In recent years, people have been using computers more and more frequently, with many spending hours at a time sitting at their desks. This prolonged sitting and hunching over the head inevitably leads to shoulder and neck pain, prompting many to seek treatments or relief. Videos promoting gua sha for neck and Should pain have become widely circulated, attracting significant attention.
Many of these gua sha videos claim that “visible results can be seen after just one gua sha session,” suggesting that gua sha truly possesses miraculous and rapid effects on shoulder and neck pain. However, many remain skeptical or hesitant, believing these effects are simply fabricated by marketers to promote their products, or perhaps simply a psychological effect.
So, is gua sha truly effective for shoulder and neck pain? Is there any scientific research to support this claim? This is a topic worth pondering and researching.
A Brief Introduction to the Scientific Principles of Gua Sha: Traditional and Modern
Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese therapy with a history of thousands of years. Although we cannot know the specific origin of Gua Sha, there must be a reason why it has existed for such a long time without being eliminated. Today we will analyze the scientific principles of Gua Sha from two dimensions: traditional and modern.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory
Traditional Chinese Medicine theory is fundamentally different from modern medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, the “Qi and blood” in the human body are important factors in maintaining health. Gua Sha, as a branch of traditional Chinese medicine, is naturally inseparable from this category. Gua Sha is generally believed to have the following principles：
- Qi, blood and meridian theory：
- Gua Sha is considered a method for promoting the flow of Qi and blood, and unblocking the meridians. It regulates Qi and blood by gua shathe muscles and skin.
- By stimulating the meridians on the body’s surface, it promotes the flow of Qi and blood, harmonizing Yin and Yang.
- Pathological mechanism of gua sha：
- Gua Sha dispels wind, cold, and dampness, alleviating stagnation and blood stasis.
- “Sha disappears, illness disappears”: The appearance of sha indicates that pathogenic factors in the body have been dispelled.
- Traditional application areas of Gua Sha:
- Used to treat neck and shoulder pain, colds, dampness, fatigue, etc.
- The effectiveness of gua sha varies from person to person, and each individual’s symptoms and results also vary. Therefore, when using gua sha, the method should be adjusted according to the individual’s actual situation.
The Mechanism and Principle of Gua Sha From a Modern Perspective
- Improvement of human microcirculation:
- Modern scientific research and clinical trials have shown that gua sha stimulates local capillary dilation and increases blood flow.
- After using gua sha, local tissue oxygen supply and metabolism are significantly improved.
- Neurophysiological effects:
- Activates sensory nerves through skin stimulation, modulating pain thresholds.
- Gua Sha triggers a “gate control theory” effect, reducing pain signal transmission.
- Immune and anti-inflammatory response:
- Studies have shown that serum levels of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances (such as HO-1) increase after gua sha.
- This helps alleviate muscle inflammation and tissue stress.
What Does Scientific Research Say About Gua Sha for Neck and Shoulder Pain?
- A team from the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany randomly assigned 48 patients with chronic neck pain to receive traditional gua sha therapy and a control group. Within one week of treatment, the gua sha group experienced a significant decrease in VAS pain scores and improved neck range of motion. The researchers believe that gua sha helps relieve chronic muscle tension by improving local microcirculation and stimulating the immune response. – Pain Medicine (American Journal of Pain Medicine, 2011)
- A team from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital collaborated to analyze blood changes after gua sha. The results showed a significant increase in serum levels of the antioxidant enzyme HO-1 and biliverdin, substances with anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective properties. – Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2012)
- Laser Doppler flowmetry was used to monitor changes in local skin blood flow after gua sha. The increase in skin microcirculatory blood flow was found to be approximately 400% after gua sha, and the effect lasted for up to 25–30 minutes. – Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine (2014)
The Persistence and Limitations of Gua Sha for Neck and Shoulder Pain
Multiple scientific studies have shown that gua sha can relieve shoulder and neck pain for approximately 2-3 days. Sensory perception suggests that the pain relief effect is most pronounced within 4 hours of using guasha. If the initial treatment is maintained, the improvement will gradually diminish over time, ultimately returning to its initial state after 2-4 days. Therefore, gua sha is not a definitive solution. While it can effectively relieve the symptoms of shoulder and neck pain, it cannot completely cure it. If unhealthy habits persist, the effects of guasha will gradually diminish. Remember, maintain good habits; gua sha is merely a stopgap measure.
Also, it’s important to note that while gua sha has been around for thousands of years, its internationalization and modernization have only been around for a little over a decade. Therefore, it lacks extensive sample data and research support.
The Correct Method and Tips About Gua Sha for Neck and Shoulder
The operation of gua sha is not as complicated as other medical techniques, which is why it has become a favorite for home care. However, guasha still needs to be mastered in the right way to treat and relieve shoulder and neck pain.
- Suitable for people with Gua sha for neck and shoulder pain: those who sit for long periods of time, those with mild shoulder and neck stiffness, and those with muscle soreness.
- Key points of guasha：
- Choose a safe and smooth gua sha tool. Rose quartz, jade, or stainless steel are recommended.
- Apply a lubricant to the skin before use to reduce friction and minimize the risk of skin damage.
- guasha should be performed with moderate force, avoiding excessive pressure. The intensity should be tailored to individual needs and is not a one-size-fits-all approach.
- guasha should be performed sparingly. Aim for 10-15 minutes per session, 1-2 times per week.
- Precautions for Gua Sha：
- Gua Sha should not be used by patients with coagulation disorders or those taking anticoagulants.
- Gua Sha should be performed on areas with open wounds or acne to prevent secondary injury.
- Gua Sha is not recommended for pregnant women.
- After guasha, drink plenty of water and keep warm. Avoid showering immediately after Gua Sha, especially cold showers.
Gua Sha for Neck and Shoulder Cons Summarize
“The value of gua sha lies in improving muscle tone and local microcirculation, but it cannot cure cervical spondylosis or nerve compression.” — Li Yu, a Traditional Chinese Medicine rehabilitation physician (compiled from multiple public interviews), pointed out that guasha should be considered an auxiliary rehabilitation method, not a medical alternative.
Combined with numerous clinical data and case studies, guasha can moderately relieve muscle soreness, alleviate fatigue, and promote blood flow. This suggests that gua sha has a positive effect on shoulder and neck pain. However, it is important to note that gua sha does not treat symptoms caused by nerve compression. If your shoulder and neck pain does not improve after using guasha, or even worsens, please discontinue use and seek medical attention immediately.
Overall, gua sha should be used as an auxiliary treatment, not as a primary treatment. We must use guasha scientifically and rationally.
