Gua Sha
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese method of promoting Qi and blood circulation, removing toxic heat, blood and lymph fluid from the body.
A thin layer of oil is applied to the skin, and then the area is scraped with a Gua Sha tool. The tool is a thin flat board or blade with rounded edges. It is applied by holding it in a 45 degree angle to the skin, pressed down firmly and then moved down the muscles, or along the pathway of the meridians. This causes bleeding from the peripheral capillaries and may result in subcutaneous blemishing (ecchymosis) which usually take 2 to 4 days to fade.
A build-up of fluid is pushed ahead of the tool, and after it passes, it leaves an indentation or vacuum behind which draws fluids out to the skin surface from deep within the tissue. The fluid may be seen as a bright red glow. Fever, inflammation and hypertension are often quickly relieved as the red glow comes to the surface, and then gradually fade away.
The fluid can be other colors as well. If small red pools of blood appear below the surface of the skin, toxic blood is being released. If the blood is old and stagnant the spots can be deep purple. There is usually an immediate and long-term relief from chronic pain.
Gua Sha can treat many of the same illnesses that acupuncture can treat. In addition, it can be applied to a much broader area and it is not limited to the meridian system.
Gua Sha can be used to treat headaches, neck and shoulder stiffness and pain, frozen shoulder, back pain, strain and sprains, menstrual disorders, insomnia, heart disease and degenerative illnesses.
Other Modalities