Could Gua Sha Be the Key to Better Health?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefitsSide EffectsWho Should Avoid It?Gua Sha MassageAt-Home UseTips

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Benefits

Side Effects

Who Should Avoid It?

Gua Sha Massage

At-Home Use

Tips

Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique that uses a smooth, flat-edged tool in long strokes to help stimulate blood flow.

Practitioners (oftenacupuncturists)may perform this therapy on certain parts of the body or face as part of a holistic approach toward treating some mental and physical health conditions.However, while the initial research is promising, more evidence is needed to confirm the benefits of gua sha for specific conditions.

1. Reduced Inflammation

Although extensive research is limited, gua sha may improve circulation, reduceinflammation, and potentially deliver other health benefits, like alleviating pain. Experts theorize that the “scraping” technique of gua sha promotes blood flow throughblood vessels, triggering an anti-inflammatoryimmune system response, which reduces inflammation in the face and body.

2. Hepatitis B

3. Headaches

4. Neck Pain

Some studies suggestneck painmay improve more in the short term after gua sha sessions than using aheating pad.Other research found that gua sha alleviated neck andshoulder painin people who regularly sat at a computer. Those participants reported a betterrange of motionafter using the technique.

5. Tourette’s Syndrome

6. Perimenopause

It may also be possible for gua sha to relieveperimenopausal symptoms, which are symptoms experienced in thephase leading up to menopause(the point in time when a person’s menstrual period has stopped for 12 straight months). In one study, participants who received 15-minute weekly gua sha sessions for two months reported a reduction in perimenopausal symptoms, likehot flashes,insomnia(inability to fall asleep or stay asleep), headaches, and fatigue.

7. Breast Engorgement

Gua sha scraping may help relieve discomfort from breast engorgement, a complication ofbreastfeedingin which the breasts become inflamed and painful.An older study (from 2010) of 54 participants showed that using gua sha techniques helped ease breast engorgement and was reported to be as effective as a warm compress.

8. Sinus Pressure

Gua sha may help movelymph fluidin the body, reducing inflammation and supporting immune system function. Some research suggests it may help reduce fluid buildup,sinus pressure, and painand improvecirculation and bloodin the area where gua sha is performed.

9. Fatigue and Insomnia

Experts believe gua sha may help combatfatigueand sleep disorders likeinsomnia. Using gua sha, particularly on tense areas like the neck and shoulders, might support thenervous system, leading to relaxation and improved sleep habits.

Are There Any Side Effects?

A few potential side effects can occur when using gua sha. The tool’s scraping motion may burst tiny blood vessels, leading tobruisingor small reddened/discolored areas known aspetechiae.

Any light bleeding near the skin’s surface could technically present a risk for transmitting germs or illnesses if gua sha tools aren’t properly disinfected.

A Beginner’s Guide to Traditional Chinese Medicine

Gua sha is generally considered to be safe for most healthy adults. However, there are a few people who should consider avoiding this practice, including those who:

Children, older adults, and people who are pregnant should check with a healthcare provider before trying gua sha to ensure it’s safe.

Getting a Gua Sha Professional Massage

Professional gua sha massages are available at some spas, usually at locations that offer traditional Chinese medicine practices oracupressurehealing techniques.

This type of massage is similar to a hands-on (manual)massage, but it is performed using a gua sha tool and focuses on specific strokes in certain directions to help stimulate blood flow.

How to Use a Gua Sha Facial Tool at Home

You can also use a gua sha tool at home on your face, moving upward and outward to help reduce inflammation in the area. Here’s what experts recommend:

For best results, these steps should be repeated twice on each side. While some gua sha practitioners recommend doing this home practice at least once a week, see how your skin responds to a less frequent cadence. Ask a healthcare provider or acupuncturist any questions you may have.

Tips for Selecting a Tool

Gua sha tools are available at various online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores. They’re often made of stone materials like jade or stainless steel to promote a cooling effect on the skin. For sizing, consider the part of the body where you plan to use the gua sha tool, selecting a smaller tool for the face and a larger one for parts of the body.

Summary

Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses a flat, smooth tool in long, scraping motions across the skin on the face and body to promote inflammation relief. While research is still in the early stages, available evidence suggests that gua sha can help improve circulation, relieve muscle pain, and potentially help support other health conditions.

Gua sha tools are available for purchase and home use, though a trained practitioner or acupuncturist can offer a professional gua sha massage at a spa location. Check with a healthcare provider before trying gua sha, especially if you’re pregnant or have an underlying health condition.

18 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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MedlinePlus.Overcoming breastfeeding problems.

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