Gua Sha

 

Gua Sha is a Traditional Chinese Medicine practice where a smooth-edged tool, often a jade stone, is used to scrape across the surface of the body. The goal is to encourage new and healthy blood flow into areas that feel tight, sore, stiff or painful. The scraping motion can, and ideally will produce tiny round spots of bleeding under the skin called petechiae, which promote an anti-inflammatory as well as an immune response to increase circulation. This immune response means that gua sha is also beneficial for those with upper respiratory disorders as well as the common cold. Other common concerns where gua sha is used include: 

  • Headaches

  • Stiff neck

  • Back pain 

  • Muscle Spasms

  • Other muscle tension (forearms, calves, etc.)

+ Do you offer facial Gua Sha? What is the difference?

Yes, however it is important to note that facial gua sha is not a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique. A jade stone is used to very gently scrape across the surface of the face but the goal is NOT to produce petechiae. Instead it is meant to encourage the circulation of blood, lymph and other fluids in the face. While most acupuncturists are familiar with the differences, they are better educated on how to use gua sha in a Traditional Chinese Medicine approach.

+ Who offers Gua sha?

Gua Sha is offered by our Acupuncture team.

+ What techniques are similar to gua sha?

Some other modalities to check out would be our Stone Massage treatments. Our physiotherapists and chiropractors may also provide something similar called scraping. This would be incorporated in your treatment, not booked as a stand alone treatment, and would be used as needed.