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Gua sha, also known as cupping therapy, is a traditional folk method of using scraping tools to increase circulation and enjoy other health benefits. However, it's not just for people with chronic pain or illnesses; you can use it to relax your body and mind as well.
Here's everything you need to know about this ancient practice: what it is, how it works and when it's right for you.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese technique that uses gentle scraping to increase circulation and relieve pain in the body. It's also used to promote healing, improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.
It's a form of energy medicine, where the practitioner applies light pressure with their hands or a tool (sometimes called moxa) over acupuncture points on the body.
People who perform this scraping method use their fingers or a tool like an eggshell shard to create lines around specific points on the skin, which triggers its own healing process by increasing blood flow through increased circulation.
Benefits of Gua Sha
Here are some of the benefits you can avail by using this scraping tool:
1) Reduces wrinkles
It can improve circulation, so it's possible that increased blood flow can help with skin tone and texture. However, there's no research showing that it helps with wrinkles and fine lines yet.
2) May help reduce puffiness
As gliding this tool across the face or body increases blood flow, the practice may help physical symptoms of inflammation like puffiness and swelling. The practice can also help lymphatic drainage by moving fluid away from swollen areas, another benefit of massage in general.
3) Alleviate Tech Neck Pain
If you're tired of aches and pains from bad posture or constant scrolling, this scraping tool might help. In a small study involving 60 people with neck and shoulder pain, researchers found that the treatment helped reduce pain and improve range of motion.
4) Reduces migraine symptoms
This practice of scraping the body with a smooth tool to get rid of toxins and relieve pain, might help relieve headaches and migraines.
5) Aids in muscle recovery
If you don’t want to fuss with foam rollers, ice baths, or deep tissue massages, gua sha can be worth a try. It works by promoting blood circulation to clear lactic acid build-up from the muscles.
How to Use Gua Sha Tool For Scraping Therapy
Gua Sha is an ancient Chinese therapy that involves scraping the skin with a smooth, flat surface such as quartz crystal or jade.
The technique is typically performed by holding the tool over areas of tension and rubbing it back and forth till blood appears on the skin. The practitioner then presses harder to create adhesion points or slight bruising, which can help relieve pain from muscle tightness and dysfunction.
As it involves certain levels of pressure, there are certain precautions you should follow when performing this therapy at home:
- Make sure you're applying enough pressure so that your client feels it but not too much that it causes pain or discomfort. If you're unsure, ask your client if they prefer more or less pressure next time before starting treatment again.
- Avoid using Gua Sha on pregnant women, as there isn't sufficient research showing whether it's safe during pregnancy yet. Always consult with a doctor before trying any new massage techniques while pregnant.
Gua Sha For Slimming Face: Does it work?
Although there's no scientific evidence that Gua Sha improves wrinkles, blemishes, or acne, many say it prevents them. At the same time, dermatologists point out that this ancient Chinese tool may not make your face look thinner.
If you're looking for a way to reduce stress and have an instant facelift, try facial massage. Facial massage can give you an almost instant look of renewed youthfulness.
However, keep in mind that facial massage won't dramatically change your face shape. If your face gets slimmer, it's because of the movement of fluid around your body.
Side effects
Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese treatment that uses scraping tools to increase circulation and enjoy other health benefits. However, it may cause bruising, redness, swelling, and pain. There're no known serious side effects.
If you're not sure whether this tool is right for you or if you're worried about the risks of this procedure, speak with your doctor before starting any new treatment plan or regimen.
