Is it normal to be sore after gua sha?

Author: Heidi Mitchell  |  Last update: Thursday, April 17, 2025

In the first few days after a gua sha treatment, someone might feel light aches or soreness, and that can be treated by applying ice or taking ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain relievers. While gua sha is not meant to break the skin, there is a slight risk this could occur.

Why does my face hurt after using a gua sha?

Gua sha causes tiny blood vessels near the surface of the skin called capillaries to burst. This creates the distinctive red or purple bruises known as sha. The bruises usually take a few days or a week to heal and can be tender during this time.

Does gua sha really release toxins?

Studies show that when done correctly, gua sha can release chemicals that improve blood flow, lessen toxins, reduce pain, and promote healing in the area. Gua sha may be able to help with issues such as: Tight muscles. Swelling.

What to not do after gua sha?

Keep Warm: What generally happens after a Gua sha treatment is that the body sweats and it is important to be aware that you need to protect the area from aspects of the weather e.g. keep the area warm and dry, avoid being directly in the wind and avoid a cold shower for a few hours.

What happens if you use the gua sha too much?

When we use a Gua Sha stone, it naturally causes redness due to increased blood flow and breaking of small vessels. And while this temporary redness is part of the practice, too much pressure can cause permanent damage. Aggressive pressure could result in more permanent broken vessels.

Why do I get sore after a massage?

What are the negatives of gua sha?

Incorrect technique and excessive pressure

This can cause bruising if the tool is used too harshly or in the wrong areas. The delicate skin of the face is especially susceptible to bruising from gua sha. Bruising from gua sha is usually temporary and will go away on its own within a few days.

Does gua sha release muscle knots?

Gua sha, also known as scraping, is a healing technique that uses a smoothed-edged bone or stone tool to release muscle tension. Also called the Graston Technique™, which is performed by athletic and physical trainers, gua sha dates back to Eastern Asian medicine.

How quickly do you see results from gua sha?

You'll see results within a week of using your Gua Sha twice daily!

Why can't you shower after gua sha?

Recovery after Gua Sha Treatment

If you can't take it easy for most of the day following the treatment, you may want to avoid strenuous activities that would promote even more blood flow as well as hot baths or showers that could increase bruising.

Does gua sha break down fat?

This may make your face appear temporarily slimmer and improve your complexion. It is important to understand that it will not get rid of fat deposits contributing to a double chin or providing any long-term, significant changes to your facial contours.

Does a gua sha actually drain lymph nodes?

Gua Sha, or jade scraping, is a technique that uses a smooth, thin, jade stone to glide along the lymphatic system to improve blood circulation and drainage function. Massaging or scraping along this network of vessels – similar to blood vessels – can help to de-puff the face and rebalance fluid retention.

Does scraping break up scar tissue?

Scar tissue is part of the body's natural healing process but can become problematic when it restricts movement and causes pain. Techniques like massage, stretching, and specialized therapies such as the Graston Technique or muscle scraping gently break up these fibrous tissues.

Do gua shas actually work for jawline?

Does facial gua sha actually work? The jury's still out on this one. Since it's relatively new to the world of beauty, so far there's no conclusive evidence that proves its efficacy.

Is there a wrong way to use gua sha?

Alright, now let's talk about best practices and gua sha tool mistakes to avoid.
  1. Don't Use Your Gua Sha Tool On Dry Skin. ...
  2. Avoid Applying Too Much Pressure. ...
  3. You're Not Moving Your Gua Sha Tool In The Right Direction. ...
  4. Avoid Holding Your Gua Sha Tool at the Wrong Angle. ...
  5. Your Not Using Your Hands.

Is it normal to feel tired after gua sha?

If your treatment involves Gua Sha, you may feel a little more tired than normal and that's due to the scraping technique which will increase lymphatic drainage. If you are having treatment for tendinitis or a strained muscle, you might be slightly tender in some areas the following day with occasional light bruising.

Why is my jawline bumpy when I gua sha?

If your strokes feel a little rigid/bumpy, that's good! You are breaking apart tension and stuck fascia (connective tissue in the body). You might go through a slight purge if you are new to gua sha and have acne prone skin.

Is it better to use a gua sha at night or morning?

Incorporating gua sha into your morning and/or evening skin care routines is an easy way to make it a consistent practice. Doing facial gua sha in the morning can help with “reducing puffiness in the cheeks and under-eyes”, while gua sha at night “promotes relaxation and better sleep.”

What not to do after guasha?

Vigorous Exercise. A common misconception is that you can jump right back into your regular routine, which often includes exercise. However, you should consider holding off on your rigorous gym sessions. Gua Sha stimulates the flow of blood and qi, the life energy according to Chinese medicine, throughout your body.

What will happen if I use gua sha every day?

You should see smoother and more contoured skin, especially when performing Gua Sha daily. Congratulations, now you have another holistic healing practice to incorporate into your skin care ritual!

Does gua sha tighten skin?

Body Gua Sha

It's through blood - as in increased blood flow, that collagen and elastic is delivered to the skin, which firms and tightens skin over time.

Can gua sha cause purging?

Similarly, as you improve circulation and lymphatic flow with regular Gua Sha, it can cause an initial “purge reaction,” bringing out impurities from your skin. 👋 This process can be a bit of a shock initially, but it's usually temporary, lasting only a couple of weeks.

Does gua sha actually drain lymph nodes?

Massaging the facial muscles, like with a gua sha, encourages lymph flow in the face, a particularly significant area given its high concentration of lymph nodes.

Do knots pop when massaged?

Trigger points, or muscle knots, are hyperirritable spots within a taut band of skeletal muscle. The pressure applied during therapy can cause these points to release, sometimes resulting in a popping sound.

Can gua sha help hair growth?

Using a Gua Sha for scalp massages enhances product penetration and stimulate blood circulation in the scalp. This improved circulation delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, fostering healthier and stronger hair growth.

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