A Korean woman in her 30s shared a shocking testimony online after losing vision in one eye following a self-administered gua sha massage.
Gua sha has been going viral for the past few years, with many jumping on the trend. It claims to depuff the face and even fix facial assymmetry.
Many idols such as Somi also swear by it.
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In a comment left on a YouTube video warning viewers to be careful when using massage guns, she explained that what started as a routine self-care practice turned into a life-altering injury.
According to her, she was diagnosed with central retinal artery occlusion at the hospital, a serious condition that blocks blood flow to the retina and often leads to sudden blindness. Despite previously maintaining a healthy lifestyle and even working as a fitness instructor, she said her dream of “living healthily until 100” was cut short in an instant.
“I did a self-gua sha massage at home, and suddenly I lost vision in one eye.
I’m a woman in my 30s.At the hospital, they said it was a central retinal artery occlusion.
I’ve always lived a healthy lifestyle, maintained good eating habits, and my dream was to live healthily until 100. I even worked as a fitness instructor.”
She also recalled watching an EBS documentary where a neurology professor at Samsung Seoul Hospital warned that young people massaging their carotid arteries was especially dangerous. However, she expressed concern that such massage techniques continue to spread online through private and viral videos.
“It’s been two months since I lost vision. I think this is a really dangerous practice. A while ago, I happened to watch an EBS program about carotid arteries, and even a neurology professor at Samsung Seoul Hospital said that young people massaging their carotid arteries is dangerous. But now these massage videos are spreading in private communities… whether they block it or not, I just really hope everyone knows. Stay healthy, everyone.”
Her story is now circulating widely among Korean netizens as a stark reminder that even common wellness trends like gua sha and massage tools can carry hidden risks if used incorrectly.
