Gua Sha
Gua sha is a natural, alternative therapy that involves scraping the skin with a massage tool to improve circulation. This ancient Chinese healing technique offesr a unique approach to better health, addressing issues like chronic pain.
In gua sha, a practitioner scrapes the skin with short or long strokes to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which increases blood flow. These strokes are made with a smooth-edged instrument known as a gua massage tool. Massage oil is applied to the skin, and then the tool is used to repeatedly scrape the skin in a downward motion.
Gua sha is intended to address stagnant energy, called chi, in the body that practitioners believe may be responsible for inflammation. Inflammation is the underlying cause of several conditions associated with chronic pain. Rubbing the skin’s surface is thought to help break up this energy, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
Gua sha is generally performed on a person’s back, buttocks, neck, arms, and legs. A gentle version of it is even used on the face as a facial technique.
In recent decades, Western physicians and patients have begun studying and using gua sha. Today’s researchers have found scientific explanations for gua sha’s anti-inflammatory and immune boosting effects, which may counteract a number of symptoms and diseases.
In gua sha, a practitioner scrapes the skin with short or long strokes to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which increases blood flow. These strokes are made with a smooth-edged instrument known as a gua massage tool. Massage oil is applied to the skin, and then the tool is used to repeatedly scrape the skin in a downward motion.
Gua sha is intended to address stagnant energy, called chi, in the body that practitioners believe may be responsible for inflammation. Inflammation is the underlying cause of several conditions associated with chronic pain. Rubbing the skin’s surface is thought to help break up this energy, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
Gua sha is generally performed on a person’s back, buttocks, neck, arms, and legs. A gentle version of it is even used on the face as a facial technique.
In recent decades, Western physicians and patients have begun studying and using gua sha. Today’s researchers have found scientific explanations for gua sha’s anti-inflammatory and immune boosting effects, which may counteract a number of symptoms and diseases.