Information courtesy of webmd.com
Gua sha is a traditional Chinese healing method in which a trained professional uses a soft-edged tool to caress the skin while pressing it. This movement causes small red, rash-like spots to appear under the skin, called petechiae.
People use gua sha to treat chronic pain throughout the body. They often do it together with other complementary treatments such as herbal medicine, massages, acupuncture and heat therapy.
What happens
To prepare you for treatment, your technician will put oil on your body. They will then use the stone-shaped gua sha massage tool to scrape the skin in long, downward strokes. This is when you will notice areas of petechiae on your skin.
At first, they will gently use the tool on your skin. Gradually add more pressure to the strokes. They will only apply as much pressure as you are comfortable with.
This process is believed to help blood flow and create a “lifting” effect on the skin, which some say can help decrease toxins in the body and promote healing.
You can also do gua sha on your face, but that process would be gentler.
Potential benefits
Some studies have looked at whether it may be helpful for some conditions, including:
Hepatitis B. One study shows it may help reduce the amount of liver inflammation caused by the hepatitis B virus. But we need more studies to be sure.
Migraines. One study suggests that, as part of a 14-day inpatient treatment, gua sha appeared to help relieve migraine pain. But experts need more research and clinical trials to prove it.
Tourette syndrome. This condition affects your nervous system and causes sudden “tics” or twitches. In one study, a man with Tourette syndrome used a combination of acupuncture, herbs, lifestyle changes, and gua sha once a week for 35 weeks. He saw that his symptoms improved by 70%. But researchers need more evidence to confirm the links.
Neck Pain. In a clinical trial, 48 people with chronic neck pain were divided into two equal groups. After one week, people who received the gua sha treatment saw their pain relieved significantly for a short time. Experts are undecided about the long-term effects of gua sha on neck pain.
Potential risks
Normally, gua sha is considered safe. However, you may have some bruising or skin discoloration. You may also feel pain and tenderness for a short time after receiving treatment.
You should not take it if you are taking medicine for blood clots.
If you’re thinking about trying gua sha, talk to your doctor first to make sure it’s right for you.