Today, Yi Yang Qianxi, a young Chinese actor and singer with a huge fan base, sparked heated discussion online with a remark made at a concert. The incident stemmed from Yi Yang Qianxi’s revelation that he had recently been feeling unwell and had attempted to use gua sha therapy to heal his condition. During the guasha process, due to excessive force, large purple-red marks appeared on his neck and chest. Afterward, he immediately took a hot shower to relax. As a result, he developed a high fever that evening.
Many people have raised numerous questions: Does gua sha therapy really work? Why did he develop a high fever? Is guasha therapy truly safe? However, the core issue lies not in the gua sha technique itself, but in Yi Yang Qianxi’s post-processing treatment. The real risks of guasha therapy often stem from improper technique.
What is Gua Sha? Why do Red Spots Appear After Gua Sha?
Gua Sha, a traditional Chinese folk medical technique, originates in China. It involves gua sha various areas and acupuncture points on the body with a smooth, firm object, stimulating the flow of Qi and blood, thereby improving symptoms.
The red spots that appear after guasha are considered “sha” in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This is a normal phenomenon. The appearance of “sha” indicates that harmful substances in the body are being gradually released from the skin through the guasha process. The appearance of “sha” can vary from person to person, with variations in color and size.
Excluding TCM theories, the “sha” that occurs during guasha is actually caused by subcutaneous bleeding. Despite the use of a lubricant, the repeated friction between the gua sha tool and the skin, combined with downward pressure, can rupture capillaries beneath the surface of the skin, resulting in the appearance of red spots. Generally, the harder the guasha is and the more repetitive it is, the more pronounced the “sha” symptoms become. The large “sha” marks described by Yi Yang Qianxi are also due to these factors. Modern medical research has shown that guasha has been shown to be helpful for certain conditions. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in the international medical journal Pain Medicine found that gua sha effectively relieved chronic neck pain and improved neck function. However, this does not mean that gua sha is suitable for all people or all conditions.
Despite its millennia-long history, most people know very little about it. While some may have heard of gua sha, they often lack the knowledge of how to use it, leading to numerous misconceptions, especially among foreign users.
Common Misconceptions about Guasha
1. The Darker the “Sha”, the More Effective It Is.
This is a common misconception. Indeed, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, “sha” (sha) is a direct reflection of harmful substances in the body. Therefore, theoretically, the darker the “sha,” the more harmful substances the body has expelled.
However, this is not the case. The color of the “sha” simply reflects the degree of the body’s reaction and does not indicate the effectiveness of the treatment. Different people’s skin conditions, thickness, and even skin tone can result in different “sha” colors. Therefore, when performing guasha, the improvement of symptoms and the body’s self-perception should be the criteria, rather than simply focusing on the amount of “sha” or the depth of its color.
2. Regular Gua Sha can Strengthen Your Body
No, regular gua sha will not help strengthen the body. On the contrary, too frequent gua sha will weaken the body. This is because gua sha can cause symptoms under the skin, which in turn triggers the body’s immune system to respond. Excessive use will cause the body to be in a state of inflammation and high tension of the immune system for a long time, making the body weaker and reducing resistance.
3. After Gua Sha, You can Take A Hot Shower or Use A Fan/air Conditioner Immediately.
This is one of the most dangerous misconceptions. After Gua Sha, the pores are open. Immediately exposing yourself to cold water or wind can easily cause a cold to enter the body, leading to headaches, fever, muscle aches, and other discomforts. This was also the culprit for Yi Yangqianxi’s high fever the night after guasha. You can wipe your body with a clean, hot towel after Gua Sha and keep warm.
To avoid these mistakes, you need to master the correct Gua Sha technique.
Correct Practice and Precautions of Guasha
1. Gua Sha Before
- Ensure the environment is warm and avoid direct exposure to cold drafts. Clean the area being scraped. You can use alcohol or a clean, hot, damp towel to wipe the skin.
- Apply a lubricant (such as massage oil) to the skin to reduce damage caused by friction. There are no specific lubricants. You can choose your preferred medium, such as essential oils or creams.
- The tools must be clean. You can choose a traditional guashaboard or an electric gua sha device, but control the pressure. Always sterilize the tools before use. Due to the characteristics of some natural stones, high-temperature sterilization is not recommended. High-concentration medical alcohol can be used.
2. During Gua Sha
- Follow the direction of the meridians when gua sha, avoiding excessive force.
- Apply enough force to cause slight redness on the skin; avoid creating noticeable sha marks.
- Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with bleeding tendencies or skin diseases should avoid gua sha.
3. Gua Sha After
- Wait at least 4–6 hours before showering. Use lukewarm water, preferably not cold or overheated water.
- Keep warm and rest under a towel or thin blanket.
- Drink plenty of warm water to aid metabolism and circulation.
- Avoid exercising, drinking alcohol, or consuming cold foods immediately afterward.
Through analyzing and reviewing the incident involving Yi Yangqianxi’s high fever after guasha, we can clearly see that many people merely know the term but lack the specific techniques and precautions, leading to numerous adverse consequences.
We must be clear that Gua Sha does have its unique benefits, but improper use can be risky. Only by correctly understanding the principles and symptoms of guasha, as well as the correct techniques, can the true benefits of Gua Sha be realized.
