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Gua sha colour draws attention, but a photo is not a diagnosis. Your skin history and comfort guide the session far better than a shade.

People who care about their skin often notice every change in tone, so the redness or speckling left after gua sha can feel very significant. Online charts claim that each shade reveals something about your health. A photograph, however, cannot explain what is going on inside someone's body.

Traditional readings versus diagnosis

Some traditional interpretations link particular colours with particular patterns. Those ideas belong to a traditional framework and should be kept separate from a medical diagnosis, which comes from proper clinical assessment and, where needed, tests organised through your doctor.

Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, performs gua sha at the Lane Cove clinic and presents these traditional ideas for what they are.

Skin signs to mention beforehand

Unexplained bruising, skin that tears or marks very easily, or a new rash are all worth raising before gua sha is considered. Some of these may need a GP review first. Medicines that affect bleeding, recent sun exposure and active breakouts are relevant too.

Ask Christine what decides the firmness of each stroke and how she will keep an eye on your skin as she works. You can always request a lighter touch, or ask for a smaller area to be worked on during a first session so you can see how your skin responds.

Recovery before repetition

Before another appointment, describe any tenderness that hung around, any irritation and any bruising that seemed unusual. The technique and tool should be matched to you, not to a picture of an ideal colour. Christine can then suggest carrying on, adjusting the approach or exploring something else.

The aim throughout is a sensible care decision, never producing a particular shade to match an image. If you prefer to avoid visible marks altogether, say so, as gentler methods may suit your skin and your schedule better. Facial gua sha, for example, is usually done with far lighter strokes than body work and is not meant to leave colour at all.