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Gua sha tools guide: facial vs body use, materials and safety

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-15.

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Two very different uses

A 2011 trial in Pain Medicine describes gua sha as press-stroking the body surface with a smooth-edged instrument to intentionally raise therapeutic petechiae. Facial tools such as Mount Lai's are designed to glide smoothly across the skin with much lighter pressure.

What studies show

In the 2011 randomized trial, 48 outpatients with chronic neck pain received either one gua sha treatment or a local heat pad. After 1 week, neck pain severity improved significantly more in the gua sha group, with better scores for pain on motion, neck disability and quality of life; the treatment was safe and well tolerated. The authors said long-term value remains unclear.

A 2007 pilot study in 11 healthy people found one gua sha treatment on the back caused a fourfold increase in surface microcirculation for the first 7.5 minutes, with a significant increase during the 25 minute study period. Both studies were small, and neither tested facial gua sha.

Choosing a material

• Jade. Mount Lai describes its jade tool as 100% authentic jade and naturally cool to the touch.
• Rose quartz. Mount Lai says its rose quartz tool gives a smooth, soothing glide.
• Stainless steel. Mount Lai says its stainless steel tool is non-porous, easy to clean, resilient to drops and breakage, and suits travel or shower use.
• Shape. Curved edges fit the jawline and cheeks; Mount Lai also sells a gua sha comb and spoon for other areas.

Mount Lai pitches stainless steel as the drop- and breakage-resistant choice for travel and the shower.

How to use a facial gua sha tool

Mount Lai includes step-by-step directions with its jade tool:

• Prep. Clean your face and apply a facial oil or serum so the tool glides; Mount Lai says oil prevents pulling on the skin.
• Forehead. Hold the tool flat against the face and stroke upward from eyebrows to hairline.
• Cheeks. Stroke outward from the nose crease toward the ear.
• Jawline. Use the curved end and stroke from chin to ear.
• Under the eyes. Use a very light stroke from the inner corner to the temple, with minimal pressure on this thin skin.
• Clean it. Wash with warm water and a mild soap after each use and dry with a soft cloth.

Mount Lai also advises giving the area a break if you are dealing with active acne.

Maker claims to read carefully

Mount Lai says its tools help release tension, encourage lymphatic movement, reduce the look of puffiness and support a more sculpted-looking appearance, and that jade promotes circulation and skin elasticity. These are maker claims; the studies above looked at body gua sha for pain and blood flow, not facial contouring.

For relaxing massage around the eyes, see our eye massager guide; for the scalp, see our electric scalp massager guide.

Who should skip it or ask first

Because body gua sha deliberately raises marks under the skin, take extra care with anything that affects bleeding or skin. Therabody, describing precautions for myofascial tools, lists bleeding disorders, blood-thinning medicines, skin rash, open wounds, bruises, local inflammation and recent surgery or injury among conditions where you should get medical advice first.

• Do not use gua sha over broken, sunburned or infected skin.
• Ask your doctor first if you take blood thinners or bruise easily.
• Stop if strokes cause sharp pain, and see a provider for neck or back pain that persists.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

Does gua sha work?

A 2011 trial found one session eased chronic neck pain at 1 week; facial claims are mostly maker claims.

Should gua sha leave marks?

Body gua sha intentionally raises petechiae; facial gua sha should be gentle and not leave marks.

Which gua sha material is best?

Jade and rose quartz feel smooth and cool; stainless steel is non-porous and drop-resistant, per Mount Lai.

Can I use gua sha with acne?

Mount Lai advises giving the area a break if you have active acne.

Who should not use gua sha?

Ask a doctor first if you take blood thinners, bruise easily or have broken or inflamed skin.

Sources

• Effectiveness of traditional Chinese gua sha therapy in patients with chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), Pain Medicine (PubMed 21276190)
• The effect of Gua Sha treatment on the microcirculation of surface tissue: a pilot study in healthy subjects (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), Explore (PubMed 17905355)
• The Jade Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool (mountlai.com), Mount Lai
• The Stainless Steel Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool (mountlai.com), Mount Lai
• Product Warnings and Guidance: Precautions and Contraindications (therabody.com), Therabody

Sources checked 2026-10-15.