A woman has gone viral on Instagram after sharing the results of using an “ancient” beauty treatment – which initially left her skin looking red raw.
Using a gua sha, model Sangyay Chen can be seen using the flat tool to scrape her skin, which causes deep red bruising.
Popular in China and Vietnam, the practice is designed to release unhealthy bodily matter and promote blood flow.
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A video of the 31-year-old performing the treatment on herself went viral, garnering 78 million views, with users shocked by the initial effect on her skin.
But the influencer was quick to dispel concerns, saying that while it looks “intense”, the practice is hugely beneficial.
“I completely understand how the redness and speckling might seem alarming to those unfamiliar with gua sha,” Sangyay, who lives in Los Angeles, told Need To Know.
“It was one reason I hesitated to share this practice online initially.”
In the video, Sangyay can be seen using the gua sha to perform strokes across her skin – which result in the redness.
She starts by massaging her shoulders and neck with her hands, before applying organic jojoba oil.
Next, she presses and scrapes the tool firmly in one direction, focusing on muscular areas and knots.
To finish, she applies a medicated oil and covers the area with warm clothing.
In the clip, her neck, shoulders and chest can be seen covered in red marks – leading to concern online that she was damaging her skin.
But despite its appearance, Sangyay insists the practice isn’t painful.
She said: “I use a light to moderate pressure, and no, it doesn’t hurt.
“While it’s possible to press harder if someone prefers a more intense experience, the beauty of gua sha is that it’s customisable.
“You control the pressure and can achieve results with consistent, lighter strokes.
“Many of us grew up hearing stories about moms or grandmas who preferred a more vigorous approach – it’s something that often brings back fond and funny memories.
“But I’ve found that you don’t have to feel discomfort for the treatment to be effective.”
She explained: “In Chinese, ‘gua’ means to scrape, and ‘sha’ refers to the red or purple speckles that appear when micro-capillaries under the skin break.
“This is actually a sign of improved circulation and the release of stagnant ‘qi’ and blood in traditional Chinese medicine.
“These marks fade within a few days and are part of the healing process.”
And Sangyay believes it is well worth the effort.
She said: “The benefits of gua sha are remarkable and immediate.
“It’s my go-to for relieving muscle tension, headaches, and even cold symptoms.
“After a session, I feel deeply relaxed, and the release of tension is palpable.
“When I have a fever or feel under the weather, gua sha supports faster recovery – sometimes more effectively than over-the-counter medicine.
“It’s a practice that has stood the test of time, passed down through generations in many cultures. “The fact that it’s still widely used today is a testament to its power and effectiveness.”
Dr Lawrence Cunningham, medical expert at UK Care Guide and retired GP, said of the practice: “In my experience, gua sha can be safe when performed correctly. Incorrect use, however, can certainly cause issues.
“I’ve seen many patients use it without any long-term issues. The deep reddening is a common part of the process and usually subsides in a few days.
“The key is to be gentle and use appropriate tools.
“Overzealous scraping can lead to bruising or irritation, so moderation is crucial.
“It’s also wise to consult with a professional before starting any new skincare routine.”
