Gua Sha (刮痧)
Gua sha is a traditional East Asian medical treatment that has been used for centuries to relieve pain, improve circulation, and boost immune function. It involves the application of a lubricant and the use of a smooth-edged tool to apply firm pressure and scrape the skin. The practice has a long and rich history dating back to ancient China, and it has been used in various forms in other East Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia.
What is gua sha (aka scraping)?
Gua sha has a long history in Chinese medicine and is an important aspect of traditional East Asian medical practices. Gua Sha translates to "scrape" (gua) and "sand" (sha) respectively.
In China, it is known as gua sha or to "scrape away disease"
In Vietnam, it is known as Cạo Gio or "to scrape wind"
In Indonesian, it is called Kerikan or "scraping technique"
The term sha has several meanings for the clinician. Sha refers to the erythema and petechiae that are formed during scraping. By observing the color and appearance of the sha, as well as the time it takes for the sha to appear and fade, clinician can identify the underlying cause of a patient's symptoms and gain valuable insights into a patient's condition and the effectiveness of treatment.
How does gua sha work?
Sha is a term refer to the distinctive mark that emerges on the skin post-treatment.
In Chinese medicine, illnesses are believed to stem from pathogenic influences residing in the body's channel systems. When our body harbors blockages, tension, or stress in a particular area, we experience tightness, soreness, pain, and discomfort. This often manifests as slower circulation and the presence of knots. Gua Sha works by scraping away these blockages, coaxing them to the skin's surface where our capillaries gradually eliminate them, facilitating the internal flow of qi and blood. Consequently, the sha markings are indicators of the eradication of latent pathogenic elements and are expelled during the Gua Sha process.
Gua Sha involves stimulation of acupuncture points and meridian. This is a deeper form of acupressure and causes the skin to feel warm such as following cupping treatment.
In China, gua sha is used to stimulate the immune system such as in the prevention or treatment of common cold and coughs, or for acute and chronic painful conditions such as osteoarthritis and headaches.
What can gua sha be used for?
Is gua sha safe?
Similar to cupping, gua sha treatments will often leave bruises in areas where the fascia is especially tight and where there is a particular need for the blood and lymph circulation to be supported. These bruises may feel tender and typically subsides within 2-7 days post-treatment.
While acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can support many different health-related conditions, treatment is always personalized — whether you are managing a chronic condition or seeking relief from everyday stress. Here are some of the most common conditions we treat:
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Chronic and acute pain conditions including back pain, neck and shoulder tension, headaches, migraines, joint pain, arthritis, sciatica, neuropathy, and sports injuries. Acupuncture is one of the most well-researched and widely recommended integrative treatments for pain management.
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Comprehensive fertility support for both women and men, including preparation for natural conception, IVF and IUI support, unexplained infertility, and recurrent miscarriage. Dr. Hewwing takes a whole-body approach to optimizing reproductive health through acupuncture and individualized herbal medicine.
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Integrative care for hormonal imbalances including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, adenomyosis, irregular menstrual cycles, painful periods, fibroids, and perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. Dr. Hewwing is highly experienced in addressing the root causes of hormonal disruption using both Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal medicine.
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Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine are highly effective for managing stress, anxiety, burnout, insomnia, and emotional exhaustion. Treatment works by regulating the nervous system, lowering cortisol levels, and restoring the body's natural equilibrium — leaving patients feeling calmer, clearer, and more resilient.
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Support for inflammatory conditions including autoimmune disorders, eczema, acne, psoriasis, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic fatigue. Chinese herbal medicine in particular is highly effective at modulating immune response and reducing systemic inflammation.
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Integrative oncology support for patients undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can help manage the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, including nausea, fatigue, pain, neuropathy, and immune suppression — supporting quality of life throughout the treatment journey.
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Support for metabolic conditions including thyroid disorders, diabetes management, weight management, and digestive health. Chinese medicine addresses metabolic imbalances at their root, promoting healthy energy regulation and overall vitality.
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Specialized care throughout all stages of pregnancy, including morning sickness, back and pelvic pain, anxiety, breech presentation, and labor preparation. Dr. Hewwing provides safe, evidence-informed treatment tailored to each stage of pregnancy.
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Gentle, effective care for younger patients navigating growing pains, hormonal changes, menstrual irregularities, stress, anxiety, and immune health. Dr. Hewwing has extensive experience treating adolescents and creates a calm, welcoming environment for younger patients.
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Integrative support for bladder and vaginal health concerns including interstitial cystitis, recurrent UTIs, overactive bladder, and vaginal dryness. Chinese medicine offers effective, natural solutions for conditions that are often undertreated in conventional medicine.
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