Guasha, What is it and How it Can Help You
Guasha is an adjunct therapy used in Acupuncture to alleviate pain and inflammation and promote health and wellness. Gua translates as 'scraping,' and Sha refers to the red or purple petechiae "rash" raised by the technique. The therapy uses a smooth-edged tool such as a jade stone or ceramic spoon to assist in a unidirectional press-stroking over a lubricated body surface. Usually, the technique is done on the neck, shoulders, and back, though treatment can be done in other locations, such as the popular use for facial rejuvenation.
Like cupping or massage, Guasha releases natural byproducts of muscles, such as lactic acid, promotes microcirculation, protects immune health, and decreases inflammation and pain, according to evidence-based research (Wang et al., 2015). When done correctly by a qualified practitioner, guasha is safe and relaxing.
Guasha relieves symptoms for:
Chronic pain and inflammation
Tight muscles, 'knots,' and tension
Plantar fasciitis
Breaking up scar tissue from surgeries or injuries
Immune health and detoxification
Cold/flu prevention or alleviation of symptoms, i.e. fever
Asthma and allergies
Headaches and migraines
Digestion support
Blood circulation concerns
Dermatology symptoms or facial rejuvenation
Who can receive Guasha
Anyone of any age may receive Guasha. Babies and young children receive a technique called 'shonishin,' which uses small tools to brush or tap on the child's skin over acupuncture meridians. School-aged children and young adults benefit from the traditional Guasha for various concerns such as asthma, allergies, colds, headaches, and anxiety.
Contraindications for Guasha
Your Acupuncturist will decide whether Guasha is right for you. Some cautions include chronic illness, low blood pressure, or blood disorders. Guasha is not done over broken skin, infections, edema, swelling, ascites, broken bones, disc herniations, and some areas in pregnant women.
How Often You Receive Guasha
It depends on your condition and your body. Acute conditions resolve faster than chronic conditions. Some patients receive Guasha weekly, while others once a month or seasonally. Like Acupuncture, Guasha has a cumulative effect and builds on each treatment for optimal results.
What to Expect During a Guasha Treatment
During your treatment, the area of concern is lubricated with massage oil, and firm, unidirectional strokes are applied. Pressure may be gentle or firm, and the intensity is determined based on what is most appropriate for you and your condition. Guasha may feel relaxing and soothing or like a deep massage. The Guasha raises red or purple petechiae, which is entirely normal. The redness lasts anywhere from 1-4 days.
Post-Treatment Care
Keep the area covered and warm, and avoid drafts, winds, or direct sunlight.
Extra hydration is essential to help the body eliminate toxins drawn out from the Guasha.
The treated area can sometimes feel a little achy the day after, as if you've received a deep massage or cupping. This is normal and will subside.
Reduce cold or salty foods as cold causes more stagnation, thus, increasing pain, and salty foods create swelling, which can exacerbate pain.
Schedule a Session or Learn about Self-Guasha Techniques
Guasha can be included in any Acupuncture Session if deemed appropriate for you or your condition. If the Guasha technique piqued your interest, ask your Acupuncturist if it is suitable for you.
Cheers to your Health and Wellness, Sarasota!
Dr. Jen
References
Wang, X., Chatchawan, U., Nakmareong, S., Silsirivanit, A., Wang, Y., Xie, D., Yang, J., & Eungpinichpong, W. (2015, May 3). Effects of guasha on heart rate variability in healthy male volunteers under normal condition and weightlifters after weightlifting training sessions. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/268471/
Jadhav, A., & Gurudut, P. (2023, March 1). Comparative effectiveness of Gua Sha, Cryostretch, and positional release technique on tenderness and function in subjects with plantar fasciitis: A randomized clinical trial. International journal of therapeutic massage & bodywork. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9949612/