Does Gua Sha Really Work? - Anam Practice, Moray, Scotland

If you’ve spent any time on Instagram or TikTok, you’ve probably come across gua sha.

There are countless videos promising sculpted cheekbones, smoother skin and a more youthful appearance, all from a smooth stone gliding across the face.

It looks almost too good to be true.

So, does gua sha really work?

From my own experience, I’d say yes … but perhaps not always in the way social media suggests.

One of the reasons I wanted to train in facial massage was because I’d already fallen in love with gua sha myself. Long before I offered treatments professionally, it had become part of my own skincare ritual.

When I’m using it consistently, the biggest difference I notice isn’t that I suddenly look years younger. It’s my complexion.

My skin looks brighter, healthier and more awake. It has a lovely glow that I don’t seem to get from any skincare product alone.

And, perhaps just as importantly, it feels fab!

Why does it work?

One of the simplest reasons is that massage encourages blood circulation.

As fresh, oxygen-rich blood reaches the surface of the skin, your complexion can look brighter and more radiant. It’s a little like the healthy glow you get after a brisk walk on a crisp morning.

Gua sha also encourages lymphatic drainage. Throughout the day it’s perfectly normal for fluid to collect around the face, particularly around the eyes and jawline.

Using gentle, sweeping strokes helps encourage that fluid to drain naturally, which can leave the face looking less puffy and feeling lighter.

This is also why many people notice their facial contours looking a little more defined after a treatment. You’re not changing the structure of your face. You’re simply allowing your natural features to shine through once excess fluid has reduced.

More than just glowing skin

Although people are often drawn to gua sha because of the visible results, I think one of its greatest benefits is how it feels.

Many of us carry tension without realising it, particularly through the jaw, temples, forehead and scalp.

Taking time to slow down and gently massage these areas can be deeply relaxing.

Some people also find facial massage helps them feel less congested around the sinuses, while the gentle movements support the body’s natural lymphatic drainage.

For me, it’s one of those rare treatments that offers something for both your skin and your wellbeing.

And what about ice globe therapy?

My Gua Sha Facial Ritual also includes cooling ice globe massage.

The use of cold for wellbeing isn’t a new idea. Nordic and Eastern European cultures have long used snow, cold water and ice as part of traditional wellness practices.

When gently rolled across the skin, ice globes create a cooling effect that causes the tiny blood vessels near the surface of the skin to temporarily narrow.

This can help calm visible redness, reduce inflammation and minimise puffiness, leaving the skin looking fresh and refreshed.

Combined with gua sha, the cooling massage adds another layer of comfort while complementing the treatment’s focus on circulation and lymphatic drainage.

A realistic expectation

If you’re hoping gua sha will permanently lift your face or erase every wrinkle, you’ll probably be disappointed.

But if you’re looking for a treatment that leaves your skin brighter, fresher and less puffy, while giving you the chance to completely relax for an hour, then I genuinely think it’s something special.

That’s exactly why it became part of my own routine, and why I chose to include it as one of the treatments I offer at Facial Rituals Moray.

Is a professional gua sha facial worth it?

I often encourage my clients to use gua sha at home. It’s a lovely ritual to build into your own skincare routine, and with a little guidance it can become a few quiet minutes of self-care in an otherwise busy day.

Having a professional treatment, though, is quite a different experience.

During your appointment, you can simply switch off while I combine gua sha with facial massage, pressure point work, a soothing head massage and cooling ice globe therapy. It’s a chance to completely relax, while your skin enjoys all the benefits of a carefully tailored treatment.

For me, the two work beautifully together. Regular gua sha at home helps maintain your routine, while a professional facial ritual offers a deeper level of relaxation and care.

If you’d like to discover how gua sha and ice globe therapy can leave your skin looking brighter, less puffy and beautifully refreshed, I’d love to welcome you.

Learn more about my Gua Sha Facial Massage & Ice Globe Therapy treatment in Moray and find out what to expect during your appointment.

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Why does it work?

More than just glowing skin

And what about ice globe therapy?

A realistic expectation

Is a professional gua sha facial worth it?

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