Gua Sha

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A Traditional Chinese Therapy using tools to scrape muscles, increasing blood supply, promoting healing. The scraping is done on oiled skin, with a special tool usually made of Jade, but often metal/ceramic tools are used depending on the strength of the treatment required. The movement brings stagnated blood and toxins to the surface where the blood supply to the skin can carry it away. It also gives a deep tissue massage and can be very relaxing. It is often used for releasing tight muscles, cosmetic purposes and is very good for scar and wrinkle reduction 

Gua Sha is a healing technique of traditional East Asian medicine originating in China around 200BC, although it is thought to have much older linage in other sources originally. The art of Gua Sha is defined as instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of a lubricated area of the body surface. When press-stroking is applied in repeated even strokes, usually with tools made of Jade, buffalo horn, cups, coins and even soup spoons. Sha appears as small red dots called 'petechia'. Within minutes of the treatment the small red dots fade, blending in  to a deep red blush. Whilst the Sha disappears over an average of four days after treatment, discomfort is alleviated immediately. Gua Sha does not cause capillary rupture, as a normal bruise would, but instead forces blood containing toxins to seep out of permeable capillaries and thus working to improve local microcirculation.

Fundamentally Gua Sha works to releases blocked qi, thereby curing the ailment. Modern Western research confirms the capacity of Gua Sha to reduce pain and inflammation whilst stimulating an immune protective response that can endure for several days following treatment. As such Gua Sha is an invaluable treatment for musculoskeletal problems as well as internal organ conditions, including respiratory and hepatic inflammation. Gua Sha moves fluids outwards as well as opening the surface of the skin to release heat, hence resolving fever and heat quickly. Moreover, by moving blockages resulting from cold stagnations Gua Sha can work to restore harmony.   

Gua Sha may be considered for any illness or condition where there is pain, discomfort or inflammation as it clears out toxins and moves stagnant blood.     

•   Reduce fever 
•  Heat stroke/ Sun stroke  
•   Cold and Flu  
• Low grade fatigue  
• Coughs, Asthma & Bronchitis  
•  Relieving muscle and tendon injuries  
•  Improving blood circulation  
• Headaches 
•  Stiffness, Pain & Immobility  
•  Digestive disorders  
•  Food poisoning  
• Urinary and Gynaecological disorders 

The area required for treatment is oiled, usually coconut oil. Tools are used to ‘scrape’ along meridian lines, muscles, ligaments and tendons, these tools are usually made of Jade, buffalo horn, coins, porcelain cups and even soup spoons, each having a different effect on the body. Red marks or ‘Sha’ on the body will show for 4 – 7 days, depending on the condition treated.

Is Gua Sha safe?

Yes very, however, there are a few contraindications for individuals with Heart, Liver, Kidney and Lung issues, Pregnancy and Blood Diseases.  

Is it painful?

It can be uncomfortable due to sensitivity in the area needing Gua Sha, however the benefits far out way any discomfort. 

Does it Bruise? 

The surface of the skin will go red/discoloured due to blood rising to the surface of the skin, but will not bruise, these marks will disappear within 4-10 days.

How long is a session? 

A session usually lasts between 40-60 minutes.

Are there any side effects?

Very little, however redness/discoloration of the skin as explained above. As the toxins leave your body you may feel thirst and need to use the toilet more then usual and you may feel fatigues.