What is Gua Sha?
Gua = is the stroke or the motion Sha = is the marking left behind from the technique
Gua sha is a technique used to bring blood to the surface of the body. It uses one directional strokes with a smooth surface tool. The strokes elicit petechiae that look like a rash. This rash is evidence that heat and toxins are escaping the body through the surface of the skin. If the Gua sha is not appropriate the petechia will not appear.
Guasha is very similar to the graston technique used by other body workers.
Benefits of Gua Sha
Gua sha is meant to increase circulation, relieve muscle pain and tightness, promote lymphatic drainage and elicit anti-aging effects. Gua sha is very effective in stimulating the release of stagnation and restoring qi and circulation to the area.
What to expect
After the application of a medicated oil the patient experiences a soft to medium strength scraping on the targeted area. This will last just until the desired sha or petechia begins to surface. The patient should feel no pain. If pain does persist the patient is instructed to alert the practitioner and the practitioner adjusts the technique. Each gua sha application the practitioner is checking for sha or petechiae in the area. If the petechia is present then the practitioner will continue the scraping and follow the markings. If there remains no marking the gua sha is simply not indicated in that area for musculoskeletal disorders. Depending on the patient’s circulation the markings fade away within 5 to 10 days.
