Could Gua Sha Be the Key to Better Health?

Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique that uses a smooth, flat-edged tool in long strokes to help stimulate blood flow.1

Practitioners (often acupuncturists) may perform this therapy on certain parts of the body or face as part of a holistic approach toward treating some mental and physical health conditions.2 However, while the initial research is promising, more evidence is needed to confirm the benefits of gua sha for specific conditions.

1. Reduced Inflammation

Although extensive research is limited, gua sha may improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and potentially deliver other health benefits, like alleviating pain. Experts theorize that the "scraping" technique of gua sha promotes blood flow through blood vessels, triggering an anti-inflammatory immune system response, which reduces inflammation in the face and body.3

2. Hepatitis B

Gua sha may be effective for hepatitis B, a virus-induced liver inflammation. Research has found that a two-day course of gua sha treatment decreased liver enzyme levels. This indicates that the inflammatory process triggered by the hepatitis B virus and the resulting symptoms could be relieved with gua sha.45

3. Headaches

An initial study found that gua sha helped ease chronic headache symptoms caused by medication overuse.6 Another study ranked gua sha as fourth on the list of effective Western and traditional Chinese medicine migraine relief approaches for more than half of the participants.7

4. Neck Pain

Some studies suggest neck pain may improve more in the short term after gua sha sessions than using a heating pad.8 Other research found that gua sha alleviated neck and shoulder pain in people who regularly sat at a computer. Those participants reported a better range of motion after using the technique.9

5. Tourette's Syndrome

Tourette's syndrome, which impacts the nervous system and leads to sudden movements or sounds known as "tics," is another condition that may benefit from gua sha. Though research is limited, one study on one adult male with Tourette's syndrome found that weekly treatments of gua sha, along with other TCM techniques and lifestyle changes, improved his symptoms by 70%.5

6. Perimenopause

It may also be possible for gua sha to relieve perimenopausal symptoms, which are symptoms experienced in the phase leading up to menopause (the point in time when a person's menstrual period has stopped for 12 straight months). In one study, participants who received 15-minute weekly gua sha sessions for two months reported a reduction in perimenopausal symptoms, like hot flashes, insomnia (inability to fall asleep or stay asleep), headaches, and fatigue.1011

7. Breast Engorgement

Gua sha scraping may help relieve discomfort from breast engorgement, a complication of breastfeeding in which the breasts become inflamed and painful.1213 An older study (from 2010) of 54 participants showed that using gua sha techniques helped ease breast engorgement and was reported to be as effective as a warm compress.14

8. Sinus Pressure

Gua sha may help move lymph fluid in the body, reducing inflammation and supporting immune system function. Some research suggests it may help reduce fluid buildup, sinus pressure, and pain and improve circulation and blood in the area where gua sha is performed.1516

9. Fatigue and Insomnia

Experts believe gua sha may help combat fatigue and sleep disorders like insomnia. Using gua sha, particularly on tense areas like the neck and shoulders, might support the nervous system, leading to relaxation and improved sleep habits.5

Are There Any Side Effects?

A few potential side effects can occur when using gua sha. The tool's scraping motion may burst tiny blood vessels, leading to bruising or small reddened/discolored areas known as petechiae.3

Any light bleeding near the skin's surface could technically present a risk for transmitting germs or illnesses if gua sha tools aren't properly disinfected.17

Who Should Avoid It?

Gua sha is generally considered to be safe for most healthy adults. However, there are a few people who should consider avoiding this practice, including those who:175

• Have open skin wounds or are healing from a sunburn
• Recently had facial Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) or other injectables
• Recently had surgery
• Have blood circulation issues or take blood thinner medications
• Have a blood clotting disorder
• Have diabetes
• Have chronic skin conditions, like rosacea or psoriasis

Children, older adults, and people who are pregnant should check with a healthcare provider before trying gua sha to ensure it's safe.5

Getting a Gua Sha Professional Massage

Professional gua sha massages are available at some spas, usually at locations that offer traditional Chinese medicine practices or acupressure healing techniques.

This type of massage is similar to a hands-on (manual) massage, but it is performed using a gua sha tool and focuses on specific strokes in certain directions to help stimulate blood flow.18

How to Use a Gua Sha Facial Tool at Home

You can also use a gua sha tool at home on your face, moving upward and outward to help reduce inflammation in the area. Here's what experts recommend:18

• Start with clean skin, then apply a facial oil or serum to help the tool glide across your skin gently.
• Take the curved side of the gua sha tool and glide it from the base of your neck to your chin on each side.
• Apply the curved edge of the tool from the base of your cheekbone near your lip in an upward motion toward your ear.
• Near the inner corner of the eye, use light pressure to glide the gua sha tool outward across the tops of the cheekbones.
• Use the top of the gua sha tool to move from the inner brow bone to the outer edge.
• Place the flat edge of the tool at the top of the bridge of the nose and run it up across your forehead to your hairline.

For best results, these steps should be repeated twice on each side. While some gua sha practitioners recommend doing this home practice at least once a week, see how your skin responds to a less frequent cadence. Ask a healthcare provider or acupuncturist any questions you may have.18

Tips for Selecting a Tool

Gua sha tools are available at various online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores. They're often made of stone materials like jade or stainless steel to promote a cooling effect on the skin. For sizing, consider the part of the body where you plan to use the gua sha tool, selecting a smaller tool for the face and a larger one for parts of the body.5

Summary

Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses a flat, smooth tool in long, scraping motions across the skin on the face and body to promote inflammation relief. While research is still in the early stages, available evidence suggests that gua sha can help improve circulation, relieve muscle pain, and potentially help support other health conditions.

Gua sha tools are available for purchase and home use, though a trained practitioner or acupuncturist can offer a professional gua sha massage at a spa location. Check with a healthcare provider before trying gua sha, especially if you're pregnant or have an underlying health condition.