Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves scraping your skin with a smooth-edged tool to improve circulation.

Gua sha massage requires using a smooth-edged tool. Gua sha tools can vary in size and shape depending on the area of the body they’re intended for. Tools for the face are usually smaller and handheld, while tools for the body can sometimes be larger.

You can usually find a gua sha tool online. You can find facial gua sha tools at some beauty retailers.

To perform gua sha:

1. Before performing gua sha massage, wash your tool with soap and warm water.
2. Then, apply oil or serum to the area you want to work on. This helps the tool glide across the skin.
3. Finally, scrape or sweep the tool upward and outward across your skin at a 15- to 30-degree angle. If you’re trying gua sha for the first time, avoid applying excessive pressure until you know how your body reacts.

The amount of pressure you use when scraping the tool typically varies depending on where you are applying it. The pressure should be gentle enough for comfort but firm enough to create slight tension.

When used on the body, the gua sha tool is scraped in long strokes across the skin and can leave petechiae, tiny red or purple spots caused by broken capillaries just beneath the skin’s surface. Mild bruises are also possible.

On the face, the tool should be gently swept upward and outward across the face with light pressure. It should not be enough pressure to leave petechiae.