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A report of easier breathing after gua sha is one person's story. Here is why new breathlessness needs medical attention before tension is discussed.

You may have read a personal account of someone who felt they could breathe more freely after a gua sha session. Stories like that can be interesting, and many people do link physical tension with feeling tight in the chest. Before booking gua sha at the Freshwater clinic with breathing in mind, though, some important distinctions need to be made.

New breathlessness needs medical attention

Shortness of breath can come from many causes, including asthma, infections, heart and lung conditions, anaemia and anxiety. A personal anecdote about gua sha cannot explain why someone else is short of breath. If breathlessness is new, unexplained or getting worse, see your GP. Call emergency services for chest pain, severe breathlessness, blue lips or fainting.

Talking about stress and body tension

Once medical causes have been considered, it can be reasonable to discuss stress and muscle tension with Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist. Explain:

• whether the breathing change is new or long-standing
• whether it comes and goes or is persistent
• any other symptoms, such as cough, wheeze, palpitations or swelling
• what your GP has said, if you have seen one

Do not assume it is just stress

Being busy or anxious does not automatically mean stress is the cause of a breathing change. A careful plan starts by separating a relaxation goal, such as easing neck and shoulder tightness, from a symptom that needs investigation.

If gua sha is suitable

Agree on comfortable pressure and the areas involved. Ahead of another session, report soreness that hung on, any skin irritation or marks that looked out of the ordinary. Your skin and circumstances should guide the choice of tool and method, and Christine can suggest continuing, adapting or trying a different approach.

Keeping your GP informed

Let your doctor know about complementary care you are receiving, particularly if you have a diagnosed breathing condition.

Northern Beaches residents whose shoulders feel tight from stress can explore that with Christine in Freshwater, once any breathing concerns have been checked by a doctor.