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.