When using a Gua Sha facial stone, firm pressure isn’t necessary — gentle, looser strokes are better for mobilizing lymphatic fluid.
The goal of a Gua Sha facial is to move excess fluid that can accumulate and cause puffiness. With each stroke we help the fluid travel toward the lymph nodes located behind the ears and toward the supraclavicular area (near the hollow of the collarbone).
The lymphatic system is made up of nodes, vessels and glands and plays a key role in the body’s fluid balance. That’s why Gua Sha often creates a visible “natural lift” and why the face can look refreshed after treatment.
Basic guidelines (use as a reference; do it as often as feels right for you):
- Work on clean skin, optionally with a light facial oil for glide.
- Use gentle, sweeping strokes; always move toward lymph drainage points (behind the ears, down the neck toward the collarbone).
- Repeat strokes in each area until you feel movement, but avoid heavy pressure or dragging.
- Focus on areas of puffiness and finish by sweeping all fluid toward the collarbone and nodes behind the ears.
Avoid Gua Sha on broken, irritated, or infected skin. If you have a medical condition affecting circulation or lymph nodes, check with a healthcare professional first.
Try adding short, gentle Gua Sha sessions to your routine for reduced puffiness and a naturally lifted look.
Start by thoroughly cleansing the face using a cleansing pad and clean water. Apply a few drops of facial oil, serum, or a richer cream, and spread it down the neck to the collarbone to ensure smooth glide.
Step-by-step routine
- Jawline to ears: Glide the stone from the chin outward along the jawline toward the ears. Repeat 5 times on each side.
- Nasolabial to cheekbone: Place the flat edge of the stone beside the nose and sweep across the cheekbone toward the ear. Repeat 5 times on each side.
- Under-eye sweep: Glide from the outer corner of the eye under the eye, over the cheekbone toward the temple. Repeat 5 times on each side.
- Brow area: Place the stone below and above the eyebrow and gently stroke toward the temple. Repeat 5 times on each side.
- Forehead lift: Sweep the stone upward on the forehead toward the hairline. Repeat 5 times on each side.
- Drainage sweep: Finish by gliding the stone down from the ears toward the collarbone. Repeat 5 times on each side.
- Final strokes: Add a few extra gentle strokes from the ears down the neck to the collarbone to encourage full lymphatic drainage.
