Gua Sha

Gua Sha is a technique used in traditional Asian medicine to treat muscle pain and tension. Gua Sha also helps with chronic pain, boosts circulation, and can help with lymphatic drainage.

We use Gua Sha for tissue release in the body, NOT facial massage/ modification

What is Gua Sha?

Gua Sha, the term for the Chinese scraping method, has been known for hundreds of years as a healing modality. "Gua" refers to rub, or massage, and "Sha" refers to heat and moving energy. First recorded in practice during the Ming Dynasty between 1368 and 1644, the terms coining, scrapping, and spooning have also been used to describe this work. Gua sha helps to break down scar tissue and connective tissue, improving movement in joints and increasing flexibility in muscles/

The treatment involves using a tool to rub against the skin in long strokes, applying enough pressure to create small abrasions to the body, such as the bruises caused by Gua Sha. sometimes known as microtrauma. The microtrauma creates conditions for the body to begin a new healing process and lay down new healthy tissue with increased circulation.

The treatment does not have any serious side effects, but is not suitable for those with certain medical condition

Side Effects and Risks

Gua sha is not suitable for everybody. People who should not have Gua Sha include those:

• Who has had any type of surgery in the last 6 weeks

• Who have clotting disorders

• Who have medical conditions affecting the skin or veins

• Who bleed easuly

• Who takes medication to thin their blood

• Who has deep vein thrombosis

• Who has an infection, tumor, or wound that has not healed fully

• Who has an implant such as a pacemaker or internal defibrillator

Treatment is not supposed to be painful, but Gua Sha deliberately causes bruising, which may cause discomfort for some people.

Why Does Gua Sha Cause Bruising?

Gua Sha causes tiny blood vessel near the surface of the skin called capillaries to burst.

This creates the distinctive red or purple bruises, known as Sha. The bruises usually takes a few days up to a week or two to heal and can be tender while healing but are generally a non-issue for most people. The increased flexibility and decrease in pain and tension that were previously felt in the area outweigh the soreness that may be felt after a Gua Sha session. Much like going to the gym, working out and having muscle soreness in the following days.

Caring for the bruises:

• You should protect the bruised area and take care not to bump it.

• Increasing your water intake and stretching the area that was treated will assist the healing process and can further improve result of the session.

• Applying ice pack can help to reduce inflammation.