Although Bella Hadid-inspired jaw highlighting is popular on TikTok, some skin care enthusiasts prefer more conventional face sculpting methods. They are the go-to for defining their jawline? The usage of gua sha tools for centuries. A board-certified dermatologist in New York City, tells Bustle that a gua sha massage involves gliding a gemstone facial tool over the skin. Improves circulation, encourages lymphatic drainage and helps to reduce puffiness and inflammation when done correctly. Gua sha makes the face’s natural contours stand out by removing excess fluids from the skin. Because it makes the face appear more “sculpted,” gua sha is frequently used for jawline sculpting.

Since the bottom half of the face is having a major character moment. It makes sense that gua sha has become so popular on the jaw. In the United States, searches for gua sha have increased by 47.7% since last year, according to data from Spate, a consumer brand platform. Additionally, the #guasha hashtag on TikTok, which currently has over 857.1 million views, contains numerous videos of individuals utilizing the tool specifically on their jawline. However, the traditional facial device does more than just tone the face.

What is the Gua Sha Tool?

Traditional Chinese medicine’s gua sha can be used for more than just aesthetic purposes. Gua sha is more than just a skin-care or facial tool. Dr. Ervina Wu, L.Ac., says, “It’s great for self-care.” According to Dr. Ph.D., founder of YINA and a registered TCM dermatologist, “gua” means “scrape” and “sha” means “petechiae,” or “tiny, flat, red or purple spots” in Chinese.

It is commonly used in Chinese medicine to scrape the skin, typically on the upper back, to invigorate blood flow, activate various points of the body, and respond that bringing helpful cells to the area. The skin becomes discolored as a result of this action. But there is no pain and the petechiae typically disappear within days. The gua sha has become a well-known skin care tool since its inception, and it is commonly used to “scrape” the contours of the face for a more defined appearance.

What is the work of Gua Sha on the jawline?

Our jawlines naturally sag. This happens as the bones of our face decrease in size, which leads to less support for the fat, muscle, and skin, causing them to sag.” Additionally, the natural aging process causes a loss of collagen, resulting in less volume in the face and the appearance of a “blurred” jawline.

So, how can gua sha assist? Its capacity to stimulate microcirculation may also aid in the promotion of collagen production, which directly combats volume loss. She says that [gua sha] is great for increasing blood flow, easing tension, and rejuvenating the skin. You’ll feel more energized after doing it correctly and consistently, and your skin and jawline will appear toned.

How to Improve Your Jawline

You first apply a facial oil to help the gua sha glide smoothly across the skin. You run the risk of injuring your face. Next, use light to moderate pressure with the tool pointing away from the skin at an angle of 30 to 45 degrees. Start from the middle of the face slightly upwards and toward the hairline. He makes it clear that you should only move the gua sha tool in one direction outward and not in reverse this is a common oversight.

Move to the center of the jawline after finishing the top of the face. Gliding the tool gently toward each side’s ears. To stimulate the triple warmer meridian, wiggle the gua sha. The face’s alignment will be corrected as a result of this movement, which will help it relax. Once the gua sha reaches the collarbone, it should be gently slid down the sides of the neck. To get the best results, We recommend sliding over each area at least five or six times.

Applying medium pressure with the gua sha tool to the masseter muscle, also known as the jaw chewing muscle. I refer to this as “grinding the fascia” to release all of the tension that has built up as a result of pressure from crunching nuts. Speaking and even any unconscious grinding that occurs as a result of stress. Even though this movement is not necessarily “sculpting,” it is certainly beneficial in that it relieves stress on the jawline.