What is gua sha?

Gua sha is a traditional Chinese scraping technique that has been practiced for thousands of years.

It involves using a smooth tool, often by an acupuncturist or massage therapist, to scrape the skin’s surface in an attempt to improve circulation and promote healing.

“The term loosely translates to ‘scraping, rubbing or pushing’ — essentially, a tool-assisted type of massage,” said Tim Sobo, licensed acupuncturist with the Cleveland Clinic.

Benefits of gua sha

Some of the most popular reported benefits of gua sha include:

Improved skin: Gua sha is often advertised on social media as a way to reduce facial puffiness and improve overall skin clarity.

A 2022 article in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found short-term gua sha scraping could reduce facial puffiness through lymphatic drainage and increased blood flow, as reported by MedicalNewsToday.

Increased blood flow: Gua sha has been shown to improve microcirculation in the areas where it is performed.

“That helps ensure a better blood supply so everything is moving through your body as it should,” Sobo explained.

Muscle relief: In Eastern Asia, gua sha therapy is often used to relieve pain.

 

Drawbacks of gua sha

Currently, research supporting the medical efficacy of gua sha in several areas is limited. Some even suggest that perceived benefits may be a placebo.

Additionally, there is a risk of unwanted side effects if the technique isn’t performed correctly. If scraping is done too aggressively, muscle soreness, bruising or skin discoloration may occur.

“If you have any health conditions, let your practitioner know before your session starts,” Sobo advises. “That way, they’ll know to adjust the pressure, if needed.”

People wanting to try out gua sha can perform the therapy on themselves in most cases, but caution is advised.