What is Gua Sha?
Whole-systems traditional Chinese medicine is an ancient and proven way of healing the body from various ailments in a natural way. Gua Sha (pronounced “gwahshah”) comes from the Chinese word for scraping. It is the traditional Chinese practice of using tools on the skin to produce a number of benefits for the body. By applying pressure with these tools, this technique causes light bruising - also known as petechiae or sha. This is because gua sha causes the capillaries, which are tiny blood vessels near the surface of the skin, to burst. This increases oxygenation and promotes better blood circulation, lymphatic circulation, and energy circulation. Gua sha also breaks up scar tissue - which limits circulation to those affected areas and interferes with proper healing & tissue regeneration. Removing these blocks allows the body to bring new nutrients to the area - allowing for cellular turnover, regeneration, and healing.
What is a stagnant qi & what does it have to do with gua sha?
Let’s discuss how WS-TCM theory is based on the concept of Qi (pronounced “Chee”). QI is the vital energy that flows throughout our body on specific meridian pathways. Disruptions or imbalances in the flow of this energy can cause pain, discomfort, and illness/disease. According to WS-TCM, gua sha aims to move, or break up this blocked energy and relieve aches or stiffness, and allow the qi to flow freely. Another aim of gua sha is to move pooled or stagnated blood to relieve symptoms of blood stasis or stagnation. Overall, gua sha promotes healing by utilizing the natural rhythms and processes of the body, reducing inflammation and reducing pain (among many other things).
So what can be treated with gua sha? Well, the answer is many things!
Musculoskeletal Pain: Gua sha is most often used to reduce inflammation and pain. At Garden Acupuncture, we often use it to treat musculoskeletal pain. This includes acute & chronic back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, tendon strain, Fibromyalgia, arthritis, and carpal tunnel. It can also be used to treat sports injuries. Gua sha can be performed almost anywhere - back, neck, buttocks, legs, etc.
Reproductive Health: We also use Gua sha during fertility treatments to increase uterine and ovarian blood flow as well as to clear blocked fallopian tubes. Pelvic stagnation can be reflected in the body in various ways. Conditions that may suggest you have pelvic stagnation include endometriosis, fibroids, menstrual cramps, blocked fallopian tubes, ovarian cysts, & clots or mucus in menstrual blood. Perimenopausal symptoms also may be treated and reduced with gua sha. These symptoms may include hot flashes, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and irregular periods.
Gastrointestinal Issues: By stimulating the digestive system and promoting the release of anti-inflammatory compounds, gua sha reduces bloating, and swelling and improves overall digestion. Gua sha is effective at treating gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal pain, and more.
Stress Reduction: Gua sha promotes improved blood circulation, detoxification, muscle relaxation, muscle tension, and overall stress relief.
Sleep Quality: Gua sha relieves soreness and tension in the neck & head, helps repair muscles, and awakens the parasympathetic nervous system - which is in charge of relaxation.
Seasonal Allergies: By promoting lymphatic drainage and increasing blood flow to the face, gua sha reduces inflammation, reduces sinus congestion, and relieves allergy symptoms.
Immune System: By scraping specific points, gua sha supports the body by draining the lymph nodes - which carry waste products and white blood cells away from the tissues and back to the functioning lymph nodes.
As a natural healing remedy, gua sha is safe and should not be painful. As the technique scrapes skin and breaks capillaries, there may be light bleeding or bruising. This modality has been used for thousands of years to treat people with various conditions. Gua sha is a wonderful, natural treatment that encourages the body to heal itself. Consider a gua sha treatment today by our experienced practitioners. They have 40+ years of experience and have been a part of the Park Slope community for over 15 years.
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