Table of Contents
What is Gua Sha?
Scrape Therapy（Gua Sha）是一種源於中醫的傳統療法，廣泛應用於東亞地區，特別是中國，用於促進健康和治療多種不適。其名稱來自「刮」（用工具刮動）和「痧」（中醫認為的體內瘀滯或毒素）。刮痧通過在皮膚表面使用平滑的工具（如玉石、牛角或陶瓷製成的刮板）沿特定經絡或肌肉區域刮動，刺激血液循環、疏通氣血、緩解疼痛並促進身體自我修復。
How to proceed
During the scraping process, a lubricant (such as massage oil or Chinese medicine oil) is usually applied to the skin first to reduce friction. The therapist uses a scraper to repeatedly scrape the selected area with appropriate force and angle until red or purple spots appear on the skin, which are called "sha". These spots are a sign of broken capillaries beneath the skin, reflecting stasis or inflammation in the body and usually resolve within a few days. The scraping process may be slightly uncomfortable, but most people can tolerate it and it is often accompanied by a sense of relaxation.
effect
Gua Sha is believed to be effective for a variety of symptoms, including muscle aches, stiff neck and shoulders, colds and fevers, headaches, indigestion, and chronic fatigue. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, scraping can "promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis", regulate the balance of yin and yang, and expel "dampness" or "toxins" from the body. Modern research shows that scraping may relieve pain and improve function by increasing local blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and stimulating the nervous system.
However, scraping is not suitable for everyone. Pregnant women, people with sensitive skin, and those with bleeding disorders or severe cardiovascular diseases should avoid scraping. After treatment, you need to protect your skin by staying warm, hydrated, and avoiding bathing immediately. Although scraping is popular among the public, its effectiveness varies from person to person, and scientific evidence is still under study.
Gua Sha is a therapy that combines traditional wisdom and practice. It is suitable for relieving mild discomfort or promoting relaxation, but you should consult a professional before proceeding to ensure safety and suitability.
In-depth analysis of the principle of scraping
▍Not just "scraping the skin"! Scientific Application of Chinese Medicine Meridian Theory
Gua Sha is based on the principle of "no pain if the circulation is unblocked". It uses a special scraper (ox horn/Bian stone/stainless steel) with medium oil to apply pressure and scrape along the meridian points to stimulate the "microcirculation reaction" from the epidermis to the fascia layer. Modern research* shows that this can:
- Improve local blood flow speed 300%-400%
- Promote the excretion of metabolic waste
- Regulate autonomic nervous system tone
▍Tool Selection Guide
| Material | characteristic | Applicable parts |
|---|---|---|
| Horns | Natural warmth, good thermal conductivity | General use |
| Bian Stone | Far infrared release, deep penetration | Chronic pain |
| Stainless steel | Durable and easy to clean | Beginner-friendly |
Gua Sha Color Decoding | TCM Constitution Diagnosis Chart
"Sha" is the physiological reaction of subcutaneous microvascular ruptureThe color depth reflects the state of Qi and blood and metabolic efficiency:
| Sha | Color Features | Corresponding physique | Improvement Suggestions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat toxicity | Bright red dots, dense | Inflammation/acute cold | Scrape Dazhui acupoint + drink more mint tea |
| Qi stagnation type | Dark red flakes with blurred borders | Sedentary/Poor Circulation | Scrape the gallbladder meridian + hot compress |
| Cold and Stasis Type | Purple-black block, stiff to the touch | Cold hands and feet/menstrual pain | Moxibustion Guanyuan acupoint |
| Asthenic type | Light red without sha, easy to get dizzy after scraping | Anemia/lack of Qi and blood | Eat first and then shave |
Note: Sha on the neck/face should be interpreted with caution. It is recommended to consult a professional Chinese medicine practitioner
Gua Sha vs. Cupping | Treatment Differences Comparison Chart
| project | Scrape Therapy | Cupping therapy |
|---|---|---|
| Action level | Superficial fascia (0.3-0.5 cm) | Deep muscle (1-2 cm) |
| When to use | Early stages of a cold/tight muscles | Chronic strain/severe cold and dampness |
| Efficacy characteristics | Instant sense of relief | Deep detoxification effect |
| Operational Risk | May break the skin | Easy to leave can marks |
| Golden combination | Cupping after scraping "first clear, then drain" | Moxibustion after cupping "dispels cold and replenishes yang" |
Groups that should not receive Gua Sha treatment: 7 taboos! Don't scratch hard in these situations
⚠️ Absolutely prohibited
- Taking anticoagulants (such as aspirin)
- Low platelet count (<100,000/μL)
- Varicose veins site
🚫 Special taboos
- Pregnant women (do not scrape the waist and abdomen, but scrape the upper limbs instead)
- Diabetic wounds (be careful when scraping your lower limbs)
- Cancer chemotherapy (consent of the attending physician is required)
5 tips for post-shave care | If you do it wrong, you may get cold air.
- Golden 2 hours: Avoid cold water/air conditioning, it is recommended to wear a turtleneck
- Drinks: Warm salt water > ginger tea > room temperature water, avoid iced drinks
- Dietary taboos: Avoid seafood/mango and other "irritating foods" within 24 hours
- Sha spot treatment: Do not scrape the same area repeatedly within 72 hours
- Abnormal reactions: If the sha spots do not disappear within 7 days or become purulent, seek medical attention immediately
刮越痛越有效？
wrong! The principle is "slight pain is tolerable". Excessive pain may damage the dermis.
臉部刮痧能瘦小臉？
It is partially effective, but you need to use a "jade plate" with special essential oils and do not use it more than twice a week.
沒出痧=沒效果？
People with weak Qi and blood may experience "delayed onset of sha", which is normal after 24 hours.
