Guasha is a commonly used method in traditional Chinese medicine for disease prevention and treatment. In most cases, guasha is performed on the back, but sometimes it is also done on the legs. However, why do bruises appear on the legs after guasha?
Why Do Bruises Appear on the Legs after Guasha?
1. It is a type of "Sha" formation
The bruises that appear on the legs after guasha are actually a type of "Sha" formation.
After guasha, red, purple, black spots or pustules may appear on the surface of the skin, known as "Sha" formation. The process of "Sha" formation involves the dilation of blood vessels, rupture of capillaries, extravasation of blood, and the formation of blood stasis on the local skin. The color of the "Sha" can vary from red to purple, and even dark blue or black. This is a normal reaction that occurs after guasha and will disappear on its own within a few days without any special treatment.
2. It may indicate a tendency for blood stasis
Bruises on the legs after guasha may also indicate a tendency for blood stasis. Some individuals tend to develop bruises easily on the skin surface even with slight pressure, which suggests the presence of mild microcirculation disorders and a suboptimal state of health that requires systematic adjustment.
How to Alleviate Bruises on the Legs after Guasha?
1. Avoid irritation and no special treatment is needed
Bruises on the legs after guasha will generally disappear on their own after a period of time (approximately one week). Therefore, it is recommended to avoid special treatment and be cautious not to irritate, scratch, or bump the bruised area.
2. Exercise moderately to improve metabolism
Bruises on the legs after guasha can be alleviated by gradually metabolizing the blood stasis and other components in the body. During this period, moderate exercise can enhance metabolism and help speed up the elimination of bruises.
Benefits and Risks of Guasha on the Legs
1. Benefits
Guasha on the legs can promote blood circulation, relieve blood stasis, and help with leg slimming.
2. Risks
The risks of guasha are generally associated with incorrect guasha techniques, excessive frequency of guasha, or performing guasha on individuals who are not suitable for it. In other aspects, the risks are relatively low.
Methods of Guasha on the Legs
1. Apply lubricating oil
First, apply some lubricating oil to the calves. Sit comfortably on a sofa or bed, bend your legs naturally, and relax your calves.
2. Start guasha
To perform guasha, start from the sides of the thighs, including the inner sides. Begin at the acupoints near the roots of the thighs, and consider guasha from top to bottom along the entire leg. Use a guasha board to scrape diagonally, starting from the top and slanting downwards. It is important to ensure symmetry when guasha on both legs, following the meridian lines and applying pressure on the acupoints. If it is difficult to locate the acupoints, approximate scraping is acceptable.
It is recommended to start with the left leg, then guasha the right leg, and only move on to another acupoint after completing both legs. The guasha board should be held at a 90 to 45-degree angle to the guasha area. A duration of around 20 minutes of guasha is suggested each day.
3. Finish guasha
After guasha on the legs, wipe off the guasha oil with a soft towel.
Can Guasha on the Legs Help with Leg Slimming?
Yes, guasha on the legs can help with leg slimming. However, it is important to maintain consistency to achieve the desired effect. Prepare a guasha tool and start guasha from the thighs, moving upwards until reaching the heart area. This can not only help to promote blood circulation but also achieve the guasha effect, allowing lymphatic circulation to improve and contribute to leg slimming. Guasha can also be used on the arms to assist with weight loss.
