Many of us have seen Facebook ads, TikToks and influencers touting the wonders of gua sha and jade rollers, and while the art of using facial skin care tools has gained a lot of attention over the past few months, it is still a new concept. Some of these social mentions merely offer a quick glimpse into the rich world of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Naturally, we are curious beings who want to know the ins and outs of these products that pop up in mainstream culture. Is it worth the hype? Let’s find out together.
Aren’t Gua Sha and A Jade Facial Roller Essentially the Same Thing?
This is one thing we hear and doubt a lot. Since both Gua Sha and Jade Rollers have had similar results in practical experience, this is a fair question.
Today, we’re going to break down the core differences between the two products.
Are Gua Sha and Jade Rollers the Same?
Yes or no. The main difference between a jade roller and a gua sha tool is that a jade roller is primarily a lymphatic drainage massage whereas a gua sha is a fascial [i.e. fibrous tissue] release massage. It can be confirmed that gua sha can achieve the effect of jade roller, but it is difficult for jade roller to achieve the effect that gua sha can achieve.
Gua Sha is a deeper form of physical therapy. We need to know that Gua Sha existed as a traditional Chinese folk medical method for a long time before it was used as a facial beauty tool.
What are the Benefits of Gua Sha?
Relieve Tension
One of the greatest benefits of using Gua Sha is that it can relieve tension in the neck and face when done properly. It can help relieve stress and tense, overworked muscles (muscles you don’t even know you’re using!). The movements of applying deep pressure on areas such as the forehead, jaw, neck and shoulders will help you relax and feel calm. It’s the perfect way to end a stressful day and get ready for bed, or to start your day feeling relaxed and carefree.
Lymphatic Drainage
You will also find that your lymphatic system is activated through Gua Sha, causing the body-wide lymph to drain from your face and neck. Lymph is made up of salts, proteins, and other substances that are carried throughout the body. Our face and neck tend to accumulate a lot of this fluid, and when we stimulate the lymphatic system, the result is that the fluid leaves the face and neck, making your face less puffy.
Better Complexion
Yes, this is true. You may find that you look more radiant after gua sha. When you cleanse your skin of toxins, problems like blackheads and acne are addressed and eradicated. Plus, your blood flow and oxygen are stimulated, which means you have the potential to reduce the appearance of fine lines, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve skin elasticity. the
But be careful, when you use it, you should avoid areas with acne or open wounds. in order to avoid more serious consequences.
Reduce stress and Anxiety
If the powerful physical benefits aren’t enough to convince you, maybe the mental ones will. As a “mind detox”, Gua Sha users often feel more focused, energized and rejuvenated after using Gua Sha or receiving a Gua Sha Facial. It makes sense – don’t you feel like a different person after your massage? The good news is you can do this to yourself anytime.
What Does the Jade Roller Do?
Similar to Gua Sha stones, jade rollers are a facial massage tool. Benefits of using a jade roller include increased blood circulation, detoxification, toning facial muscles, lymphatic drainage, and better serum absorption. The benefits are similar to Gua Sha, but some people may find jade rollers more approachable, as there aren’t as many tricks to learn. Jade rollers are also known for being cooler to the touch.
To use a jade roller, start in the center of your face and roll outward. Press lightly as you roll, feeling for tight spots around the face. Roll up and down along forehead and chin. Use very light pressure when rolling the area around the eyes. For hard-to-reach facial areas, use the smaller end of the roller.
Gua Sha VS Jade Roller?
It all depends on your actual situation. If you want a more personalized experience and don’t mind spending some learning time on it, we recommend Gua Sha. But if you want to achieve a similar effect but don’t have so much time and want to experience it immediately, the scroll wheel may be a more suitable choice. However, whether it’s a gua sha or a roller, both are good choices. If it is really difficult to choose, it is better to have both of them in the bag, after all, they are not expensive.
How to use Gua Sha tool?
Neck: Starting at the right collarbone, sweep the wider side of the tool up to the chin with moderate pressure, then repeat on the other side. Each step is performed twice before proceeding to the next step.
Throat: Place tool between collarbones and sweep up to chin to gently massage throat. You can use the wide side or one of the curved sides.
Chin: Starting in the center of the chin, move the curved side of the tool along the jawline until it reaches the base of the ear. Repeat on the other side.
Cheek: Place the flat, wide side of the tool on the right side of the mouth. Slowly drag it up and over your cheekbones, stopping just before you reach your ears. Repeat on the other side.
Eyes: Starting just below the inner corner of the right eye, gently move the narrower side of the tool under the eye and toward the hairline. Repeat on the other side.
Eyebrows: Place the tool in the middle of the brow and sweep to the right until it reaches the hairline. Repeat on the other side.
Forehead: Starting at the top of the right eyebrow, drag the wide side of the tool up to the top of the hairline. Repeat this movement from the middle of the eyebrow to the top of the left eyebrow.
How to Use the Face Roller?
You use a face roller in much the same way as you use a Gua Sha. The only thing to note is that the general jade roller will have two rollers of different sizes. We just need to use the right scroll wheel in a specific area. Quite simply, use a large scroll wheel for large areas and a small scroll wheel for small areas.
So, are gua sha and rollers the same thing? Obviously not, although they have many similarities in function, they are not exactly the same thing.
