Gua (translated as ‘scraping’) and sha (translated as ‘sand’ and ‘little, red spots’) (pronounced gwah-shah) refers to the “dredging of meridian stagnation” for chronic pain conditions, stress, fatigue, and a host of other ailments. Gua sha is a traditional East Asian healing technique defined as the “closely-timed unidirectional press-stroking of the body surface with a smooth-edged instrument to intentionally raise transitory therapeutic petechiae and ecchymosis.” The petechiae and ecchymosis resolve in a few days. Traditional gua sha tools have included Chinese soup spoons, edge-worn coins, various bone devices, pieces of honed jade, various stainless steel devices, or simple, round, smooth-edged metal caps. A single-use disposable instrument or one that can be easily cleaned and decontaminated is recommended. Lubricants such as oil, balms, or liniments are applied to the skin prior to gua sha. There is no pain involved during a gua sha session, just relief from pain, with the added benefit of improved circulation and immune system.
Gua sha can be used in conjunction with acupuncture and cupping treatments, or as a standalone session to address specific concerns, or as a facial rejuvenation service.
What can gua sha help with?
Although Gua sha is an ancient healing technique used by Chinese Medicine practitioners for thousands of years, it is relatively unknown in the West. It is recognized throughout Asia as a highly effective treatment for chronic pain conditions, stress, fatigue, and a host of other ailments. Gua sha helps promote blood flow to the area being scraped, which can help reduce pain and stiffness. Gua sha treats both acute and chronic pain, acute respiratory infection, influenza, and fever, as well as internal organ diseases where the identified ferroheme metabolism can reduce inflammation and offer immune protection. Gua sha helps circulation by moving Qi and blood (dispersing stagnation that shows up as muscle tension), expels heat and wind (fevers and upper respiratory infections), and can have a calming effect on the nervous system.
Gua Sha for Facial Rejuvenation
Gua sha also can be used as part of a facial rejuvenation plan. As an anti-aging beauty technique, the scraping of the face lightly aggravates the skin to stimulate collagen production, aiding in skin rejuvenation, without changing the appearance of skin. It also helps to soften wrinkles and fine lines, reduces puffiness, improves skin tone, relaxes muscle tension in the face, head and neck, aids in lymphatic drainage and detoxification, all with no downtime.
Is Gua Sha Safe?
When performed properly in a clean environment by a trained health professional, gua sha is a safe and effective treatment. Some bruising or discoloration of the skin is normal and expected, but will resolve in a few days. Some soreness in the scraped area may be felt for a short time after treatment. Gua sha treatments are unique to each individual and their current needs, but there are precautions. Gua sha should not be used on people who bleed easily, have active skin lesions, skin ulcers, rashes, over moles, swelling, trauma, inflammation, infection, or burns (including sunburn). Caution is taken if patients are currently taking anti-coagulant medications or if pregnant. Gua sha should not be applied 48 hours before or 24 hours after chemotherapy treatment.
Treatment Frequency
There’s no one-size-fits-all gua sha routine. The only rule, is that the sha marks should be faded or disappeared before the treatment can be repeated. Treatments are recommended bi-weekly, or even weekly, to enhance circulation and increase the body’s healing responses, or until the condition which you were seeking treatment for is resolved. Gua sha can be used alongside acupuncture in a treatment plan or as a stand alone therapy. The exception is facial gua sha, which can be done daily, because the therapeutic results do not leave marks.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese healing technique that involves scraping a smooth-edged tool across the skin to promote circulation, release muscle tension, and encourage lymphatic drainage.
How does Gua Sha work?
The scraping motion stimulates circulation, breaks up stagnation, and promotes the flow of Qi (energy) and blood, helping to reduce inflammation and support the body’s natural healing process.
What are the benefits of Gua Sha?
Gua Sha helps with:
- Relieves muscle tension and pain
- Improves circulation
- Helps alleviate headaches, TMJ, and sinus congestion
- Reduces puffiness and inflammation
- Supports lymphatic drainage
- Enhances skin elasticity and glow (for facial Gua Sha)
Is Gua Sha safe?
Yes, when done correctly, Gua Sha is safe. However, it can cause temporary redness or bruising, which is a natural response as stagnant blood is brought to the surface.
Does Gua Sha hurt?
Gua Sha should not be painful. Mild discomfort or tenderness may occur, especially in areas with tension or stagnation, but the pressure can be adjusted to ensure comfort.
Can Gua Sha be used on the face?
Yes! Facial Gua Sha is a gentler technique that helps sculpt and lift the face, improve circulation, reduce puffiness, and promote glowing skin.
How often should I do Gua Sha?
For facial Gua Sha, 3–5 times per week is recommended. For body Gua Sha, 1–3 times per week, depending on your needs and how your body responds.
Can Gua Sha help with headaches or migraines?
Yes, applying gentle Gua Sha to the neck, shoulders, and forehead can help relieve tension headaches and migraines by improving circulation and reducing muscle tightness.
Can Gua Sha help with TMJ or jaw tension?
Yes, facial Gua Sha can help relax the jaw muscles, improve circulation, and relieve TMJ-related pain or tightness.
Who should avoid Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is not recommended for:
- Those with blood clotting disorders or who take blood thinners
- Individuals with recent surgery, open wounds, or skin infections
- Those with very sensitive or fragile skin
What tools should I use for Gua Sha?
Gua Sha tools are typically made of jade, rose quartz, or stainless steel. The original tool that was used, was a Chinese soup spoon.
Do I need to use oil for Gua Sha?
Yes, applying a facial oil or body massage oil helps the tool glide smoothly over the skin and prevents irritation.
How do I clean my Gua Sha tool?
Wash it with warm water and mild soap after each use, then dry thoroughly. Avoid using harsh chemicals.
