Gua Sha

Gua sha is a Traditional Chinese Medicine hands-on modality that has been used throughout Asia for centuries. Gua means ‘to rub’ or ‘press stroke. When gua (press-stroking) is applied in repetitive, even strokes, sha appears as small red dots called ‘petechiae’ and the pain immediately shifts. In minutes, the small red dots fade into blended reddishness. Practitioners of Traditional East Asian Medicine consider gua sha for any illness or condition where there is pain or discomfort, for upper respiratory and digestive problems, and any condition where touch palpation indicates there is sha.

Gua sha is often used for muscle stiffness and pain with decreased mobility because it immediately resolves spasms and pain, and promotes normal circulation to the muscles and tissues. Research has also shown that gua sha increases microcirculation of surface tissue, reduces inflammation, and stimulates the immune system. Gua sha upregulates heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which reduces internal organ inflammation. HO-1 plays a critical role in conditions such as asthma, hepatitis and liver disease. Because gua sha mimics the body’s mechanisms of sweating, it can also reduce fevers. Gua sha can cool a patient who feels too warm, warm a patient who feels too cold, while relaxing tension and reducing anxiety. Gua sha is often done in combination with acupuncture for problems that acupuncture alone cannot resolve.

A smooth stone is used for facial gua sha. It tones and lifts the face through gentle strokes over the skin to relax stiff muscles and promote lymphatic drainage. There is an established link between manual lymph drainage (facial massage) and reduced facial swelling is well established. Through this mechanism, gua sha reduces puffiness and treats acne. Gua sha also improves blood circulation, skin elasticity to address wrinkles and sagging skin. Gua sha is a great option for women seeking natural and non-invasive solutions for acne, wrinkles, and sagging skin.