indicate that Gua Sha can encourage more blood circulation in or around the applied area.

Benefits of Facial Gua Sha

Below are some benefits of Gua Sha for the face:

1. Increased blood circulation: It’s no secret that poor blood circulation can contribute to wrinkles, inflammation, and a dull complexion. By applying gentle pressure with a jade roller or stone to increase blood circulation, Gua Sha can help your complexion look brighter and more glowy.

2. Depuffing and contouring: Your face and neck contain lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are filled with fluid, and they help serve your immune system. The pressure and scraping motion of Gua Sha can help drain excess fluid, therefore giving the appearance of a more contoured, de-puffed face. Like with all skincare products, consistency and routine use will likely yield more significant and more apparent results. Some suggest putting your jade roller or stone in the fridge or freezer before using it for a cooling effect.

Preauricular lymph nodes: Causes of swelling

3. Reduce tension: Your jaw and neck can hold a lot of stress and tension. An immense amount of stress is not only detrimental to your mental health but can also contribute to wrinkles. Gua sha can release some of this tension and help to relax your face. After a busy day, consider using gua sha to destress.

Gua Sha in Science

There are many reasons why Gua Sha has withstood the test of time. Though facial Gua Sha has been trending, it is not just used for facial massage. Interestingly, it has traditionally been used elsewhere on the body for treating acute or chronic pain. For example, some researchers have cited Gua Sha as helping relieve neck pain. Another study found that the Gua Sha therapy improved lower back pain, most likely due to Gua Sha’s anti-inflammatory properties.

Compared to the volume of literature supporting Gua Sha’s use for pain relief, Gua Sha for facial massage has some catching up to do. Though it can give the illusion of a more sculpted face, more scientific research is needed to support its role in facial sculpting. For now, all we can say for sure is that Gua Sha is a holistic method of self-care. While you might not see instant facial sculpting with Gua Sha, think of Gua Sha as another relaxing thing you can add to your wind-down routine.

References:

Braun, M. et al. Effectiveness of traditional Chinese “gua sha” therapy in patients with chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.), 2011, 12(3), 362–369. [Link]
Cover image by Yan Krukov from Pexels
Nielsen, A. Gua Sha Research and the language of Integrative Medicine. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2009. 13(1), 63–72. [Link]
Saha, F. J. et al. Gua Sha therapy for chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2019, 34, 64–69. [Link]
www.medicalnewstoday.com article on “Preauricular lymph nodes: What to know” Accessed on 1/12/2022 [Link]
Xu, Q. Y. et al. The effects of scraping therapy on local temperature and blood perfusion volume in healthy subjects. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2012, 490292. [Link]