GUA SHA

Where there is obstruction, there is pain.  Gua Sha is a technique used to break down qi and blood stagnation to drain toxins from the body and increase circulation in the muscular and cutaneous level, thereby relieving stiffness and pain.  Gua Sha is also extremely effective in treating common colds and respiratory disorders, such as coughing and wheezing, by breaking down and draining mucus and phlegm, increasing circulation and venting out the pathogenic factor.  This modality involves first applying some sort of therapeutic massage oil on the body, and then vigorously rubbing the area with pressure using a round-edged instrument, typically made of jade, bone, porcelain or plastic.  This process may leave bruise-like or rash-like marks called “sha” on the body, hence the name Gua Sha.  Although seemingly alarming, this is actually a desired effect and indicative of toxins and obstruction in the body.  The darker the sha, the greater the stagnation.  These sha marks heal much faster than regular bruises because they are the result of tiny capillaries breaking as opposed to larger capillaries in typical bruising.  The idea is to cause micro trauma to promote angiogenesis (formation of new capillaries) to bring fresh blood and healing cells to the affected area.  It is extremely important to keep the Gua Sha’ed area covered for the first couple of days to prevent external pathogens from entering the body, and drink plenty of fluids to thoroughly flush out the toxins.  If it is important for you to avoid the sha marks, please inform your practitioner so that she will treat your condition using a different modality.