Gua Sha
What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is a natural, alternative therapy that involves scraping your skin with a massage tool to improve your circulation. This ancient Chinese healing technique may offer a unique approach to better health, addressing issues like chronic pain.
The Treatment Process
Gua Sha involves scraping your skin with short or long strokes to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which increases blood flow. They make these strokes with a smooth-edged instrument known as a gua massage tool. The technician applies massage oil to your skin, and then uses the tool to repeatedly scrape your skin in a downward motion.
Gua sha is intended to address stagnant energy, in the body that acupuncturist believe may be responsible for inflammation. Inflammation is the underlying cause of several conditions associated with chronic pain.
This treatment is generally performed on the back, buttocks, neck, arms, and legs. A gentle version of it is used on the face. The Acupuncturist may apply mild pressure, and gradually increase intensity to determine how much force you can handle.
Benefits of Gua Sha
- Reduce inflammation
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Migraine headaches
- Neck pain
Any side effects and marks after treatment?
Gua Sha is a natural remidy and is considered safe. It’s not supposed to be painful, but the procedure may change the appearance of your skin.
It involves rubbing or scraping skin with a massage tool, and tiny blood vessels known as capillaries near the surface of your skin can burst. This can result in skin bruising and minor bleeding. Bruising usually disappears within a couple of days. Some people also experience temporary indentation of their skin after a gua sha treatment.
Avoid this treatment if you’ve had any surgery in the last six weeks.
People who are taking blood thinners or have clotting disorders are not recommended for Gua Sha.
