Gua Sha

This beautiful modality was brought to us from traditional Chinese medicine. Translated, GUA means press or stroke, and SHA refers to a rash or redness. Gua sha feels soothing and is generally not painful. It is applied using massage oil and a rounded-edged instrument. The sensation that is experienced is superficially scraping the skin using long and short strokes. Gua sha treatment relaxes the muscles relieving pain and gets the energy and blood improving local circulation. Getting the blood warm and moving helps to move toxins away bringing in oxygen and nutrients. This is where restorative natural healing takes place. The aim is to move energy, known as qi or chi, around the body to bring the body back into balance. According to traditional Chinese medicine, qi or chi is energy that flows through the body. A person’s qi must be balanced and flowing freely to ensure their health and well-being. This technique can be performed anywhere on the body but is commonly done on the back, neck, and shoulders. 

​

Gua Sha benefits are the following:

• Release scar tissue and adhesions in the fascia

• Reduce painful trigger points

• Improve circulation

• Relieve pain

• Promote mobility and range of motion

• Improves mature scars 

• Decrease toxins

• No cupping marks

​

If you have experienced traumas such as strains, sprains, overload, etc., gua sha can help to provide natural healing and pain relief without the cupping marks. 

​