What is Gua Sha?

Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool (such as a jade scraper, buffalo horn plate, or ceramic spoon) to promote Qi and blood circulation, remove stagnation, and expel toxins from the body. It is used for both therapeutic and wellness purposes.

How Does Gua Sha Work?

Improves blood circulation – Enhances microcirculation and relieves blood stasis.
Detoxifies and expels dampness – Helps remove toxins and reduce dampness accumulation.
Relieves muscle tension and pain – Commonly used for neck stiffness, shoulder pain, and muscle soreness.
Regulates meridians and Qi flow – Unblocks energy pathways to improve organ function and immunity.
Boosts the immune system – Enhances the body's natural healing ability and helps prevent colds.

Conditions Gua Sha Can Help With

Colds and fever (especially wind-cold type colds)
Muscle pain and stiffness (e.g., from prolonged sitting or poor posture)
Headaches and migraines
Indigestion and bloating
Chronic fatigue and stress
Heatstroke and summer humidity discomfort

How to Perform Gua Sha

Choose the right tool – Use a Gua Sha board made of jade, buffalo horn, or a ceramic spoon.
Apply a lubricant – Use Gua Sha oil, massage oil, or petroleum jelly to reduce friction.
Scrape in the right direction:
Follow the meridian pathways and scrape in one direction (not back and forth).
Apply moderate pressure to avoid excessive irritation.
Post-treatment care – Keep warm, avoid cold drafts, and drink warm water to aid detoxification.

Precautions

⚠ Not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with bleeding disorders, open wounds, or those who are extremely weak.
⚠ Gua Sha may cause temporary red or purple marks (called "Sha"), which usually fade within a few days.
⚠ Avoid scraping over bony areas or excessive force to prevent injury.

Gua Sha is not only a treatment method but also a popular self-care practice for relieving stress, fatigue, and poor circulation.