How long after Gua Sha should one wait before taking a shower?

Under normal circumstances, after a Gua Sha treatment, the skin has experienced a certain degree of stimulation and damage. It is usually recommended to wait 4 to 6 hours before showering, to allow sufficient time for the skin to recover and the pores to close, thus preventing external pathogens from entering the body.

Gua Sha is a therapeutic technique that involves rubbing the skin surface with a specialized tool to promote blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, and improve overall physical condition. After a Gua Sha session, the skin may show redness or petechiae, which is a normal phenomenon indicating that the blood and qi have been effectively activated. Therefore, it is advised to avoid showering immediately after Gua Sha, especially cold showers, as sudden pore contraction may allow cold pathogens to enter the body, compromising the therapeutic effects of Gua Sha and potentially causing colds or other discomforts.

For individuals with weaker constitutions or slower pore closure, a longer recovery period may be needed, and the time for showering should be further delayed accordingly. Additionally, it is important to keep warm, avoid direct exposure to wind, and ensure good indoor ventilation without causing chilling. When showering, the water temperature should be comfortable—avoiding excessively cold water, which may cause pore contraction and be detrimental to health.