While needling is the main “go to” strategy in my acupuncture treatments, I may also use other adjuncts techniques as well. Today I am going to describe the benefits of gua sha.
Gua sha, which literally means “scraping sand,” is the manual rubbing of the skin and muscles with a ceramic spoon (looks like a Chinese soup spoon, but “no soup for you!”). This rubbing produces red/purple “bruising” petechiae marks, which are a sign of an effective or necessary treatment. Perhaps you have had it, or heard about it.
Why do this? First, it feels amazing! In Traditional Chinese Terms gua sha is used to release the exterior with an invasion of wind cold or wind damp, and resolves stagnation of blood at the surface (pulls blood from the muscles to the skin). In Western terms, gua sha increases the surface circulation with blood. From a single treatment, modern research has shown that this procedure produces anti-inflammatory and protective immune effects that can lasts for days.* It helps to break up scar tissue, relieves tight muscles, and promotes better circulation.
I commonly use gua sha for the following conditions:
- Common cold
- Fever
- Neck and shoulder pain or tightness
- Acute or chronic cough/asthma
- Back pain or tightness
- Tendonitis
- Headaches caused by muscle tension and stress.
The marks left on the skin may take a few days to fade. Don’t worry, they are a normal part of the treatment and can be used to monitor progress. Ask me the next time you are in about gua sha and its benefits!