Many people experience itching after gua sha. So what should you do if your skin itches after gua sha?
Avoid scratching
If you only have mild itching after gua sha, and the discomfort is not severe, then there is no need for special treatment. Just make sure not to bathe or expose the gua sha area to wind within 8 hours after the treatment. Keep the gua sha area clean and avoid scratching.
Usually, after 2-3 days, as the sha marks fade, the itching sensation will gradually disappear as well.
Apply medication
If you exert too much force during gua sha, it can cause severe local skin purpleness or damage, which may also lead to itching after gua sha. If there is skin damage, you can apply a medicine or ointment with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects to the affected area 3 hours after gua sha. This can prevent infection and further aggravation of the wound.
In addition, for individuals with existing skin conditions such as ulcers or abscesses, gua sha on the affected area may irritate the skin and worsen the condition. For less severe cases, applying commonly used ointments may help, but for more severe cases, it is necessary to seek medical attention.
Wipe off the medicated oil
Some people may be allergic to the medicated oil used in gua sha, causing itching after the treatment.
Most gua sha oils contain traditional Chinese medicine or other ingredients. If a patient has allergies or happens to be allergic to a certain component of the gua sha oil, it can cause intense itching of the skin. This type of itching is often accompanied by a strong desire to scratch, and scratching can leave hives-like bumps on the skin.
If you suspect an allergy to the gua sha oil, it is recommended to immediately wipe off the oil from the gua sha area with a clean hot towel, or take a quick hot shower 3 hours after the treatment to prevent continuous allergic reactions on the skin.
Medication treatment
If itching after gua sha is caused by allergies or other irritants, making it difficult to sleep, you may consider using medications with anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects under the guidance of a doctor to relieve the itching and discomfort caused by gua sha.
Dietary considerations
If you experience itching after gua sha, you should pay attention to your diet. Avoid consuming too much fried or grilled food. It is also best to avoid eating cold or spicy foods.
Is itching after gua sha a detoxification process?
Itching after gua sha is not a sign of detoxification.
Gua sha involves using a specific scraping tool on specific acupoints of the body to repeatedly scrape and rub, causing local sha (petechiae) to appear on the skin. This process aims to promote blood circulation, expel pathogenic factors, and detoxify the body. The appearance of sha is actually the result of superficial capillary rupture and bleeding, with blood permeating into the local tissues to promote circulation and restore balance in the body.
Therefore, after gua sha, you should only feel a burning or stinging sensation in the gua sha area under normal circumstances. Without external stimulation, it is rare to feel itching on the skin.
What to pay attention to after gua sha
1. During gua sha treatment, keep the room warm, especially in winter, to avoid cold and direct wind blowing on the gua sha area. When gua sha in summer, avoid direct blowing from a fan onto the gua sha area.
2. Avoid taking a cold shower within 30 minutes after gua sha.
3. Before the sha marks from the previous gua sha treatment fade, it is not suitable to perform gua sha again in the same area. The interval between gua sha treatments should be 3-6 days, based on the disappearance of sha marks on the skin.
4. It is best to drink a glass of warm water (preferably lightly sweetened and salted) and rest for 15-20 minutes after gua sha.
5. During the gua sha process, the skin may experience minor injuries. At this time, it is important not to scratch the gua sha area due to itching, so as not to render the efforts of the treatment useless.
