Over 40 Years Acupuncture Experience
An ancient Chinese medicine scraping technique was usually performed with a jade stone, antler horn, or porcelain spoon. The friction from the scraping tool causes adhesions to break up and aids in the circulation of Qi and blood; thus promoting healing. Gua Sha can also be used at the first sign of illness to reduce future severity.
When done properly petechiae and ecchymosis will appear. Petechiae are small red or purple spots on the surface of the skin because of micro bleeding in the vessels of the skin. With continuous Gua Sha, the petechiae gradually blend into areas of ecchymosis, which is skin discoloration caused by the escape of blood into the tissues from the ruptured blood vessels.
Benefits of Gua Sha on the Body:
- Muscle Tension: release and relax musculoskeletal problems, especially major ones like tightness in the shoulders, legs, and back
- Alleviate tension headaches or migraines,
- Alleviate Pain: neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain
- Reduce swelling in your body.
- Help with anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, and perimenopausal symptoms when done in addition to acupuncture.
Conditions treated by Gua Sha:
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Colds and Flu
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Muscle spasms
- Fibromyalgia
- General pain
Benefits of Facial Gua Sha:
- Promote collagen production,
- Relax facial tension
- Improve blood circulation
NOTE:
- The rash will disappear in 2-3 days. If the rash disappears quicker, blood circulation is good.
- If it takes longer for the rash to go away, there is a lack of circulation.
- Avoid sun, wind, and keep the area covered until the "sha" has faded
- This rash is caused by a retention of pathogenic factors, which stagnate vital qi and blood.
Contraindications: in areas of abrasion or bruising or in extremely deficient patients