More Than a Glow: Gua Sha and Cupping for Facial Tension

From staring at a computer screen all day to clenching our jaws during times of stress, we carry a tremendous amount of tension in our faces. Tight facial muscles are often a contributing factor to headaches, eye strain, TMJ, facial puffiness, and the development of wrinkles.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture can be used to help release tension in these muscles. But for an even deeper, melt-your-face-off relaxation experience, I love incorporating facial gua sha and cupping into treatments.

After applying a nourishing botanical facial oil, gua sha and facial cupping are gently performed on the face and neck, massaging every nook and cranny. The result is increased circulation, lifted and refreshed skin (hello, glow!), and most importantly, less pain and tension.

Most people don’t realize just how much stress their face has been holding until they experience facial massage with gua sha and cupping!

And no—you don't need to worry about the dark marks typically associated with body cupping or gua sha. Facial gua sha is performed with a much gentler technique, specifically designed to avoid causing bruising or discoloration on the delicate skin of the face.

To add facial massage to your acupuncture treatment, be sure to book the extended facial cupping and gua sha add-on!

Kecia Fox is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner at Well Forest Acupuncture in Portland, Oregon, specializing in holistic wellness, chronic pain and stress.