The roller is the “faster” option because of the convenience of the roller being able to glide the stone along the skin to stimulate blood flow and de-puff.
The practice of gua sha is meant to be a deeper experience than to just stimulate the skin with a cool stone. It’s the next step for someone looking to really indulge in their routine, to be able to slow the breath and really give skin full attention and enjoy the ritual of self-care.
If your migraine headaches don’t respond to over-the-counter medications, gua sha may help. In one study [Gua Sha for migraine in inpatient withdrawal therapy of headache due to medication overuse], a 72-year-old woman living with chronic headaches received gua sha over a 14-day period. Her migraines improved during this time, suggesting that this ancient healing technique may be an effective remedy for headaches. More research is needed.