GUA SHA AND ITS HISTORY

Gua Sha (pronounced gwah-shah) can be traced back to 700 years before the era of the Ming Dynasty, although many claim that this practice of rubbing a painful area to lessen the pain had been discovered in prehistoric times which would make it more likely older than the 700 years before the era of the Ming Dynasty as recorded.

The term gua sha is generated from two Chinese words “gua” which means rub and “sha”, a type of stagnant energy that results in building up of excessive heat in the body. Joining the meaning of these two words then, gua sha can be referred to as the practice of rubbing the skin to enhance the flow of energy in the body. 

Traditional Chinese considers gua sha as one of the most well known forms of physical therapy as they believe that by the introduction of heat to the skin surface, the blocked energy and heat are released.

Today, gua sha is widely used as a perfect treatment for joint and muscle pain as well as a form of preventive medicine and the first line of defense against many ailments. 

Apart from improving energy blockage, gua sha has been used in the treatment of many diseases including liver inflammation, constipation, insomnia, relief from colds, respiratory infections, muscle pains and general fatigue.

TECHNIQUE

Any smooth handy object, such as a spoon, that can be rubbed across the skin can be used in performing Gua Sha but the most famous and recommended material is water buffalo horn. This can be attributed to its polished and smooth edge. There are now many tools made specifically to perform this type of therapy work.

This modality can be used anywhere on the body. The massage therapist Utah will determine how best to incorporate this treatment during your session based on your goals for the session. Oils or cream will first be applied on the area to be worked. Once the skin has a barrier of oil, the Gua Sha instrument should be held at the edge at a 45 degree angle to the Skin and the expert gently swipes along the skin’s surface.

The speed and potency of Gua Sha tool across the skin will depend on the health status of the individual who is receiving this treatment. A gentle approach will produce a toning type of therapy while a faster approach with more pressure will result in a more detoxing therapy.

From the uppermost part of the head down to the bottom of the feet of an Individual is the direction Gua Sha is always performed. This stroke is referred to as ‘tribo-effleurage’ i.e. friction-stroking. Gua Sha treatment is applied on the same spot of the skin about 12 to 36 strokes before switching to another part of the body. When Gua Sha has been performed it is recommended that the client take it easy afterwords and hydrate with plenty of water. 

BENEFITS OF GUA SHA

Increase Circulation

Increase blood circulation in the skin which means that you're getting a lot of oxygen and nutrient rich blood which nourishes and increases the wellbeing of the skin and surrounding tissues.

Reduces Inflammation

The increase of circulation gua sha produces, aids in issues of chronic inflammation and areas of stagnant blood by improving blood flow and jump starting a healthy healing process.

Reduce symptoms of a Cold

If done at the first onset of cold symptoms, gua sha may significantly reduce the cold and also relieve tension in the neck and shoulders from coughing,

Helps In the Relief of a Migraine Headache

Gua Sha treatment application on the scalp helps to reduce the pains from a migraine by releasing heat and reducing inflammation.

Improves Range of Motion and Athletic Performance

In a 2017 study, weightlifters who received a gua sha treatment reported that lifting took less effort after the treatment. These results show that gua sha speeds up muscle recovery and increases flexibility.

Muscle Pain Relief

Adults with back pain were treated in a study with gua sha or a hot pack. Those treated with a hot pack had temporary minor relief, while those treated with gua sha reported greater relief and longer lasting results.

Smooths Scar Tissue

Gua Sha may be used as a treatment to break down and smooth out scar tissue. Scar tissue builds when muscle fibers heal in a disorganized tangle. Gua Sha tools can help in organizing the fibers back to their proper direction producing smoother and healthier tissue.