How do you use a gua sha scraping board?

The Art of Using a Gua Sha Scraping Board: A Comprehensive Guide

In recent years, the beauty and wellness industry has seen a surge in the popularity of natural cosmetic treatments as a reaction to more extreme and artifical methods such as chemical peels, fillers, and lasers. Enter Gua Sha! This ancient practice involves using a tool, known as a gua sha scraper, to apply pressure and scrape the skin to relieve tension, boost circulation, and promote healing. But how exactly do you use a gua sha scraping board? This blog post will guide you through the process.

Understanding Gua Sha Scrapers
Gua Sha scrapers are typically made from natural materials such as jade or rose quartz but can also be found in stainless steel or buffalo/ox horn varieties. They come in various shapes and sizes designed to fit different areas of the body. The most common types include the comb, the triangle, the wing/fish shape, and the heart shape. Rollers are more gentle than gua sha scrapers which may be a great way to treat more sensitive patients.

The Benefits of Gua Sha
Gua sha therapy offers numerous benefits for both physical health and skincare. It's known for its ability to relieve muscle tension, reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation, and stimulate lymphatic drainage. When used on the face as part of a skincare routine, it can help reduce puffiness, smooth out wrinkles, brighten complexion and even enhance product absorption.

Preparing for Your Gua Sha Session
Before you start your gua sha session at home, there are some preparations you need to make:

1. Cleanse your skin: Always start with clean skin to prevent any dirt or bacteria from being pushed deeper into your pores during the session.
2. Apply oil or serum: Lubrication is key when using gua sha scrapers to avoid causing any harm to your skin.
3. Choose your tool: Depending on which area of your body you're working on (face or body), select an appropriate gua sha scraper.

Using Your Gua Sha Scraping Board
Now that you're prepared, it's time to start your gua sha session. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use your gua sha scraping board:

1. Hold the tool: Grip the gua sha scraper firmly but gently, ensuring that you hold it at a 15-45 degree angle to your skin.
2. Start scraping: Apply medium pressure and start scraping in an outward direction. For the face, begin from the neck and work your way up to the forehead. The direction of the strokes should always be outward. For the body, work in long strokes towards the heart.
3. Repeat: Each stroke should be repeated about 5-10 times before moving on to the next area.
4. Finish off: Once you've covered all areas, finish off with some light strokes all over to soothe the skin.

Post-Gua Sha Care
After completing your gua sha session, it's crucial to take care of your skin and tool:

1. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water after a session to help flush out any toxins that have been released.
2. Cleanse your tool: Clean your gua sha scraper with warm soapy water and dry it thoroughly before storing it away.
3. Soothe your skin: If you notice any redness or sensitivity after a session (which is normal), apply a soothing serum or moisturizer.


Using a gua sha scraping board can be an excellent addition to both your skincare routine and overall wellness regimen. It's simple enough for anyone to learn and can be done right at home with just a few minutes each day. Consistency is key when it comes to seeing results from gua sha therapy, so make sure you incorporate this practice into your regular self care routine for the best benefits.