What Not to Do After Gua Sha
Sep 26, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
In general, gua sha is a traditional therapy that involves external force to rupture capillaries in the local skin, thereby forming characteristic sha marks. After the procedure, the skin barrier and the body's condition are temporarily in a vulnerable state; therefore, it is generally advised not to bathe immediately, engage in intense physical activity, scratch or rub the treated area, consume raw, cold, or greasy foods, or perform repeated gua sha on the same area.
Generally, gua sha is a traditional therapy that involves external force to cause local capillary rupture and the formation of sha marks. After treatment, the skin barrier and the body's condition are temporarily in a vulnerable state, so it is usually not advisable to bathe immediately, engage in intense exercise, scratch or rub the treated area, consume raw, cold, or greasy foods, or perform repeated gua sha on the same site. Specific explanations are as follows:
1. Bathing immediately: After gua sha, skin pores are open and local capillaries are dilated. Bathing at this time may allow wind, cold, and damp pathogens to enter the body, potentially causing colds or muscle aches. If cold water is used, the low temperature may trigger sudden blood vessel constriction, possibly worsening local circulation problems and even causing dizziness or fatigue. It is recommended to wait 4–6 hours before bathing with warm water.
2. Engaging in intense exercise immediately: After gua sha, the body’s qi and blood are concentrated at the surface to repair local tissues. Intense physical activity redistributes qi and blood to muscles, which may impair surface healing and exacerbate redness, swelling, and pain. Additionally, sweating during exercise increases skin moisture, creating a favorable environment for bacterial growth and raising the risk of infection in damaged skin.
3. Scratching or rubbing the treated area: After gua sha, minor redness, swelling, or itching may occur due to capillary rupture. Scratching or friction can compromise the skin barrier, cause epidermal damage, and increase the risk of infection. If there are already small breaks in the skin, scratching may worsen inflammation and delay recovery.
4. Consuming raw, cold, or greasy foods: After gua sha, digestive function (particularly spleen and stomach) is temporarily weakened. Raw or cold foods may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to abdominal pain or diarrhea. Greasy foods increase the digestive burden on the spleen and stomach, potentially causing indigestion.
5. Repeating gua sha on the same area: The local skin typically requires 3–7 days to fully heal after gua sha. Repeating the procedure too soon can continuously damage capillaries and epidermal tissue, potentially leading to pigmentation, scarring, or even subcutaneous hematoma.
The quality of post-gua sha care directly affects treatment efficacy and safety. These precautions essentially aim to protect the skin barrier, prevent invasion of external pathogens, and avoid overburdening the body. Moreover, gua sha is contraindicated for certain individuals such as pregnant women, those with skin injuries, or people with coagulation disorders; these contraindications should be identified beforehand. If severe redness, swelling, fluid oozing, or systemic discomfort occurs after treatment, prompt medical attention is necessary.
