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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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