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Dramatic photos of red or purple skin should never become a target. Here is why gentle pressure and careful recovery matter more than colour.

When photos set the wrong goal

Summer articles about gua sha are often illustrated with broad stripes of red or purple skin. Those images can leave people believing that a session only counts if the skin turns dark, or that a stronger colour means a more successful treatment. Some even try to match the photograph at home.

A striking picture should never become your target, and gua sha is not a challenge to complete.

Agreeing on pressure together

If you are considering gua sha with Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, at the Lane Cove clinic, you can talk about:

• how much pressure feels tolerable for you;
• which areas are comfortable to work on;
• how your skin usually responds to firm touch;
• how skin recovery will shape any future sessions.

If an area becomes irritated, it is kinder to stop than to keep going because the colour seems too light. Gentle work is perfectly valid.

The questions that really count

Rather than asking how red the skin became, it is more helpful to ask whether the approach suits you and whether your original concern is being looked after safely. Older skin, skin affected by medicines and sensitive skin may need a lighter touch, and that is simply good care.

Before another session, let Christine know about any lingering tenderness, irritation or unusual bruising. Choices about tools and technique should follow your needs rather than an image of the skin colour someone hopes to see. Christine can then discuss whether to proceed, adjust things or try another option.

Family members sometimes encourage one another to press harder at home, thinking it helps. If that happens in your household, consider booking a time to talk it through together. Christine can show what gentle looks like, so everyone feels reassured and no one ends up sore.