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Gua Sha

Gua Sha for Sports & Performance

Just quietly I am a big fan of gua sha!  Largely because of the results I’ve seen in real time.  Whether it's footballers with chronic back issues, or an MMA fighter with tight hips preparing for a fight, gua sha has supported recovery, eased muscle tightness, and helped athletes feel lighter and ready to perform.

 

Recent research backs up these experiences. Studies have shown gua sha can improve hip and knee range of motion in athletes, helping them move more freely with regular treatments. Other studies suggest gua sha can enhance weightlifting performance by lowering perceived exertion — meaning the same work feels less taxing. These effects have been linked in part to increased levels of heme oxygenase-1, an enzyme associated with anti-inflammatory and protective responses.

 

Gua Sha for Chronic Conditions & Wellbeing

Gua sha is also a valuable tool beyond sport, and I often use it to support patients managing chronic neck and back pain. Research suggests it may assist with respiratory conditions such as long-term phlegm and COPD, as well as play a role in the management of blood pressure in those with hypertension. By encouraging circulation and reducing tension, gua sha has been studied in both acute and chronic conditions, with some evidence pointing to its impact being partly mediated by increased heme oxygenase-1 activity.

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Cosmetic Gua Sha

A gentler style of gua sha can also be used for cosmetic purposes. Facial gua sha promotes circulation, releases tension, and can leave the skin looking refreshed. Many people find it to be a relaxing, natural way to support skin health and vitality.  I will generally do some facial gua sha at the end of a cosmetic/facial acupuncture treatment.

Gua Sha marks on back
What to Expect: Shā Marks

After a gua sha treatment, it’s common to see temporary reddish or purple marks on the skin, known as shā. These marks are not bruises and do not hurt — they appear from the increased circulation and movement of fluids in the area. In Chinese medicine, the colour and distribution of shā can also provide useful diagnostic information.

The marks fade quickly, usually within 2–4 days, and people often notice that the treated area feels lighter, looser, or more mobile as they clear.

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Important aftercare tips:

  • Keep the area warm and covered, especially in cooler weather

  • Avoid heavy exercise for the rest of the day

  • Drink water to support your body’s natural recovery

  • Gentle stretching can be helpful as the area settles

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