Why does the body feel extremely itchy after gua sha?
Generally, feeling intense itching on the body after gua sha may be caused by normal physiological responses, allergies, or other factors. Patients should manage the condition according to their specific situation. The details are as follows:
1. Normal phenomenon: After gua sha, the body's pores remain open, allowing internal dampness to be expelled through the skin. This process may temporarily raise body temperature, leading to significant itching. This is a normal reaction and usually not a cause for concern. Patients should get adequate rest, protect the treated areas, and avoid exposing them to water.
2. Allergy: Gua sha typically involves the use of scraping oil. Some individuals may be allergic to certain ingredients in the oil, triggering an allergic reaction that causes severe itching, along with symptoms such as rash, redness, swelling, and pain. In such cases, patients are advised to take antihistamine medications like montelukast sodium tablets or loratadine tablets as directed by a physician to relieve discomfort.
It is important to note that gua sha treatment should be performed under the guidance of a qualified professional and should not be self-administered to avoid potential harm to health.