Gua Sha

What is Gua Sha (Scraping Technique)?

Gua Sha is a light scraping on the skin in a small area using a smooth-edged instrument. The scraping motion may create raised redness or bruising. The acupuncturist applies massage oil to your skin and then uses the tool to repeatedly scrape your skin in a downward motion.

Gua sha is intended to address stagnant energy, called chi, in the body that practitioners believe may be responsible for inflammation. Inflammation is the underlying cause of several conditions associated with chronic pain. Rubbing the skin’s surface is thought to help break up this energy, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

Gua Sha is generally performed on a person’s back to addresses problems in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, legs and buttocks. Gua Sha is now used in cosmetic acupuncture for cross fiber stimulation for deeper wrinkles and sun spots. Facial Gua Sha helps to move stagnant lymph and increase blood circulation and tones and firms the skin.

What are the benefits of Gua Sha?

Gua sha may reduce inflammation, improve the range of movement and reduce pain. It helps with headaches and improve sleep. For Facial Gua Sha, it helps restore radiance and stimulate cell renewal. It leaves your skin looking more healthier and providing a luminous glow.