Gua sha and massage are commonly used methods in traditional Chinese medicine for health and wellness. Can you get a massage the day after gua sha?
Can you get a massage the day after gua sha?
It is not recommended to get a massage.
After gua sha, many people may experience slight bruising and even mild swelling in the gua sha area, along with pain and itching. If stimulated, these symptoms may worsen.
Massage involves applying pressure to the skin, which may irritate the area that was gua sha'd the previous day. Therefore, it is not recommended to get a massage the day after gua sha. It is best to wait until the marks from gua sha have faded before getting a massage.
Can you gua sha after a massage?
Generally, it is recommended to get a massage before gua sha.
Massaging before gua sha can help promote blood circulation, relieve fatigue, and relax the muscles. Gua sha after a massage can enhance the benefits and there won't be any conflict between the two. Most massage centers also recommend this order for health purposes.
Can you drink alcohol after gua sha?
It is not recommended to drink alcohol immediately after gua sha.
After gua sha, the skin's surface is in a state of congestion and the pores are open. Drinking alcohol can further increase blood flow. Gua sha itself causes minor capillary ruptures, and drinking alcohol immediately after gua sha may cause subcutaneous tissue bleeding, making it difficult for the skin to recover and increasing the risk of allergies.
In addition, it is not advisable to gua sha immediately after drinking alcohol. Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate, and gua sha can further dilate the superficial blood vessels, potentially leading to insufficient blood supply to the brain.
How many hours after gua sha can you drink alcohol?
It is generally recommended to wait 12-24 hours after gua sha before drinking alcohol.
At this time, the pores of the gua sha area will have returned to normal, and the damaged epidermis will have recovered to some extent, allowing for moderate alcohol consumption without significantly affecting the results of gua sha.
However, although it is possible to drink alcohol the day after gua sha, it is still recommended to wait a few more days, until the marks on the body have faded, before drinking alcohol. This is more beneficial for overall health.
Precautions after gua sha
1. Pay attention to keeping warm during gua sha treatment, especially in winter, to avoid cold and drafts. When gua sha in summer, avoid direct blowing of fans on the gua sha area.
2. Do not gua sha the same area before the marks from the previous gua sha have faded. The interval between gua sha sessions should be 3-6 days, based on the fading of the marks on the skin.
3. It is best to drink a glass of warm water (preferably with a pinch of salt and sugar) and rest for 15-20 minutes after gua sha.
4. The gua sha process may cause minor skin damage. It is important not to scratch or itch the gua sha area, as it may negate the effects of gua sha.
5. It is not advisable to take a bath immediately after gua sha to avoid exposure to wind and cold. The skin pores should be closed and return to their normal state before taking a bath, generally after 3-8 hours after gua sha.
6. Do not gua sha the same area before the marks from the previous gua sha have faded.
The benefits and drawbacks of gua sha
1. Benefits
(1) Promotes metabolism and detoxification. The body undergoes continuous metabolic activities every day, and waste products generated during metabolism need to be eliminated in a timely manner. Gua sha can effectively scrape the "garbage" of metabolism to the surface of the body, depositing it in the subcutaneous pores, allowing for smooth blood flow and restoring natural vitality.
(2) Relieves muscle tension and promotes blood circulation. More and more people suffer from cervical spondylosis, frozen shoulder, and back pain. This is because when the "soft tissues" of the body (joint capsules, ligaments, fascia, etc.) are injured, the muscles will be in a state of tension, contraction, or even spasm, leading to pain. If not treated in time, adhesions, fibrosis, or scar formation of varying degrees may occur, worsening the condition. Gua sha can relax muscles, relieve pain, and aid in the recovery of the affected area.
(3) Adjusts the balance of yin and yang. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the balance between yin and yang in the body. Gua sha has a bidirectional regulatory effect on the body's functions, improving and adjusting organ functions to restore balance.
2. Drawbacks
The drawbacks of gua sha are usually due to not paying attention to contraindications and improper operation.
(1) Regular and excessive gua sha can cause damage to the external tissues, which not only does not help relieve fatigue but also increases the burden on the body.
(2) For people with weak qi and blood deficiency, gua sha can consume qi. Regular gua sha can lead to mental fatigue, general weakness, dizziness, etc., making the body worse.
(3) For people with skin ulcers or other skin conditions, gua sha is not enjoyable but painful. It can cause more damage to already fragile skin tissue and even lead to infections, worsening the condition.
(4) People with certain blood disorders or problems with heart or liver function should avoid gua sha as it can cause greater harm to the body.
