Cold hands and feet in winter? A sign of poor blood circulation, treat it with "Gua Sha”

Cold hands and feet in winter? A sign of poor blood circulation, treat it with "Gua Sha”
      Cold Hands and Cold Feet in winter are not just about external temperature; they are an important signal from the body warning that "blood circulation and vital energy (Qi) are sluggish." According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this condition is often caused by Yang deficiency (reduced warming energy in the body), which prevents blood and Qi from effectively transporting warmth to the body's extremities. One popular solution to restore this balance is "Gua Sha."

What is Gua Sha and How Does It Help?
      Gua Sha is one of the therapeutic modalities in Traditional Chinese Medicine, meaning "to scrape away sickness." It involves using a smooth, blunt-edged tool made of stone, jade, or horn to gently scrape the skin along meridian lines and acupuncture points. Its main objectives are :

• Stimulate Blood Circulation (Boost Qi Flow) : Gua Sha scraping helps stimulate the circulation of stagnant blood beneath the skin, allowing blood to flow better. This increases the temperature in the treated area and creates a warming sensation.
• Expel Waste/Toxins ("Scrape out the Poison") : The scraping causes temporary red marks (called "Sha"), which TCM practitioners believe are traces of stagnant blood or toxins being expelled. These red marks gradually fade on their own within 3-7 days.
• Balance Internal Organs : As blood and Qi flow better, the body's internal systems function more efficiently, helping to restore the body's deficient balance to a normal state.

Key Areas for "Gua Sha" to Treat Cold Hands and Feet
      For treating cold hands and feet, TCM practitioners often focus on stimulating meridians that control blood circulation and the body's warming energy. Areas may include :

• Back and Shoulders : To stimulate the main meridians connected to the internal organs.
• Arms and Legs : Especially along the inner meridian lines, to promote blood flow reaching the hands and feet more easily.

Important Practices After Gua Sha to Enhance Effectiveness
      Self-care after Gua Sha is crucial, as the pores are open and circulation is fully stimulated :

• Drink Warm Water/Room Temperature Water : This helps the body expel toxins and hydrate.
• Avoid Cold : Do not take cold showers, expose yourself directly to cold air, or consume cold food/drinks within 2-3 hours after the treatment, as this can cause blood to become stagnant again and impede the newly stimulated circulation.
• Get Adequate Rest : Give your body time to recover so that the red marks fade faster.

      Gua Sha is a method that helps stimulate blood circulation, expel subcutaneous waste, and adjust the body's warming energy to circulate better. This leads to an increase in internal body temperature. When blood and Qi flow smoothly, coldness in the hands and feet is alleviated, helping the body become stronger and better prepared to handle cold weather. Although Gua Sha is a natural therapy, it should be performed by a qualified TCM practitioner, or consult a doctor before treatment if you have conditions like easy bleeding, blood clotting issues, open wounds, or are pregnant.


      Gua Sha is a method that helps stimulate blood circulation, expel subcutaneous waste, and adjust the body's warming energy to circulate better. This leads to an increase in internal body temperature. When blood and Qi flow smoothly, coldness in the hands and feet is alleviated, helping the body become stronger and better prepared to handle cold weather. Although Gua Sha is a natural therapy, it should be performed by a qualified TCM practitioner, or consult a doctor before treatment if you have conditions like easy bleeding, blood clotting issues, open wounds, or are pregnant.


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