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Gua Sha
Gua Sha, pronounced (Gwa Shaw) literally translates as “red sand”.
Traditionally the rounded edge of a traditional Chinese ceramic soup spoon or a smooth piece of jade is used. The skin is prepared by applying oil to the affected area and then the tool is pressed into the skin and scraped along a 6 inch area, typically an area of chronic or acute pain and injury. (This may sound painful, but it actually usually feels quite good). The skin is scraped until a red hue (sand) shows. The degree of redness is often an indicator of the level of congestion and stagnation of Qi. The discoloration can range from light red to a deep purple depending on the level of Qi and blood stagnation and can remain from 2-7 days before fading.
What can Gua Sha treat?
Gua Sha is often used to treat neck, shoulder and back pain, tension and fatigue which can all indicate stagnation of blood and Qi. It is also quite effective in helping to clear the beginnings of the common cold or to clear the lungs when congestion and phlegm have settled in.
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