P. Sze 
Dark circles under the eyes can be frustrating, often making you look tired and older than you feel. Gua Sha, a traditional Chinese healing technique, offers a natural solution to brighten the under-eye area. By incorporating specific Gua Sha rituals into your routine, you can reduce the appearance of dark circles and enjoy a more refreshed, youthful look. In this article, we’ll explore seven effective Gua Sha rituals that can help lighten dark circles and rejuvenate your skin.
Before you begin, if you’re new to Gua Sha or want to refine your technique, be sure to check out our gua sha basic guide for helpful tips.
1. Use a Cooling Gua Sha Tool
One of the most effective ways to enhance Gua Sha’s impact on dark circles is by using a cooling tool. Jade or rose quartz Gua Sha tools are naturally cool to the touch, but you can amplify this effect by placing the tool in the refrigerator for a few minutes before use. The cooling sensation helps constrict blood vessels, reducing puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.
“Ensure the skin is thoroughly cleaned before using Gua Sha, especially if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin. Opt for natural oils like squalane oil, which has moisturizing and barrier-enhancing effects.”
— Ms. Mai Sogawa, Senior TCM Therapist
How to Do It:
- Chill your Gua Sha tool in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes.
- Apply a few drops of facial oil or serum under your eyes.
- Gently glide the cooled tool from the inner corner of your under-eye area to the temple, using light pressure. This motion focuses on the delicate skin beneath the eye, where dark circles are most prominent.
2. Incorporate Lymphatic Drainage Techniques
Lymphatic drainage is a crucial component of Gua Sha that can help reduce dark circles by promoting the removal of toxins and excess fluid from the under-eye area. This technique stimulates lymph flow, reducing puffiness and discoloration.
How to Do It:
- Start by applying a light facial oil or serum to the under-eye area.
- Use the curved edge of your Gua Sha tool to sweep from the inner corner of your under-eye area to the outer corner, following the natural curve of your cheekbone.
- Repeat this motion 5-7 times on each side.
3. Focus on Gentle, Upward Strokes
The direction of your Gua Sha strokes can make a significant difference in results. Gentle, upward strokes are ideal for lifting and firming the under-eye area, which can help minimize the appearance of dark circles. While this technique primarily targets the area under your eyes, you can also extend the strokes to include the area above your eyes, along the brow bone, to enhance circulation and the lifting effect.
How to Do It:
- Apply your preferred under-eye serum or oil.
- Using the rounded edge of the Gua Sha tool, start at the base of your nose and glide upwards along the orbital bone towards the outer corner of your eye.
- Perform 5-10 gentle strokes on each side, ensuring you are moving the tool in an upward direction to lift the skin.
4. Combine Gua Sha with Eye Creams
To maximize the benefits of your Gua Sha ritual, pair it with an eye cream designed to target dark circles. The massaging action of Gua Sha helps the active ingredients in the eye cream penetrate deeper into the skin, enhancing their effectiveness.
How to Do It:
- After applying your eye cream, use your Gua Sha tool to gently massage the area under your eyes.
- Start from the inner corner and move outwards, applying very light pressure.
- Focus on smooth, slow movements to help the cream absorb fully into the skin.
5. Practice Regular Evening Rituals
Consistency is key when using Gua Sha to combat dark circles. Incorporating a Gua Sha ritual into your evening skincare routine can yield better results, as this is when your skin is most receptive to repair and regeneration.
How to Do It:
- Perform your Gua Sha ritual at night, after cleansing and applying your night serum or oil.
- Focus on gentle, rhythmic strokes around the eyes, particularly under the eyes where dark circles form.
- When working around the brow bone, start at the inner brow (near the nose) and gently glide your Gua Sha tool along the brow bone towards the temples. This motion helps to lift and relax the brow area.
- For the temples, use gentle circular motions with your Gua Sha tool. Start from the outer corner of your eye and trace small circles upwards and outwards towards your hairline. This helps relieve tension and improves circulation in the area.
- Spend at least 5 minutes on this ritual, allowing the soothing motions to relax your skin and mind.
6. Target the Brow Bone and Temples
Dark circles can be linked to tension and poor circulation around the eyes. By targeting the brow bone and temples with your Gua Sha tool, you can relieve tension and promote better blood flow to the under-eye area, reducing the appearance of dark circles.
How to Do It:
- Start at the inner brow, and sweep your Gua Sha tool along the brow bone towards the temple.
- Use light pressure and repeat 5-7 times on each side.
- Continue the motion by gliding the tool from the temple down towards the hairline, following the natural curve of the brow.
- At the temples, trace small circles with your Gua Sha tool, starting from the outer corner of your eye and moving upwards and outwards. This circular motion should feel like you are gently writing a small circle on the skin.
7. Use the Gua Sha Tool for Morning De-Puffing
Morning puffiness can exacerbate the appearance of dark circles. A quick Gua Sha ritual in the morning can help reduce puffiness and brighten the under-eye area, giving you a refreshed appearance for the day ahead.
“For different skin types, choose the right facial oil before starting your Gua Sha routine. Squalane or jojoba oil works well for sensitive or acne-prone skin, while argan or jojoba oil is ideal for dry skin. Those with oily skin should opt for grapeseed or jojoba oil.”
— Ms. Mai Sogawa, Senior TCM Therapist
How to Do It:
- Begin your morning skincare routine with a cool Gua Sha tool.
- Apply a hydrating serum or gel under your eyes.
- Gently sweep the Gua Sha tool from the inner corners of your under-eye area towards the outer edges, repeating 5-10 times on each side.
- Follow with your regular moisturizer and sunscreen.
By incorporating these Gua Sha rituals into your daily routine, you can effectively reduce the appearance of dark circles and enjoy a more radiant, youthful complexion. Remember, consistency and proper technique are key to seeing lasting results.
