P. Sze 
If you’re seeking a non-invasive way to refine and sculpt your nose, gua sha might be the solution you’re looking for. Gua sha, a traditional Chinese technique, is renowned for promoting circulation, reducing puffiness, and enhancing facial contours. When applied correctly, gua sha can help you achieve a more sculpted, slim nose. In this guide, we’ll explore five innovative gua sha techniques that can help you reach your desired results.
1. The Bridge Lift: Defining the Nasal Bridge
The Bridge Lift technique is specifically designed to lift and define the nasal bridge, the central part of your nose that extends from between the eyebrows down to the tip.
- How to do it: Start by applying a facial oil or serum to your nose to ensure smooth movement of the tool. Hold your gua sha tool at a 15-degree angle, with the curved edge placed at the tip of your nose. Gently glide the tool upward along the bridge, following the natural contour of your nose. Move the tool from the tip of the nose toward the top of the bridge, stopping just below the forehead. Apply light pressure as you glide upward, and repeat this motion 5-10 times.
- Benefits: This technique helps to reduce puffiness and enhances the definition of the nasal bridge, making your nose appear more pronounced and slender.
“It’s better to first use cleansing oil to lift impurities and rinse them away, then apply skincare or beauty oil before performing gua sha. This way, beneficial ingredients can penetrate the skin more effectively.” — Ms. Mai Sogawa, Senior TCM Therapist
2. The Side Sweep: Slimming the Nose Sides
The Side Sweep technique targets the sides of your nose, which can sometimes appear puffy or wide. This technique aims to slim down these areas, giving your nose a more streamlined look.
- How to do it: After applying facial oil or serum, use the flat edge of your gua sha tool. Start at the base of your nose, near the nostrils, and place the tool on the side of your nose. Glide the tool upward along the side of your nose, following the natural contour, and move toward the inner corner of your eye, just below the eyebrow. Apply gentle pressure as you move upward. Repeat this motion on each side 5-7 times.
- Benefits: This technique helps to drain excess fluids from the sides of the nose, reducing puffiness and creating a more streamlined appearance.
3. The Tip Tuck: Refining the Nose Tip
The Tip Tuck technique focuses on lifting and refining the tip of your nose, giving it a more defined and sculpted appearance.
- How to do it: With your face prepped with facial oil or serum, hold the gua sha tool at a 15-degree angle. Position the curved edge just below the tip of your nose. Gently press the tool upward in a short, firm stroke, lifting the tip of your nose toward the bridge. Repeat this motion 5-10 times, focusing only on the tip area.
- Benefits: This technique specifically targets the tip of your nose, helping to lift and refine it, reducing any roundness and giving your nose a more pointed, sculpted look.
4. The Nostril Glide: Enhancing Nostril Definition
To create a more defined and slim look around the nostrils, try the nostril glide technique.
- How to do it: Apply a few drops of facial oil or serum around the nostrils. Using the narrowest part of your gua sha tool, place it at the base of one nostril. Glide the tool in a downward and outward motion, following the natural curve of the nostril. Repeat this on both nostrils, performing 5-7 strokes per side.
- Benefits: This technique helps reduce puffiness and refines the appearance of the nostrils, contributing to an overall slimmer nose.
5. The Gua Sha Pinch: Sculpting the Entire Nose
For an all-encompassing approach, the gua sha pinch combines lifting, slimming, and refining techniques.
- How to do it: After applying facial oil or serum, position the tool at the base of your nose, between your nostrils, with the curved edge facing up. Use your thumb and the gua sha tool to gently “pinch” the sides of your nose, sliding the tool upward along the bridge. This motion should be slow and deliberate, ensuring even sculpting on both sides of the nose. Repeat this 5-7 times.
- Benefits: The gua sha pinch technique works to slim the entire nose by promoting lymphatic drainage, reducing puffiness, and enhancing the natural contours of your nose.
“Incorporating gua sha into your nighttime skincare routine is ideal after a bath when blood circulation is good. Avoid doing it after meals. Drinking water afterward aids in waste elimination, and stretching can further enhance the benefits. Improved circulation also helps toner absorb more easily, so applying extra toner or using a mask afterward is highly recommended.” — Ms. Mai Sogawa, Senior TCM Therapist
By integrating these innovative gua sha techniques into your skincare routine, you can achieve a more sculpted and refined nose without the need for invasive procedures. Regular practice of these techniques, along with the use of a high-quality gua sha tool and nourishing facial oil, will help you maximize the benefits. If you’re new to gua sha, be sure to check out our gua sha basic guide to get started on this transformative journey.
