What Is It?

Gua Sha is another form of therapy which affects us through the actions and functions of the skin. A Chinese porcelain spoon is used in a manner to stimulate the skin and the underlying tissues, and hence the chi of the meridians.

Gua means to scrape or rub. Sha is a 'reddish, elevated, millet-like skin rash' (aka patchier). Sha is the term used to describe Blood stasis in the subcutaneous tissue before and after it is raised as patchier. Gua Sha is one technique that intentionally raises Sha rash or patchier.

How is Gua Sha applied?

The area to be Gua Sha-ed is lubricated with oil. The skin is then rubbed with a round-edged instrument in downward strokes. One area is stroked until the patchier that surface are completely raised. If there is no Blood stasis the patchier. will not form and the skin will only turn pink.

What does the type of Sha indicate?

The colour of the Sha is both diagnostic and prognostic. Very light colored Sha can indicate Deficiency of Blood. If the Sha is fresh red, it is of recent penetration. If the Sha is purple or black, the Blood stasis is long-standing. If brown, the Blood may be dry. Dark red Sha can indicate heat.

What are the benefits of Gua Sha?

In most cases the patient feels an immediate shift in their condition particularly in their pain or sense of constraint. Gua Sha moves stuck Chi (inner energy) and Blood, releases the Exterior mimicking sweating, and moves Fluids. In a modern medical construct these fluids contain metabolic waste that congested the surface tissues and muscles. Gua Sha promotes circulation and normalizes metabolic processes. It is a valuable treatment for both external and internal pain, and facilitates the resolution of both acute and chronic disorders.

What are the possible side-effects?

Cupping and spooning naturally draw blood to the external capillaries of the body and as a result minor welts or bruises may be left after a treatment. They generally disappear within a few days.