Gua
Sha Traditional Massage
Gua
Sha is a traditional massage method widely used in Asia to target
aches,pains,fever, stiffness, congestion, etc. Materials can
be made of jade stone, buffalo horn, alarge coin, ceramic or porcelain
spoon, a tiny wooden board, sea shell, or even a simple round
jar lid to provide the gentle or vigorous scrape or rapid rubbing
over the skin (problem area) surface. This ancient technique has
been observed by animals scratching and rubbing an injured area.
It may be used for acute or chronic disorders by breaking up stagnation
by "sanding".
Sha
refers to the reddish, raised millet-sized skin rash (petechiae)
the pinpoint blood filled raised lines brought up by quick scraping
strokes.
Gua Sha is applied primarily on the back, areas of the neck,
shoulders, buttocks, and limbs, which may include back of the
knees when indicated by a seasoned Practioner. Advanced providers
may also apply to the chest and abdomen. Self care can be done
on the small, non-flat areas of the ankle joint, knee or wrist
with care in choosing the correct size tool and positioning.
Whether simple revitalization or complete regeneration for
a deeply impaired or troubled area, many disorders respond to
this remedy. These can include digestive disorders, pain syndromes,
allergies, stress and burn-out ailments.
The skin is well lubricated and treatment is avoided over moles,
cuts, or unhealed wounds. Spots appear IN the skin NOT on the
skin. Tools are held at approximately 30 degrees angle and the
smooth edge touching the skin. Strokes are downward (top to bottom)
and away from the spine (tracing the ribs.) It may feel uncomfortable,
but should not be painful. Proper oiling of the skin can lessen
the sensation. One area is stroked until the sha is raised fully,
and stop when a stroke no longer offers color change or spotting.
Gua Sha can actually "replace" other massage variations
(deep tissue, reflexology, lymph drainage, etc.) in one simple
scraping session. Various alcohol rub solutions can be incorporated
as well as heavy oils, balms, Vick's vapor rub (familiar to some)
or liniments. Sha marks should typically fade in 3-7 days. *
Basic Gua sha can be included in the cupping session for no x-tra
fee. They often work together if the skin can tolerate these
modalities in the same session time.
