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Face-roller and Gua sha

Writer's picture: Mary Johnston LetellierMary Johnston Letellier

Do you struggle with jaw tension? Want to add some self-care to your singing routine? Let's talk about Gua sha and face-rollers.



Pictured- a kind of Gua sha- $20 here


Gua sha is a traditional Chinese healing method in which a trained professional uses a smooth-edged tool to stroke your skin while they press on it. This process is believed to help blood flow and create a “lifting” effect on your skin.



Pictured- face roller- $20 here


According to health line.com, face-rolling:

"Improves blood circulation in your face. Using a face roller can stimulate blood flow to your face, which may help make your skin look brighter.

Decreases puffiness. Rolling may also decrease puffiness (like under-eye bags) by stimulating lymphatic drainage. Some studies have generally linked this type of massage to decreases in swelling. But more research is needed to make the link between facial rollers and any improvements in puffiness in your face.

Facial massage can improve your mood. An older 2008 study suggested that facial massage reduces anxiety for some people.

Facial massage may enhance the look of skin. A 2017 study of facial massage showed some anti-aging effects, especially when combined with an anti-aging cream. However, it was not done with facial rollers specifically.

Cools and soothes your skin. If you store your roller in the refrigerator or use a naturally cold stone like jade, it’ll cool your skin on contact. The benefits of this are still to be determined, but some people may enjoy how it feels.

Distributes skin care product. Rollers are typically used with an oil or moisturizer to help the tool glide across your skin. This process may deliver the product deeper into your skin, though no research proves this yet."



Fantastic- our blood will get moving and our skin will be lifted and our lymph nodes will drain. All of us singers will look gorgeous. But we also want a practical, singing application, yes?


These tools can help to gently massage both the masseter and temporalis muscles, which control jaw movement. A freer-working jaw allows for easier vocal production. I had a tendency to clench my jaw in frustration and anxiety; using both of these tools to massage my facial muscles has greatly helped me to reduce unnecessary tension which I hear reflected in my voice.


Try it out!

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