Nowadays, the Gua Sha technique has become viral and everyone seems to be talking about it. We decided to research the advantages and disadvantages of this massage technique.
Gua sha is an ancient Chinese healing technique that involves the use of a massage tool to scrape the skin gently. This therapeutic approach aims to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which increases blood flow to the affected area. It is believed that gua sha can help break up stagnant energy in the body, which can cause inflammation and chronic pain.
During a gua sha treatment apply massage oil to the skin and use a smooth-edged tool to scrape the skin in a downward motion. The process can be performed on various body parts, including the back, neck, arms, legs, and face. You can apply mild pressure and gradually increase the intensity depending on how much force you can handle.
Gua sha has been found to have several potential benefits. It may help reduce inflammation and treat conditions that cause chronic pain, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. It may also relieve symptoms of other conditions, such as hepatitis B, migraine headaches, breast engorgement, neck pain, Tourette syndrome, and perimenopausal syndrome.
For instance, a study showed that gua sha may reduce chronic liver inflammation, which is the underlying cause of hepatitis B. The study followed a man with high liver enzymes, an indicator of liver inflammation. He was given gua sha, and after a 48-hour treatment, he experienced a decline in liver enzymes. This suggests that gua sha can improve liver inflammation, thus decreasing the likelihood of liver damage.
In addition, breast engorgement is a condition experienced by many breastfeeding women, which makes it difficult for babies to latch. Women were given gua sha from the second day after giving birth up until leaving the hospital. The hospital followed up with these women in the weeks after giving birth and found that many had fewer reports of engorgement, breast fullness, and discomfort. This made it easier for them to breastfeed.
Furthermore, the gua sha technique may prove effective for remedying chronic neck pain. In a study, 48 participants were split into two groups. One group was given gua sha, and the other used a thermal heating pad to treat neck pain. After one week, participants who received gua sha reported less pain compared to the group that didn’t.
While gua sha is generally considered safe, it may change the appearance of the skin, and it is not supposed to be painful. If you're considering gua sha, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional first.
