Gua sha is a manual form of Chinese medicine in which we use a tool’s rounded edge to activate the body’s tissues. Gua sha can be applied to address interior issues as well as serve as a diagnostic tool. Despite the fact that the majority of people are familiar with facial gua sha, it is typically performed on the body, particularly the back and neck.
However, the response is the same regardless of whether part of the body is being treated with gua sha. Petechiae, also known as “sha” in traditional Chinese medicine and loosely translated to mean “stagnant blood,” are purposefully produced by the gua sha scrapes. On a biophysical level, the blood vessels in the region expand, which might cause the area to oxidize while restoring normal cellular activity and pH levels.
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The Advantages of Gua Sha for Hair and Scalp
Improved blood flow is one of gua sha’s main health advantages; according to traditional Chinese medicine, blood and hair health are closely associated. The oxygen and pH levels in the blood play a significant role in determining blood health. Gua sha dramatically increases circulation in the soft and connective tissues beneath the skin, according to research.
Studies have shown that gua sha, acupressure devices and massage techniques can significantly improve a person’s overall well-being and even lower blood pressure and anxiety levels.
Does Gua Sha Promote Hair Growth?
Understanding the distinction between fostering a favourable environment for new hair growth and actually promoting growth is crucial to determining if gua sha can aid in hair growth. Gua sha promotes blood flow to the scalp. Numerous hair loss treatments strive to increase circulation to the hair follicles, which has proven to be quite effective in increasing the size and quantity of hair follicles. Gua sha is something to think about, and while there aren’t any studies or clinical trials specifically on the scalp, they might be beneficial.
Gua sha is a natural inducer of HO-1, CO, biliverdin, and bilirubin, all of which are anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective when applied to the body.
How to Use Gua Sha for Scalp
A consultation with a professional in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine would be best before attempting any gua sha treatments on yourself, especially if you have any of the following conditions: hypertension, pregnancy, concussion, or delicate skin.
This is because aggressively applying prolonged pressure to the scalp can actually impede circulation and risk damaging the hair follicle.
You can use a facial gua sha tool or any other item with a similar smooth edge to give yourself a gua sha scalp treatment at home. A gua sha comb can help people with thick or long hair better access the skin on their scalp.
To get the benefit of using gua sha on the scalp and hair follow these steps:
- Utilize an oil or lubricant and a tool with a smooth edge.
- To determine where to place the strokes, use a meridian map of the scalp.
- Utilizing unilateral motions, start by scraping the lines of one side of your head starting from the middle line of the head.
- After finishing one side, go laterally from the centre line in the direction of the ear, and then apply the same technique to the other side.
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