IN a beauty industry that is constantly evolving with new trends and techniques, the traditional Chinese facial massage technique, ‘gua sha’, has been gaining attention as a natural way to achieve a more radiant and sculpted look.
Made from natural materials such as jade, rose quartz, buffalo horn or stainless steel, the tool used for this massage is ergonomically designed to fit the contours of the face and it is widely sold online.
‘Gua sha’ is often promoted by influencers on social media, who claim the massage is capable of slimming the face and enhancing the jawline. But how effective is this massage?
According to LCP-certified aesthetic doctor Dr Maizatul Sharidah Meor Zul Hassan, the effects of this technique, which involves using the tool concerned to scrape the skin with moderate pressure, are only temporary and cannot permanently alter the facial structure.
She added, however, while the ‘gua sha’ massage technique does not have the ability to burn fat, it can help reduce puffiness by stimulating blood circulation and the lymphatic system.
"When excess fluid is drained from the face, one may notice a more defined facial shape... but this is only temporary. This is not a process that permanently reshapes the facial structure," she told Bernama.
Dr Maizatul said facial slimming is better achieved through weight management, a balanced diet and regular exercise.
She also said to maximise the benefits of a ‘gua sha’ massage, the proper technique must be used, pointing out that upward and outward strokes along the jawline and cheeks can help improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage, resulting in the face looking more radiant and lifted, albeit temporarily.
"There is no exact guideline on how often the ‘gua sha’ massage should be done for optimal results, but many studies suggest doing it two to three times a week for the best outcome. Research published in the ‘Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine’ (2019) indicates that ‘gua sha’ can enhance blood circulation and reduce puffiness, contributing positively to the appearance of the skin," she said.
However, she acknowledged that those who enjoy ‘gua sha’ as part of their beauty routine can continue doing the massage for benefits such as improved skin texture and facial tension relief.
That said, Dr Maizatul pointed out that clinical treatments like Botox injections and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and radiofrequency therapy are "more effective for long-lasting skin tightening and facial contouring”.
"Botox can slim the face by reducing the size of the masseter muscles, providing a longer-lasting effect in reducing the facial width, especially for individuals with enlarged masseter muscles.
"HIFU and radiofrequency treatments, on the other hand, work to tighten the skin and stimulate collagen production. They also offer longer-lasting improvements in facial firmness and elasticity," she explained.
Meanwhile, 25-year-old Fatin Umairah Abdul Hamid, who has been practising the ‘gua sha’ massage technique since last year, believes it has helped to refine and define her facial shape.
"Consistency is the key. I saw results within a week - my cheeks looked slimmer and my double chin disappeared. But at the same time, I also watch my diet to achieve optimum results," she said, adding she massages her face with the ‘gua sha’ tool daily for five minutes.
Private sector employee Arini Saleh, 34, became interested in trying the ‘gua sha’ massage after seeing positive feedback from other users on social media.
"An influencer frequently shares the effectiveness of this technique so I wanted to try it to resolve my facial asymmetry and enjoy other benefits like improved blood circulation and anti-aging effects," she said. - BERNAMA