Source: Xinwen Chenbao (shxwcb), Qianjiang Evening News, Sina Weibo
Copyright belongs to the original author. Please contact us promptly if there is any infringement.
Recently, artist Chen Xuedong shared a photo of his gua sha treatment on Weibo, showing a deep red area on his back, captioned: “Those with a fear of tight spaces should not enter; the power of gua sha is instant.”
This is not the first time celebrities have “scared” people.
Many have shared their gua sha photos.
Previously,
Ah Jiao’s “blood-red back photo” from gua sha sparked heated discussions.
Most people do not feel pain after gua sha; instead, they experience a sense of release.
However, Ah Jiao remarked that it was “painful to the point of explosion,” describing it as “like having a whole layer of skin ripped off,” indicating that she had overdone it.
Experts generally commented that this was overdoing it,as excessive pressure caused skin bleeding, which can easily damage the skin barrier and may lead to localized redness and infection.
Ah Jiao’s friend, Cai Zhuoyan, also tried gua sha,
stating, “It looks terrifying but feels super comfortable.”
There was also Da S, who shocked viewers with her gua sha back photo.
Blindly pursuing the appearance of “sha” (red marks)
can lead to serious consequences.
As the weather heats up, many people will engage in gua sha to dispel heat.Gua sha’s main functions are to invigorate blood circulation and resolve blood stasis, promote the recovery of the body’s immune function, and it has certain intervention effects on heat stroke, stiff neck, and wind-cold colds,and can also relieve neck and shoulder pain.
Li Changzhi, deputy chief physician of the acupuncture department at Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, told reporters that gua sha should also be based on TCM theory, targeting key treatment areas, following meridians to find acupoints and reflex points,and generally does not recommend scraping the entire body or back.Improper technique or excessive pressure in pursuit of “sha” can lead to a series of serious consequences.
Image from the internet
Excessive force in gua sha
can leave numerous scrape marks on the back.
At the Zhejiang Province Zhongshan Hospital Medical Health Center, a 32-year-old patient, Mr. Li, had been feeling unwell after using air conditioning, experiencing fatigue, dizziness, and discomfort in his shoulders and neck. His wife helped him with gua sha at home, and after 20 minutes, she noticed his back was not very red. She then used all her strength to scrape for a few more minutes. As a result, Mr. Lihad numerous scrape marks on his back, a bright red area, and a subcutaneous hematoma on his right shoulder,which required some time to heal.
Deputy Chief TCM Physician Ni Feng stated, “The speed of producing ‘sha’ varies among individuals,which depends on the severity of the ‘evil qi’ as commonly mentioned in TCM, and also on the sensitivity of the skin.”
Slow or light ‘sha’ does not indicate poor effectiveness; some people may not show visible marks after gua sha, but the capillaries in the epidermis may have already ruptured.
Image from the internet
In addition to skin damage,
there may also be kidney function impairment.
Excessive force in gua sha most commonly leads to skin damage, and special caution is needed for the elderly and children.
Moreover, “Excessive gua sha can lead to a large amount of metabolic waste being released into the tissue fluid, which is then excreted through the kidneys. If done excessively, and if the kidney function is already weak, it can lead to kidney damage,”Dr. Ni Feng warns.
Gua sha should be performed according to one’s own condition, with proper force and gradual progression.
The reporter observed his gua sha process for everyone’s learning.
Each area should be treated in three stages: using a jade stone, scrape from top to bottom and from inside to outside, first gently scrape 5 times until slight redness appears, then scrape firmly 10 times, and if the skin tolerates it, add another 5 scrapes.
Image from the internet
Individuals who are weak or overly fatigued
should not undergo gua sha.
Additionally, what else should be noted?
■ 1. Those unsuitable for gua sha include: individuals who are weak or fatigued, have poor constitution, chronic diseases, leukemia, diabetes, liver and kidney dysfunction, severe cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, pregnant women, those on their menstrual cycle, and individuals with skin lesions.
■ 2. During gua sha, do not use air conditioning or electric fans. Avoid cold drinks before and after gua sha. After gua sha, it is recommended to drink warm water and take a short nap if possible. If you need to shower, wait at least half an hour.
■ 3. Gua sha tools should be of moderate thickness, with blunt and smooth edges, such as jade stones, cow horn combs, or ceramic spoons. Use lubricants like oil or olive oil during gua sha; petroleum jelly is also a good choice, but avoid using safflower oil.
■ 4. Be cautious with your technique; if symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or cold sweats occur, stop immediately and lie down. If symptoms do not improve, seek medical attention promptly. Generally, gua sha should be repeated only after 5-7 days.
■ 5. Some patients with excessive dampness may develop blisters on the skin after gua sha; be sure to disinfect. If the blisters are large or numerous, or if they rupture and become infected, seek dermatological care promptly.
Gua sha requires proper technique.
Otherwise, it may not only fail to regulate the body
but may also cause harm!
If you agree, please give a thumbs up!
The leadership has spoken! Please give a thumbs up 
so that the editor’s salary can increase.