P. Sze 
Gua sha is a trusted remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for relieving cold symptoms naturally. By stimulating circulation and releasing stagnation, gua sha helps alleviate common issues such as nasal congestion, sore throat, headaches, and body aches. To get started with gua sha, you can review our beginner-friendly guide here. Below, you’ll find five expert-recommended gua sha techniques, along with essential tips to maximize their effectiveness during a cold.
Best Timing and Tips for Gua Sha During a Cold
To achieve optimal results with gua sha, consider the following practical tips:
- Perform gua sha after a warm bath: A warm bath helps relax your muscles, opens your pores, and enhances blood flow, making the strokes more effective.
- Do it before bed: A pre-bedtime session can reduce congestion, calm the body, and improve your sleep quality, all of which aid recovery.
- Use the right tools and oil: Always apply a thin layer of oil or balm to prevent irritation. Warming oils, such as ginger or eucalyptus, can boost the therapeutic benefits.
- Stay warm after treatment: Keep your body covered and avoid cold drafts or fans post-treatment, as your skin will be more sensitive.
- Hydrate afterward: Drinking warm water or herbal tea helps flush out toxins released during gua sha and keeps the body hydrated.
- Avoid overdoing it: Use light to moderate pressure, especially when feeling weak, to avoid overstimulation.
These preparatory and aftercare practices ensure that gua sha is both gentle and effective during a cold.
1. Focus on the Neck for Sore Throats
When a cold leads to a sore throat, gua sha can help reduce inflammation and improve circulation in the neck area.
- How to do it:
- Apply a light layer of oil to the sides and back of your neck.
- Using your gua sha tool, scrape gently downward from the base of the skull to the top of the shoulders.
- Repeat this motion 10–15 times on each side.
This technique helps ease tension and soothes the throat by promoting lymphatic drainage and reducing inflammation.
2. Relieve Nasal Congestion with Facial Gua Sha
Facial gua sha can work wonders for clearing blocked sinuses and relieving nasal congestion.
- How to do it:
- Apply a facial oil or moisturizer for smooth strokes.
- Start at the sides of your nose and gently scrape outward toward the cheeks.
- Follow up by scraping under your eyes and along your brow line.
- Repeat for 2–3 minutes to stimulate sinus drainage.
“For the sinuses, gently move the gua sha tool along the sides of the nose and under the cheekbones, using a vibrating motion to loosen tension,” advises Ms. Mai Sogawa, a senior TCM therapist.
This small adjustment enhances sinus relief and can reduce discomfort during a cold.
3. Target the Chest to Ease Coughing
Chest congestion and coughing are common cold symptoms that can be alleviated with gua sha on the chest area.
- How to do it:
- Apply warm oil to your chest.
- Use a broad gua sha tool to scrape gently downward over the sternum and ribs.
- Adjust the pressure to your comfort level and repeat for 2–3 minutes.
“Gliding the gua sha tool along the area above and below the collarbone and around the ribs can further help loosen mucus and relieve chest tightness,” explains Ms. Sogawa.
4. Treat Headaches with Scalp Gua Sha
Cold-related headaches caused by sinus pressure or fatigue can be relieved using scalp gua sha.
- How to do it:
- Use a gua sha comb or the rounded edge of your tool.
- Start at the crown of your head and scrape outward toward the hairline.
- Repeat this motion along the sides and back of the head for 3–5 minutes.
This technique relaxes the scalp, improves blood circulation, and eases tension, providing quick relief from headaches.
5. Soothe Body Aches with Back Gua Sha
Body aches are a common symptom of colds and can leave you feeling drained. Back gua sha is an effective way to release this discomfort.
- How to do it:
- Apply oil to the upper back, shoulders, and along the spine.
- Use firm but gentle strokes downward along the spine and outward over the shoulder blades.
- Perform this technique for 5–10 minutes or until relief is felt.
“For the back, although it can be challenging to do on yourself, focusing on the muscles along the spine and around the shoulder blades can be effective for relieving tension,” shares Ms. Sogawa.
By following these expert-approved gua sha techniques and tips, you can naturally alleviate cold symptoms and support your body’s healing process. Always remember to work gently and listen to your body’s needs, especially when feeling under the weather.
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