Gua sha, otherwise known as “scraping therapy”, is an ancient Chinese medical treatment, usually used as a supplement to an acupuncture session.
"Gua" means to scrape or rub.
"Sha" is a reddish, elevated "millet like" skin rash.
It is a technique that intentionally raises sha rash or petechiae.
Benefits of Gua Sha
Gua sha is a drug-free treatment.
In most cases, patients feel an immediate shift in their condition, particularly pain relief or increased movement.
Gua Sha moves blocked Qi & blood, releases external sweating and moves fluids.
In modern medical terms, these fluids contain metabolic waste that has become congested in the surface tissues and muscles.
Gua sha promotes circulation and normalizes the metabolic process.
It is a valuable treatment for both external and internal pain and helps the resolution of both acute & chronic disorders.
Gua sha is good for problems such as:
tight shoulders, back and legs
neck pain
tension headaches
migraines
anxiety
fatigue
insomnia
perimenopausal symptoms
Gua Sha Procedure
Oil is usually applied to the skin first. Then, a tool with smooth edges is used to scrape the skin.
Coins and porcelain spoons are widely used as well as gua sha tools made of horn, stainless steel, plastic and stones.
The skin is scraped in the same direction in short strokes until the skin is red and purple marks are appear. This is different from facial gua sha where the skin is scraped in large gentle, even and steady strokes. No sha should appear.
It is not painful but may feel uncomfortable.
If sha or rash appears, it should fade in about 2-4 days.
Gua sha treatment can be used up to three times weekly and is most effective when used as a weekly treatment on chronic conditions.
Find more information about gua sha here: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-gua-sha-might-be-good-for-you/
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