Does the deeper color of Gua Sha indicate more dampness?

Nov 29, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

In general, the darker the color of the痧 (sha) after scraping, the more it does not directly indicate a greater presence of dampness. The depth of skin color following gua sha primarily reflects the condition of local blood circulation and lymphatic flow. Darker痧 marks may indicate poor local circulation or stagnation, while lighter marks may be related to local dampness; however, this is not an absolute correlation.

Generally speaking, the depth of the color from Gua Sha (scraping) does not directly indicate the severity of dampness in the body. The specific analysis is as follows:

The depth of skin coloration after Gua Sha primarily reflects the condition of local blood circulation and lymphatic flow. Darker petechiae may indicate poor local circulation or stagnation, while lighter petechiae might be associated with local dampness, although this is not an absolute correlation. Dampness is a concept in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and cannot be diagnosed based on the color of the Gua Sha marks alone. It requires a comprehensive assessment including tongue diagnosis, pulse diagnosis, and individual constitution and symptoms.

The primary function of Gua Sha is to promote local blood circulation and lymphatic flow, assisting the body's self-regulating mechanisms, rather than directly removing dampness. During Gua Sha, repeated friction of the skin can cause minor rupture of subcutaneous blood vessels, leading to bruising and extravasation of blood, which results in the appearance of petechiae. Therefore, the depth of Gua Sha marks is related to the condition of the subcutaneous blood vessels.

In daily life, maintaining good sleep patterns, a balanced diet, and moderate exercise can help regulate dampness in the body and promote overall health.

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Whether scraping therapy (Gua Sha) can cause AIDS needs to be analyzed according to specific circumstances. Properly performed Gua Sha with thoroughly disinfected instruments typically does not result in infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, in cases of improper Gua Sha where instruments are not adequately disinfected and there is contact with blood from an individual with AIDS, there may be a low and rare risk of infection, especially if the skin is broken.

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What are the scraping locations for tonsil diseases in Gua Sha therapy?

Under normal circumstances, common diseases of the tonsils include tonsillitis and enlarged tonsils. When treating tonsil diseases, scraping therapy can be performed on specific acupoints such as Baihui (GV20), Dazhui (GV14), Quchi (LI11), Shaoshang (LU11), and TianTu (CV22). However, please note that scraping therapy carries certain risks. Therefore, it is recommended to perform the procedure under the guidance of a qualified physician to avoid self-treatment.

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What are the benefits and drawbacks of facial Gua Sha?

Under normal circumstances, the benefits of facial Gua Sha include promoting blood circulation, relieving muscle tension, improving skin elasticity, facilitating lymphatic detoxification, and enhancing skincare product absorption. Potential drawbacks include skin damage, risk of infection, allergic reactions, exacerbation of skin conditions, and skin laxity. It is recommended to perform Gua Sha under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, ensuring appropriate pressure and correct technique.

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Why does diarrhea occur after Gua Sha therapy?

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