Gua Sha

What is gua sha?

Gua sha is a natural, alternative treatment that involves scraping the skin with a tool to improve the micro-circulation of the soft tissue. This ancient Chinese healing technique can offer a unique approach to better health by addressing issues such as chronic pain. Gua sha moves stagnant energy in the body that healers believe may be responsible for inflammation. Inflammation is the underlying cause of many conditions associated with chronic pain. Rubbing the surface of the skin is thought to help break down this energy, reduce inflammation and promote healing. Gua sha is generally performed on a person’s back, neck, arms and legs. A soft version of it is used even on the face as an aesthetic treatment. Your therapist can apply mild pressure and gradually increase tension to determine how much force you can wield.

What are the benefits of gua sha?

Gua sha can reduce inflammation, so it is often used to treat conditions that cause chronic pain, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia, as well as those that cause muscle and joint pain.

Gua sha can also relieve the symptoms of other conditions such as:

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver, liver damage and liver scarring. Research shows that gua sha can reduce chronic inflammation of the liver.

Migraine headaches

If your migraines do not respond to prescription medications, gua sha can help you

Neck pain

The Gua sha technique may also prove effective in the treatment of chronic neck pain.

Perimenopausal syndrome

Perimenopause occurs as women approach menopause.

Symptoms include:

  • insomnia
  • irregular periods
  • worry
  • fatigue
  • Hot flashes

One study found that gua sha can reduce the symptoms of perimenopause in some women.