Many of you still do not know what the Guasha method is? Guasha is a traditional Chinese healing method that uses a smooth-edged object to stroke over your skin and press into it. This movement raises small, red, rash-like dots that show up under your skin called petechiae.
People use gua sha to treat chronic pain throughout the body. They often do it along with other complementary treatments such as herbal medicine, massage, acupuncture, and heat therapy.
What is Guasha?
Guasha, also known as Gua sha in Vietnam, is called scraping the wind. Whenever you are hit by the wind and have a headache, you can “catch the wind” on your forehead and temples or use a coin to scrape the wind on your back. Then red streaks will appear, the darker the red, the more wind you are hit.
Guasha the right way
To prepare Gua sha, you need to apply oil to the Guasha preparation area. Then, use the gua massage tool (if at home, use a coin or the curved part of a key) to gently scrape the skin in long and downward strokes. This is when you will notice areas of red petechiae on the skin.
Guasha locations on the body:
- Back
- Neck
- Butt
- Arm
- Foot
At first, you only need to shave lightly on the skin. Gradually, add more force. Choose enough force for you to feel comfortable
This process is thought to help blood flow and create a “lifting” effect on the skin, which some say can help reduce toxins in the body and promote healing.
You can also guasha on your face, but it needs to be gentler.
Guasha’s benefits
So what are the benefits of Guasha? Some studies show that Guasha shaving can treat:
Hepatitis B: One study found it could help reduce the amount of hepatitis caused by the hepatitis B virus. But we need more research to know for sure.
Migraine headache: One study found that during a 14-day inpatient treatment course, guasha seemed to help relieve migraines. But experts need more research and clinical trials to prove this.
Tourette’s syndrome: This condition affects your nervous system and causes “tics” or sudden seizures. In one study, a man with Tourette’s syndrome used a combination of acupuncture, herbs, lifestyle changes, and gua sha once a week for 35 weeks. He saw his symptoms improve 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 a week, people treated with gua sha saw their pain significantly reduce in a short time. Experts are still undecided about the long-term effects of gua sha on neck pain.
Premenstrual symptoms. Women near menopause may experience symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and mood swings. In one study, women who used guasha once a week for 8 weeks saw those symptoms improve. Researchers are still trying to understand how it works.
Full breasts: If you breastfeed, your breasts may overflow with milk. This can cause them to swell and become painful. In one study, women who had trouble breastfeeding because of full breasts were treated with gua sha while they were in the hospital and for several weeks after they went home. Those women find their pain relieved and they are finally able to breastfeed more easily.
Some notes when Guasha
After knowing what Guasha is? Is Guasha safe? Guasha is considered safe. However, you may experience bruising or skin discoloration. You may also experience pain and the skin will recover within 3-5 days.
You should not Guasha if you are taking medicine for blood clots.
If you’re thinking of trying gua sha, consult your doctor first before making a decision to be on the safe side.
