A bone or plastic instrument is used to identify and gently massage constricted muscle areas to relax the muscle and promote soft tissue healing. Oil is applied to the skin to help the tool glide more easily.
Gua sha helps improves blood circulation in the targeted area of the body. This improved blood flow promotes healing. It also helps rid the body of toxins and waste. In ancient Chinese medicine, gua sha is said to improve the body’s qi (pronounced “chee”) or energy flow.
Overall, gua sha doesn’t have serious side effects but there will be some skin changes like:
A series of small red dots called petechia. This is the leaking of blood from blood vessels below the skin surface. It is a normal occurrence with gua sha.
- A series of small red dots called petechia. This is the leaking of blood from blood vessels below the skin surface. It is a normal occurrence with gua sha.
- Mild red or purple bruising.
- Mild redness.
These skin marks may look worse than they feel. They shouldn’t be painful, and they should resolve in two to three days.
Caution should be used for the following people:
- If you are on blood thinners.
- Have thin or broken skin.
- Have a history of poor or slow healing.