Scraping – Gua Sha

Gua sha is a technique of using a tool to scrape the skin to relieve pain and tension. It results in light bruising underneath the skin known as petechiae or sha.

It is not uncommon for any of us to have Sha in our body sometimes. You may find some evidence of sha after you have scratched your skin. It is often an indication of blocked energy or blood stasis in the body.

Although Gua Sha is a part of traditional Chinese medicine, it is not often used in clinical practice. The reason is that the procedure of Gua sha can be painful and possibly intolerable for some people.

Another reason is that most health conditions can be well treated with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. However, research in 2017 provided positive results of Gua Sha in terms of enhancing muscle recovery. Another study found that Gua Sha provided pain relief.

Practitioners claim that gua sha can also reduce inflammation and improve the immune system. This is probably because the minor bruising or microtrauma underneath the skin, caused by gua sha creates a response in the body that may help to break up scar tissue. Clinically, gua sha has also be used to treat colds, fever, sore throats or coughing. The microtrauma caused by guasha may also help with fibrosis- thickening up of muscle or surrounding tissues that caused pain and discomfort.

A recent 2018 studies found Gua sha therapy is promising, effective and safe in relieving perimenopausal symptoms and improving quality of life. The symptoms of sweating, insomnia and headaches were reduced after gua sha.

What to expect from Gua Sha therapy?

Each session of Gua sha doesn’t take long. Averagely 10 to 15mins is the standard Gua sha treatment time. The length of gua sha also depends on the size of the treating area.

Gua sha is generally safe with qualified a Chinese medicine practitioner. However, due to its application, you may have some side effects like mild discomfort, burns and bruises.