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Gua sha attracts plenty of confident rules. Here are three popular myths and the more useful questions to bring to an appointment in Freshwater.

Scroll through social media and you will find gua sha explained with great certainty. The trouble is that some of the most repeated rules do not hold up, and they can push people towards rougher treatment than they need.

Myth one: dark marks are toxins leaving

A common story says the redder or darker the skin turns, the more toxins are being released. Marks after scraping should not be read as a measure of anything leaving the body. They reflect pressure, skin type and individual response, and colour alone tells you very little.

Myth two: more pain, more benefit

Gua sha does not need to hurt to be worthwhile. Pressure should be discussed and adjusted, and you are entitled to ask for a lighter touch at any point.

Myth three: one routine for everyone

Online demonstrations often suggest that everybody should be scraped on the same timetable. A conversation about whether gua sha suits you is far more helpful than a universal rule on frequency. With Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, you can ask why a particular spot has been chosen, how firmly the tool will be used and how much time your skin should have to recover between sessions.

What to mention next time

Before any further session, report tenderness that hung around, irritation or bruising that surprised you. Christine will select a tool and technique for your situation, not to match a glowing photo, and she can then discuss continuing, modifying the approach or considering a different option.

Clear answers in Freshwater

Rather than copying a video at home, bring your questions to the Freshwater clinic, which serves locals from Manly through to the northern suburbs of the peninsula. A short list written on your phone is plenty, and nothing you ask will be treated as a silly question. This piece offers general information; personal suitability is something to explore at an appointment.