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Gua sha
Gua sha is healing technique used throughout Asia. Gua means to rub or friction. Sha is the term used to describe congestion of blood at the surface of the body. When friction is applied in repeated even strokes, the sha surfaces as small red bumps. The sha may last 3 – 5 days. The color and rate of fading are both diagnostic and prognostic indicators.
Gua sha has many benefits: it moves stuck blood, promoting normal circulation to the muscles, tissues, and organs directly beneath the surface treated. Often you will experience immediate changes in stiffness, pain and mobility. Normal metabolic processes are restored by the movement of fluids as nutrients are carried to the tissues and metabolic wastes are carried away. Because gua sha mimics sweating, it resolves fever and can be useful in the very early stages of seasonal colds/flus.
Gua sha cools the patient who is overheated, warms the patient who is chilled, nourishes the patient who is deficient, and clears the patient who is excess. Gua sha is therefore considered an adaptogenic technique.
Gua sha may be used in any case of pain or discomfort, for upper respiratory or digestive problems, and for any condition where palpation indicates there is sha.
Your practitioner will ask your permission before using this modality, however be advised of the appearance of sha. Please educate your family and friends about your treatment.
After receiving Gua sha, please keep the area covered, avoiding wind and exposure to the sun or sudden change in temperature until the marks have faded. Stretching is recommended but not a heavy workout on the day of treatment.
If you have any questions regarding your treatment, please contact your practitioner.