What is the main premise of Gua Sha?

The main premise of Gua Sha, physically, is the raising of stagnant blood to the surface of the skin.  Like many forms of liquid that remain in one area too long, stagnant blood will begin to accumulate unwanted particles as well.  Blood is not so different in that, when it stops moving or moves slower than usual, other pathogens the blood was trying to move, stay in that one area, festering.  This can cause anything from mild expressions of infection to more profound issues like cancer.

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Why would I prefer Gua Sha over Acupuncture? 

A person may choose Acupressure with Gua Sha because they do not like needles, maybe at one time had some sort of psychological trauma with needles.  

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What areas can you treat with Gua Sha?

Gua Sha is applied to any limbs of the body as well as back, neck and shoulders.  Gua Sha is also applied to the face, with a more gentle technique. 

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What does Gua Sha mean?

Gua Sha is a Chinese term for a physical therapy technique, as well as throughout Far-East Asia.  In translation, Gua ("gwa") means to scrape, scratch, rub or extract. Sha ("shaw") means sand on sediment or signifies congestion under the skin.  

The purpose for Gua, is to bring the toxins to the surface, as a result of rubbing/scraping.  This process brings the Sha to the surface, in the form of small granular (graininess) under the skin that will redden.  With special tools we can feel the granular adhesions/dysfunctional tissue.   We use the Gua Sha tools to release and break up the scar tissue and adhesions which can cause dysfunctional tissue and pain and/or limited range of motion.

  

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What do you NOT use Gua Sha for? 

We do not use the Gua Sha technique for an acute injury, bruises, abrasions,  sunburn, rashes,  broken skin, pimples, moles, the abdomen of a pregnant woman or varicose veins. 

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What is Facial Gua Sha?

Facial Gua Sha is a much gentler version on Gua Sha.  We apply varying technique/strokes to selected areas of the face and neck which can improve many types of skin conditions.  Gau Sha can address many results of problem areas, getting instant results for erasing fine lines, puffiness and achieving a better complexion.  Gua Sha, over a period of treatments, endure the aging signs of wrinkles and sagging skin. 

 

How does Gua Sha work with Acupressure as a Facelift? 

Three things happen when the face is gently scraped:

1.  The surface of the skin and particular acupoints (using Acupressure) are stimulated to increase blood circulation and flow of Qi.  (pronounced 'chee" life energy)  which will result in a better complexion and reduce various skin problems.

2.  Tense facial muscles are relaxed as pressure is applied (reducing the depth of wrinkle lines).

3.  Stagnant lymph (toxin buildup) is activated to clear out toxins (reducing puffiness). 

 

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What are the benefits of Facial Gua Sha?

With Gua Sha treatments (each person's face is different and will require different numbers of treatments) you can achieve the following:

Firms up your sagging facial muscles.

Smooths the skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles on your face.

Improves dark circles and bags under the eyes (the kind you get from advancing age)

Lightens age spots and other skin discolorations.

Your complexion gets rosier and more radiant.

Helps clear up acne. rosacea, and other skin diseases on your face.

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 Is Gua Sha painful?  

Gua Sha is not painful.  Gua Sha helps relieve pain, soreness, discomfort and many other problems.  There may be areas of tenderness, I  apply varying pressure that is usually a balance between the pain and 'comfort'.    

 I first apply the area with oil and lotions, then scrape the area, so it feels more like a relaxing massage quickly relieving the pain or discomfort.  As a Gua Sha practitioner, I use tools that apply to that area.  All tools have a smooth edge.  I scrape/rub the skin as a deep massage, balancing the Chi,  which promotes blood circulation to the area, as well as the removal of toxic heat, stagnant blood and lymph fluid from the body.  

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If you have more questions or would like to know more about Gua Sha,  please book a Consultation to come in and ask questions and we can discuss your questions and concerns.   

Click here to Book a Consultation or a Gua Sha session  >     GUA SHA 

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