Guasha is a common preventive and therapeutic method used in traditional Chinese medicine. However, there are several things to keep in mind when practicing guasha. Can you exercise the day after guasha?
Can you exercise the day after guasha?
Yes, you can exercise the day after guasha.
On the second day after guasha, the pores have returned to their normal state and the damaged epidermis has undergone some recovery. It is safe to exercise and it will not affect the effectiveness of guasha.
Can you sweat after guasha?
It is not recommended to exercise and sweat immediately after guasha.
It is generally advised not to engage in physical activity or exercise within 3 hours after guasha. Immediately after guasha, the pores on the treated area are open. If you exercise immediately, it can disrupt blood circulation, cause body heat, and sweating. Sweat may irritate the guasha area and cause pain or itching. Additionally, after exercising, the pores remain open. If you don't shower, the sweat will cool and evaporate, leading to invasion of cold. If you do shower, it can cause invasion of dampness. Therefore, it is best to wait for 8 hours after guasha before exercising and sweating.
The benefits and drawbacks of guasha
1. Benefits
(1) Promotes metabolic waste elimination. The body undergoes continuous metabolic activities every day, and the waste produced during the process needs to be eliminated in a timely manner. Guasha helps remove the metabolic waste from the body and deposits it in the pores under the skin, promoting smooth blood flow and restoring natural vitality.
(2) Relieves muscle tension and promotes circulation. More and more people are suffering from cervical spondylosis, shoulder periarthritis, and back pain. When the "soft tissues" (joint capsules, ligaments, fascia, etc.) of the body are injured, the muscles can become tense, contracted, or even spasm, leading to pain. If left untreated, it can cause adhesion, fibrosis, or scar formation, worsening the condition. Guasha can relieve muscle tension, eliminate pain, and help in the recovery of the affected area.
(3) Balances yin and yang. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the balance of yin and yang in the body. Guasha has a dual regulatory effect on the body's functions, improving and adjusting the functions of organs and restoring balance.
2. Drawbacks
The drawbacks of guasha are usually due to not paying attention to contraindications and improper operation.
(1) Frequent and excessive guasha can cause damage to the external tissues, which not only fails to alleviate fatigue but also increases the burden on the body.
(2) For individuals with weak qi and blood deficiency, guasha can deplete their energy. Frequent guasha can lead to mental fatigue, general weakness, dizziness, and worsen the condition.
(3) For people with skin ulcers or other skin conditions, guasha is not a pleasant experience. It can cause greater harm to fragile skin tissues and even lead to infections, worsening the condition.
(4) For individuals with blood disorders or problems with heart or liver function, guasha should be avoided as it can cause further harm to the body.
Precautions after guasha
1. Pay attention to keeping warm during guasha treatment, especially in cold weather and avoid direct exposure to cold air or drafts. During guasha in the summer, avoid having fans blowing directly on the treated area.
2. Do not guasha the same area until the previous guasha marks have faded. The time between guasha sessions should be 3-6 days, depending on the fading of the marks on the skin.
3. After guasha, it is recommended to drink a glass of warm water (preferably with a pinch of salt and sugar) and rest for 15-20 minutes.
4. During guasha, the skin may experience slight injuries. It is important not to scratch or itch the guasha area to avoid undoing the effects of guasha.
5. It is not advisable to shower immediately after guasha to prevent invasion of cold. Wait for the skin pores to close and return to their original state, usually around 3-8 hours after guasha.
6. Do not guasha the same area until the previous guasha marks have faded.
