Benefits of gua sha

There is limited evidence on the benefits of gua sha. Here's what the science says.

1. Gua sha may increase circulation
Gua sha may boost blood flow in areas where it's used. In a very small study, gua sha treatments increased circulation in small blood vessels. Eleven healthy people received gua sha therapy on their backs. And they had better blood flow in the targeted area for 25 minutes after treatment. Interestingly, women responded better than men.

2. Gua sha may relieve muscle pain
If you need to soothe sore muscles, gua sha might be useful. In the same small study, people who received gua sha treatments reported an immediate reduction in muscle pain. Interestingly, they had less pain both in the targeted area and other parts of the body. The pain relief lasted beyond the gua sha sessions, though researchers didn't specify how long.

In another study, researchers looked at how different treatments affect chronic low back pain in older adults. Those who received gua sha had less back pain and better mobility than those who used a heating pad. The study concluded that gua sha may have a longer-lasting anti-inflammatory effect than heat therapy.

Gua sha may provide pain relief by changing how a person perceives pain. But this theory has yet to be proven.

3. Gua sha may promote lymphatic drainage
According to traditional Chinese medicine, gua sha helps move lymph fluid in our bodies.

The lymphatic system plays an important role in immune function. And lymph fluid helps filter toxins from the body. When the lymphatic system doesn't function properly, it can cause fluid buildup. Massage therapy and manual lymphatic drainage have been used to reduce swelling and fluid buildup for people with musculoskeletal disorders, breast cancer, and other conditions.

There's a need for more research on how gua sha affects the lymphatic system. But one animal study found that gua sha treatments expanded blood vessels. This helped increase blood and lymph circulation.

4. Gua sha may have anti-aging benefits
People use gua sha for a host of skin care reasons, including smoothing wrinkles, reducing puffiness, and sculpting the face. But researchers have noted that these benefits aren't backed by science.

However, there is some evidence that facial massage may have anti-aging effects. In a small study, 20 women used an anti-aging cream and gave themselves daily facial massages. This combination improved facial wrinkles. But the women used a massager and not a gua sha tool for their daily treatments.