Gua Sha: All You Need To Know About This Palaeolithic Folk Therapy

By Author: Franklin
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Believed to have originated from traditional Chinese medicine, gua sha is an alternative therapy and relaxation tool that encourages circulation and healing in your face and body. It employs a scraping technique using a unique stone that increases blood flood and leads to skin healing. TCM believes that guasha is the best way to stimulate the flow of 'qi' or energy in the body and is supposed to reduce its stagnation and clotting.

What happens during the therapy?

During the process, a technician applies massage oil to your skin and uses a specialised gua sha massage tool to scrape your skin with long and short strokes. This stimulates microcirculation in your body's soft tissues, ultimately improving the blood flow to such areas. It is generally performed all over the body. At the same time, a gentler version may be performed on your face.

Benefits

Since gua sha massage reduces inflammation in the body, it is used against fibromyalgia and arthritis. It is also used against conditions that cause muscle and joint pain. Additionally, ...
... gua sha might also help with the following:

Chronic neck pain

Studies have highlighted that gua sha can reduce chronic neck pain and is an effective remedy for the condition.

Hepatitis B

This is a viral infection that can cause inflammation in the liver, liver scarring and damage. Research suggests that gua sha can help reduce chronic liver inflammation and decrease your chances of liver damage.

Symptoms of perimenopause

Perimenopause symptoms include fatigue, irregular periods, insomnia, anxiety, and hot flashes. This usually occurs as you move towards menopause, and gua sha can safely help ease the symptoms.

Migraine

It is only natural to pop over-the-counter pills to cure your headaches. However, if you suffer from migraine headaches that do not respond to such medications, a session of gua sha massage in Brisbane under the guidance of an experienced TCM practitioner can prove effective.

Tourette syndrome

This alternative therapy is also effective in reducing symptoms of Tourette syndrome when used in combination with other therapies, as suggested by a study.

Breast engorgement

This usually occurs during the first few weeks of breastfeeding if your breasts tend to overfill with milk. This makes them swollen and painful, making it harder for your baby to latch. However, gua sha assists with engorgement and subsequent discomfort and breast fullness that comes with it, making it easier for you to breastfeed.

Wrinkles

Since gua sha stimulates blood flow and strengthens the lymphatic system, increased microcirculation during facial gua sha massage may reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on your skin. Additionally, gua sha may also help treat acne since it improves your blood circulation.

Who should avoid it?

You should avoid trying gua sha without consulting your doctor if:

You are taking blood thinners
Had surgery in the last six weeks
Have clotting disorders