What is Gua Sha?

Gua Sha directly translates to scraping away the evil wetness. Gua means to “scrape” and the word Sha refers to a concept of an external pathogen being trapped in the body. The redness (technically called ecchymosis) that is generated is considered to be the release of the Sha or “evil.”

It has been a folk remedy in China for as long as Chinese medicine has existed and possibly predates acupuncture. Classically it was used to break up chest congestion from colds, asthma, bronchitis, and other lung diseases which it works well for.  

Today it is mainly used to break up muscle tightness due to overuse and injury with a good amount of quality research showing it to be safe and effective.  

How It Works

The technique itself is pretty straightforward. Oil or lotion is applied to the area or muscle groups being treated and a Gua Sha tool.  Moderate, but comfortable pressure is applied while the area is “scraped.’’ While not always the case, usually red marks start appearing which would indicate the presence of “Sha.” After the session, the area may look bruised and be warm to the touch but should feel looser and relaxed.  

From a western standpoint, the effects are most likely due to moving the fascia. The fascia is a layer of connective tissue that often “tightens” from overuse, lack of movement, or other causes of inflammation. Groundbreaking research from Helene Levigene, currently head of NIH’s Alternative and Complementary Medicine department showed that stimulating fascia, through various methods significantly improved pain levels.  

The Tools

While many practitioners prefer stone tools made of Jade, Rose Quartz, or a special stone from China called Bian stone, Gua Sha can also be performed with a jar lid or Chinese soup spoon.  These simple tools give homage to Gua Sha’s roots as a home remedy. Some modern practitioners buy expense tools, but traditional tools have stood the test of time because of their ease of use and wide availability.  

A Rose by Any Other Name

You may have heard of Graston’s technique or seen the hashtag #IASTM, standing for Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization.  You may have gone to other practitioners who talk about their expensive instruments,  but in reality, they have appropriated and “dressed-up” a simple therapy.

Facial “Gua Sha” is Not Gua Sha

Our office is more interested in providing people with a better quality of life rather than spa services.  While facial “Gua Sha” does work, it is not true Gua Sha, merely face massage with a Gua Sha tool.  We do not offer this service, but there are plenty of low-cost or free training courses online to learn to do it at home.  

Check out this article “The unconventional method that brought relief to my chronic pain” that our Founder, Dr. Tom Ingegno, was quoted in HERE