When is the Best Time for Scraping (Gua Sha)? And Which Areas Should Be Scraped?
Scraping has many benefits, which can help to expel cold and dampness from the body. Many people have a cold constitution and do not pay attention to keeping warm, often suffering from cold. For such people, scraping is very suitable. Regular scraping can enhance the yang energy of the body and dispel the pathogenic qi of the body. However, there are also many things to note when scraping, such as when is the best time to scrape? Where to scrape? Let's take a look at the relevant introduction below.
Clinically, it is best to choose the morning for scraping, preferably one hour after breakfast. The morning is the time when our body's qi and blood are growing, and scraping is beneficial for smooth qi and blood circulation. However, the afternoon and evening are often times when qi and blood are closed and hidden, so it is best not to scrape during these times. Additionally, the duration of each scraping session should not exceed 30 to 40 minutes. Generally, the time interval between scraping sessions on the same area should be at least one week or longer. It is not advisable to scrape too frequently, and the initial scraping time should be shorter. For people with a weak constitution or thin body, the scraping time should be controlled within 20 minutes. Of course, there are also individuals who can scrape again every three to four days, depending on their specific condition. It is important to note that this varies from person to person, and it is advisable not to blindly imitate others to avoid any negative impact on physical health. In principle, whether to proceed with the next scraping session often depends on whether there are petechiae on the skin and whether there is pain when gently touching the scraped area.
Scraping is generally performed on areas with abundant muscle and large skin surfaces, such as the thighs, abdomen, shoulders and back, and upper arms. Areas with thinner skin, such as the head and face, or areas with more skin folds and sensitivity are not recommended for scraping. At the same time, scraping needs to be performed on specific meridians based on the condition. For example, the inner side of the upper limbs is where the lung, pericardium, and heart meridians pass through, so scraping the inner side of the upper limbs can be chosen for cardiopulmonary diseases. The back mainly involves the bladder meridians, but scraping the shoulders and back can also treat diseases such as low back pain and fatigue syndrome. The abdomen has meridians of the kidney, liver, and spleen, so scraping the abdomen can be the main choice for treating diseases related to these three organs.
