What is Gua Sha?

Gua Sha (刮痧) is a traditional Chinese therapeutic technique whereby oil is rubbed into the skin and then a smooth, round-edged 'Gua Sha stick' is firmly stroked over the skin either along a muscle or an acupuncture meridian.  This technique stimulates and normalises blood circulation and helps to clear metabolic waste congestion in the local tissues and muscles.

Often, but not always, Gua Sha results in a 'sha' rash in the treated area which can range from a light pinkness of the skin to petechaie - small red or purple dots on the surface of the skin which can be raised in tiny bumps like 'millet'.  The colour and density of the 'rash' is normally dictated by the nature of the condition being treated and the extent to which their is blood and fluid 'stagnation'.  The technique is painless and the 'sha' normally disappear completely within 2-4 days.  Discomfort, tension or pain in the local area is often relieved or improved directly after treatment.  Patient's often describe Gua Sha as 'invigorating', 'comforting' and/or 'relaxing' - see the Testimonials page for more feedback.

Gua Sha is commonly used for:

• treatment of pain - e.g. joint pain and injuries, fibromyalgia
  
• prevention and treatment of acute illness such as colds, flu, hayfever and bronchitis
• digestive problems
• headaches
• muscle and tendon stiffness, tenderness and/or tension
• poor circulation of blood and/or lymph
• cellulite