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Gua sha colour draws attention, but it cannot explain your health. Here is what to mention first and how your skin response should guide the next step.

The redness or speckled colour that can follow gua sha tends to draw attention, and some sources claim it reveals hidden information about your health. If you are thinking of trying gua sha at the Lane Cove clinic, it helps to keep those claims in perspective.

Colour is not a diagnosis

A photograph of skin after scraping cannot explain what is happening inside the body. Traditional interpretations of colour belong to a traditional framework, and they should be kept separate from a medical diagnosis, which relies on proper clinical assessment and, where needed, tests arranged by your GP or specialist.

What to mention before treatment

Tell Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, before any gua sha if you have:

• bruising that appears without a clear cause
• thin or fragile skin
• a new or spreading rash
• medicines that make you bruise more easily

Some of these may need medical review before gua sha is considered.

How the session is guided

Ask how Christine will choose the pressure and how she will watch your skin during the session. The aim is a sensible care decision for you, not producing a particular shade to match an online image.

Following up on recovery

Before any further session, report tenderness that lingered, irritation or bruising that seemed unusual. Your skin and situation, rather than a target colour, should decide which tool and method come next. With that information, Christine can suggest continuing, modifying the approach or trying another option.

Small preparation steps

Avoid applying strong skincare products to the area beforehand, and wear a top that allows easy access to the neck and shoulders.

North Shore readers who have been puzzled by gua sha colour charts online can get a grounded explanation at the Lane Cove clinic, where Christine is glad to talk through what the marks do and do not mean.