Gua Sha is a traditional medical method from China. After thousands of years of history, it has regained its glory. So what is the reason why people are so enthusiastic about Gua Sha? Below we will introduce 9 gua sha benefits, as shown by research.
9 Gua Sha Benefits
To be honest, there aren’t enough studies to prove the full benefits of gua sha, and many of the studies are very small and limited. Therefore, most of the current gua sha benefits remain in a state of being yet to be verified. However, incorporating this technique into your self-care routine “might” result in these potential benefits.
1. Gua Sha Benefits – May Help Reduce Inflammation and Puffiness
Similar to other types of massage, sliding a gua sha tool over the face or body promotes microcirculation, the flow of blood in small blood vessels, in the soft tissues. The increased blood flow may help relieve physical symptoms of inflammation, such as puffiness and swelling. Studies have shown that after scraping, the blood circulation rate can reach up to 400% of the original level. However, this study lacked sufficient sample data.
This practice also helps with lymphatic drainage by moving fluid away from swollen areas, another benefit of massage.
2. May Help Reduce Wrinkles
Improved circulation may also be why skin appears firmer and fine lines appear less noticeable after gua sha. But there’s not enough research to show that facial gua sha massage can help improve lip lines and crow’s feet. These results may only be temporary and may have a placebo effect. However, gua sha combined with skin care products can bring better skin care results.
3. Can Relieve Pain Such as Tech Neck
If you experience shoulder and neck pain from an uncomfortable work position, a Gua Sha body massage may help. This is also the most commonly used scenario for Gua Sha in China, and it is clinically proven to be effective. Gua Sha can help loosen muscle tightness caused by posture or movement – one of the leading causes of tech neck.
In a small 2014 study involving 60 people who frequently used computers and suffered from neck and shoulder pain, researchers found that gua sha significantly reduced their symptoms of shoulder and neck pain and greatly improved their range of motion.
A small 2011 study also reported that gua sha helped reduce neck pain compared with people who used a heating pad. Keep in mind that we still need more, high-quality research on the therapeutic effects of gua sha to prove these benefits.
4. Can Improve Headache and Migraine Symptoms
Honestly, the research here is just a sketch. But if you suffer from migraines or headaches, gua sha may also help relieve pain and tension in your head and neck.
A 2007 case study of a 72-year-old woman reported that gua sha helped relieve migraine symptoms within 14 days. But again, we need more research to prove these benefits are legitimate for more people.
5. Can Relieve Perimenopausal Symptoms
Perimenopause is basically a dress rehearsal for menopause, when the body starts producing less estrogen. You may also experience less fun symptoms, such as insomnia, night sweats, vaginal dryness, frequent need to urinate, and breast tenderness.
Another small study in 2017 involving 80 perimenopausal women found that those who underwent gua sha treatment for eight weeks had fewer symptoms compared with a control group who only received traditional treatments. You know what to do, we need more research, but maybe it can also help those with similar PMS symptoms?
6. May Help Relieve Swollen Breasts
If you breastfeed and are experiencing engorgement (i.e., your breasts are filling with milk), gua sha may help express your milk just like other forms of breast massage.
As far as actual research goes, there’s only one case study from 2008 that found that gua sha helped a woman deal with bloating while breastfeeding. But this was a small and flawed study, with only one participant. But in China, Gua Sha is often paired with massage to relieve breast swelling and pain during lactation.
7. Gua Sha Benefits – Can Help Muscle Recovery
Don’t want to torture yourself with a foam roller, ice bath, or deep tissue massage? Gua Sha’s ability to promote blood circulation may also help eliminate lactic acid that builds up during exercise.
In a small 2017 study involving 65 male weightlifters, those who underwent gua sha reported that lifting weights became easier after treatment. Furthermore, the researchers concluded that gua sha may help speed muscle recovery and could be a potential alternative to other exercise recovery methods.
8. Can Help Relieve Hepatitis B Symptoms
Well, we’re not saying that gua sha can cure hepatitis B, a viral infection that can cause liver damage and scarring. Treatment requires a doctor! But a 2011 case study reported that 48 hours of gua sha helped treat liver inflammation caused by hepatitis B in a man. However, this study is deeply flawed because it only looked at a single person and had a very limited time frame. It’s also important to note that reducing inflammation is a short-term treatment for hepatitis B.
9. May Help with Tourette Symptoms
Tourette syndrome is a disorder that affects the nervous system and causes sudden involuntary movements or sounds. While gua sha is not a magic bullet, limited research suggests that it may help reduce symptoms when used in conjunction with other treatments.
A 2017 case study of a 33-year-old man found that a combination of gua sha and other treatments seemed to reduce his Tourette syndrome symptoms. But we need more research to prove that other treatments don’t have a real impact.
