Gua Sha

The internet is an excellent place to discover new things that can pique your interest. If you spend a lot of time online, you have most likely found yourself browsing new things online and you may have come across a specific tool many people call “Gua Sha”. You’ve also probably found yourself wondering if this is one of those questionable things that you have to think twice about checking out or if it is worth the try? So, what is it exactly?

Gua Sha

Gua Sha is part of the traditional Chinese medicine that follows the principle or belief that your qi or “chi” must flow throughout your body to be able to experience better health. Gua means ‘scrape’, and Sha means ‘petechiae’ in Chinese. The Chinese believe that when your “chi” or energy does not flow properly in certain areas of your body, health problems may begin to manifest. This smooth-edged tool is used to scrape regions of a person’s body where there is stagnant qi and is believed to help improve circulation and promote overall health.

Gua Sha is often associated with the Graston Technique, as both use the scraping method. However, the main difference is that the said technique or treatment can be received from a physical therapist. Its focus is mainly in terms of the physiological terminology. In contrast, it’s all about the qi and blood circulation with Gua Sha and is offered during acupuncture sessions.

Why is using Gua Sha actually good for you?

Using Gua Sha is an ancient Chinese healing technique that has numerous benefits for the body. It is a natural and holistic approach to healing and can be used to relieve pain, tension, and stress. The technique involves gently scraping a smooth tool over your skin to increase blood flow and promote healing.

You can use a Gua Sha in two ways: for the body and the face. For the body, you will need to work with it in a way that will support your treatment goals, so applying pressure is necessary, while for the face, since the musculature is much thinner, applying too much pressure must be avoided.

Benefits of using Gua Sha

Most people get Gua Sha on specific parts of their body or the problem areas like the back, neck, buttocks, arms, and legs because of its health benefits. Here are some examples.

Reduces Inflammation

One of the main benefits of using Gua Sha is its ability to reduce inflammation. This is especially helpful for those suffering from chronic pain conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. The increased blood flow helps to bring fresh oxygen and nutrients to the affected part, which can help to reduce pain and swelling.

Boosts Immune System

Gua Sha can also be used to improve circulation and boost the immune system. By stimulating the lymphatic system, Gua Sha can help to remove toxins from the body and promote healing. This can be especially helpful for those suffering from chronic fatigue or autoimmune disorders.

Improves Skin

Another benefit of using Gua Sha is its ability to improve skin health. By increasing blood flow and promoting lymphatic drainage, Gua Sha can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles. It can also help to improve skin tone and texture, leaving you with a glowing complexion and that “lifting” effect on your face.

Alleviates Pain

Gua Sha is known to be suitable for musculoskeletal issues as it helps alleviate pain in the neck, tension headaches, and migraine and helps with insomnia, anxiety, as well as fatigue.

When is using Gua Sha not really a good idea?

Whether you are looking to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, or improve your skin, Gua Sha is a natural and holistic healing approach that can help you feel your best. Most people can tolerate it well, but experts warn those with circulation issues or diabetes.

While Gua Sha can be a great way to help improve circulation and relieve muscle tension, there are certain times when it is not recommended to use this technique. If you have any open wounds or cuts on your skin, it’s best to avoid using Gua Sha in that area, as it can be quite painful and may even cause further damage. Additionally, if you have any skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, Gua Sha may aggravate these conditions and make them worse. It’s also important to avoid Gua Sha if you are pregnant, as the technique can stimulate the uterus and potentially lead to premature labour. Lastly, if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider before trying Gua Sha to ensure that it is safe for you to use.

*

Nowadays, you can spot a Gua Sha on any skincare brand website, as it has become such a darling to many skincare enthusiasts. These rubbing Gua Sha stones have made their way to social media, and they are supposed to have been very effective in helping relieve tension, puffiness, and inflammation in the face. It can also help with sinus pressure. It has become a self-care ritual that many love and look forward to doing every day.

Overall, Gua Sha is a safe and effective way to improve your health and well-being. But it is very important that you know its potential risks, so talk to your doctor first before anything else. We also recommend seeing a professional traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.

Have you tried using Gua Sha? What benefits have you experienced from it? Let us know.