Can I take a shower after Gua Sha?
Jan 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Whether one can take a shower after Gua Sha depends on the specific circumstances. If there are no discomfort symptoms and the skin color appears normal, showering can be done after 24 hours, but attention should be paid to water temperature and the skin should be dried promptly. If symptoms such as skin pain, itching, or redness occur, or if the skin color turns purple or purplish-black, this indicates excessive internal cold and dampness, and showering should be avoided until the skin recovers.
Generally speaking, whether one can take a shower after a cupping or scraping (Gua Sha) treatment requires judgment based on individual circumstances. If there are no discomfort symptoms after the treatment, it is usually safe to shower after a 24-hour interval. However, if adverse reactions occur, showering should be avoided until full recovery. Detailed explanations are as follows:
If there are no adverse reactions after Gua Sha, such as skin pain or burning sensations, and the skin color appears normal—light purple or pink—it is generally safe to shower after 24 hours. However, attention should be paid to the water temperature, avoiding extremes of hot or cold. After showering, the skin should be promptly dried with a towel to reduce the risk of infection.
If symptoms such as skin pain, itching, or redness appear after Gua Sha, or if the skin turns purple or purplish-black, this indicates excessive internal cold and dampness. In such cases, showering should be avoided until the skin returns to normal. At this time, the skin is in a damaged condition and the body is affected by cold; showering too early may allow cold pathogens to enter the body, increasing the risk of infection and potentially affecting the treatment outcome. One should wait until the skin has fully healed before showering to prevent infection.
It should be noted that Gua Sha carries certain risks and should be performed at a正规 hospital or clinic. Additionally, after Gua Sha, it is important to keep warm and avoid catching a chill.
