Benefits of Gua Sha is typically done on the back, hips, arms, and legs, while gentler gua sha is used on the face and neck. You begin by applying an oil or serum to the area you want to treat, which helps the gua sha tool glide over the skin as you scrape up and down. สมัคร UFABET วันนี้ รับเครดิตฟรีสำหรับสมาชิกใหม่ The practice is believe to help break up stagnant energy, also known as “qi,”. Which practitioners believe causes inflammation in the body.
Gua sha is an ancient Chinese medical technique that involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged instrument to help improve blood circulation.
Benefits of Gua Sha
Gua sha may also help improve blood circulation in the treated area. In an older 2007 study of 11 participants, gua sha was found to improve circulation in small blood vessels for 25 minutes after the treatment. Participants also reported an immediate decrease in muscle soreness in the treated area. These effects extended to other parts of the body and lasted for an unspecified period after the treatment and into follow-up.
Recent studies have looked at the technique’s potential for pain relief. For example, a 2011 study of 48 participants compared the effects of gua sha with heating pads in adults with chronic neck pain. One group received gua sha, and a control group received heat therapy. Researchers found that neck pain severity and mobility improved significantly after one week in the gua sha group compared to the control group.
A small 2017 study of 12 participants compared the effects of gua sha with moist heat packs in older adults with chronic low back pain. One group received gua sha, and a control group received heat therapy.
Although both methods reduced pain and improved bending, stretching, and twisting movements of the lower back, the researchers concluded that gua sha may have a longer-lasting anti-inflammatory effect. At a follow-up one week later, those who received gua sha had greater reduction in pain and improved mobility than those in the control group.
Side effects of Gua Sha
Gua sha is generally consider safe and shouldn’t be painful. But it can cause temporary changes in the appearance of your skin. Since it involves rubbing or scraping the skin with a massage tool, small blood vessels near the skin can break, which can result in bruising and minor bleeding. Bruising usually goes away within a few days. Some people may also experience temporary indentations on their skin.
Cleaning the instrument after each use can help reduce the risk of infection. If the skin is broke or bleeding. Avoid using the instrument around open wounds and other irritated skin areas. If you are taking blood thinning medication or have a blood clotting disorder, consult a healthcare professional before use.