What are the disadvantages of gua sha?

As Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) grows increasingly popular, gua sha (scraping therapy) has become integrated into daily life. While many people are aware of its numerous health benefits, gua sha also carries certain risks and contraindications. So, what are the potential adverse effects of gua sha?

What Are the Adverse Effects of Gua Sha?

Improperly performed gua sha can cause harm to the body. For instance, individuals with skin allergies or severe heart failure should avoid gua sha, as it may exacerbate their conditions. Likewise, gua sha is contraindicated in patients with serious cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases, impaired liver or kidney function, or generalized edema. Since TCM gua sha induces subcutaneous capillary congestion and enhances blood circulation, it places additional strain on the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys—potentially worsening underlying conditions. Additionally, gua sha should be avoided during pregnancy and menstruation.

Gua sha exerts therapeutic effects including regulating Qi and blood flow, activating blood circulation and resolving stasis, relaxing tendons and unblocking meridians, and expelling pathogenic factors while promoting detoxification. It is now widely applied across internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, aesthetics, and health maintenance. It is especially suitable for pain-related disorders and degenerative musculoskeletal conditions such as cervical spondylosis and periarthritis of the shoulder. In clinical practice, gua sha may be combined with cupping therapy for respiratory conditions like common colds, fever, and cough. For cosmetically concerning conditions—including acne and melasma—it may be used alongside acupuncture or blood-letting techniques. Moreover, gua sha is applicable in the prevention and management of suboptimal health states and chronic fatigue syndrome.

After undergoing gua sha, even healthy individuals should take precautions: keep warm and avoid exposure to drafts. Bathing should be avoided for at least 30 minutes post-treatment, as this helps prevent invasion of external pathogens and subsequent adverse effects on the body. We hope this information proves helpful!