- Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medical treatment in which the skin is scraped to produce light petechiae to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Sometimes referred to as “scraping”, “spooning” or “coining”.
- It is believed that gua sha releases unhealthy bodily matter from blood stasis within sore, tired, stiff or injured muscle areas.
- Gua sha helps to stimulate new oxygenated blood flow to the areas and therefore promotes metabolic cell repair, regeneration, healing and recovery.
- Researchers have shown that gua sha causes a dramatic increase in circulation in the soft tissues under the skin.
- Red marks will appear on your skin after a session, but should completely go away within a few days.
- The benefits of gua sha seem to occur after blood is brought to the surface of the body during treatment. As the body reabsorbs this blood, it breaks down hemoglobin triggering the production and release of HO-1, bilirubin, biliverdin, and carbon monoxide. These potent chemicals fight infection, inflammation, and a number of other diseases.
Gua sha practitioners can help people in their care with various conditions, including:
- Pain and stiffness,
- Fever and chill
- Neck and back pain
- Flu and bronchitis
- Asthma, coughing, and wheezing.