Natural Therapies

What is "Gua Sha"?

Gua Sha translates as "Scraping Sha". Sometimes it is called 'spooning". It is a method which aims to draw "sha" to the skin where it is released as millet-like red spots on the skin. Sha is the acumulation of blood and heat at the subcutaneous levels of the body. Sha may be a reaction triggered by either internal and /external factors related to the body.

With injuries whether due to trauma or adverse climatic factors, Sha will be present by degrees and when drawn to the surface it shows up the areas or pathway affected and can be recommended as the first treatment to give because once the Sha is released the client usually feels more comfortable and is able to move more freely.

Gua Sha is typically performed by rubbing a smooth-edged instrument across the skin surface where there is a subcutaneous injury.

A positive response will bring a lasting benefit of despelling of wind, reducing heat and inflammation,eliminating coldness and releasing pain from the superficial and deeper levels of the body.

 Historical background.

Like many traditional medical practices, gua sha was probably performed as a folk medicine long before its first written recording, which dates back around 700 years ago in Chinese tradition. Gua Sha is preformed throughout Asia espeical popular in China,Taiwan, Vietnam Cambodia Laos and Indonesia.

Conditions Treated

Relaxes tight aching muscles

Injury

Wry Neck

Leg cramp

Lower back strains

Ankle sprain

Joint pain

Relieves tiredness

Colds and Flu

Fever

Headache

Indigestion

Fibromyalgia

Heat Exhaustion