inner_banner

GUA SHA – Simple and Effective!

GUA SHA – Simple and Effective!

You may never have heard of Gua Gha (aka scraping, spooning, or cao guo), but many in the East Asian community will know its results by sight. A kind of folk medicine, it can be described as “instrument-assisted press-stroking of a lubricated area of the body surface that intentionally creates transitory therapeutic petechiae representing extravasation of blood in the subcutis” (Nielsen, 2013, p39).

In layman’s terms, the above statement means that the practitioner of Gua Sha will apply oil on and around the problem area, then perform repeated stroking/scraping motions with a smooth-edged tool, with the aim of producing a change in the colouring of the skin in that area. The skin will tend to become either, pink, red or purplish, depending on the severity of the problem, and may include stippled darker areas within the main patches. The darker and more condensed the patterning, then (in Chinese Medicine language) the more stagnation is evident in that area. This stagnation refers to Blood, body fluids and energy.

The change in skin colour produced by Gua Sha should not be mistaken for bruising (although this can occur when applied by overzealous or inexperienced practitioners), and will tend to resolve itself over 1-5 days, and this will itself be somewhat diagnostic of the underlying conditions of the body and its fluids.

#3 gua sha

 

Gua Sha should not be painful, though some discomfort at the most tender areas often occurs, but the desired effects can be elicited with a relatively gentle action. In fact it can be surprising just how little is required to bring up the characteristic markings of Gua Sha.

In terms of application, Gua Sha is most often used for muscular problems, such as tenderness, tightness, pain, and restricted motion. Commonly, this may be in the neck, shoulders, and back, but most areas of the body can benefit. Treatment of early-stage cold and flus (including those pesky summer-colds currently afflicting us) is another use for Gua Sha, as its action activates immune function and reduces inflammation (reasons why many practitioners receive regular Gua Sha treatments as health maintenance). Additionally, many internal conditions can be treated with Gua Sha, by applying the therapy to the back of the body, at the level corresponding to the internal dysfunction. Application to the front of the body is less common, but can be employed for certain conditions.

Tools used for Gua Sha range from exotically-shaped instruments made from jade or ruby-quartz, to everyday items like jar lids, or coins. In the middle of those two extremes, you will commonly find practitioners using rectangular sections of buffalo horn, or ceramic soup spoons, such as are used in Asian restaurants. Really, the main requirement for a Gua Sha tool is that it be strong and have a smooth edge. The “magic” of Gua Sha comes more from the technique than the tool.

gusa

Clients are often amazed that such a simple technique can yield such immediate and profound results. To try it for yourself, contact Melbourne Natural Wellness today and book in for your first Gua Sha experience!

Simon Murray
Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Acupuncturist, Tai Chi & Qigong Instructor

Reviews

I have been seeing Erin Graystone for the last 5 months for gut issues I have had for a number of years. She is very knowledgeable and ensured that the treatment and solution provided was targeted and tailored to my issues which has brought me great relief and improvement. A very professional, friendly and understanding approach that I would recommend to others.
Lina is absolutely fantastic to work with. Her passion for her work shows in absolutely every aspect of her practise - her level of care, her thoroughness & determination to help.
Angela is friendly and helpful, she takes the time to explain things clearly and cares about health. I have felt an improvement since following her advice thank you 🙏
Emma is friendly, knowledgeable & very thorough in her testing so as to resolve existing issues.
Coming into the clinic it feels instantly warm and cuddly. Very welcoming. I had the pleasure of seeing Rebecca, she was amazing and very knowledgable. Rebecca was brilliant at prescribing me natural supplements that catered to my specific needs. I’d love to praise her on her communication skills also, I am Deaf, and even having my interpreter alongside me, Rebecca spoke and looked directly at me, making me feel seen, heard and understood. I would also give a big round of applause to the receptionist and other staff at the clinic, they were all very accomodating, warm and friendly.
I've been seeing Lina for about two years now to treat a skin related condition. Lina is extremely knowledgeable; she is patient and persistent but best of all, she is practical! Her advice was tailored to suit my lifestyle and commitments without being unworkable or unrealistic. She really cares and is passionate about health. I would recommend Lina 100%.
I have been seeing Erin Graystone for the past 4 months due to leaky gut symptoms and a bacterial overgrowth in my GI tract. Erin is knowledgeable, kind and understanding and really goes the extra mile to make sure you are getting the right treatment. My symptoms are greatly reduced and we are on track to a full recovery after 10 years of other practitioner’s not finding an answer. It’s been life changing. Can’t recommend her highly enough. Thankyou Erin
Today was my second visit with Lina who is so kind and caring and she has given me hope that my perimenopause symptoms can be balanced with her guidance. I have already felt a shift in my sleep which had been horrible. The clinic is so lovely, staff are very helpful and I look forward to the journey ahead of managing this transition in my life.
I've had stomach problems for years and doctors have never properly diagnosed the problem. After one meeting with Emma I was giving a breath test and found the issue. We are now working to fix the issue

Online Shop
Your Cart
Unfortunately, Your Cart Is Empty
Please Add Something In Your Cart