What is gua sha?
Gua sha is a traditional Chinese healing technique that originated during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), that involves the use of a tool to apply pressure on the skin to stimulate circulation and improve overall health. The tool is typically made of jade, horn, or bamboo, and is used to massage the skin in a specific pattern.
Gua sha has been used for centuries as a natural and effective healing modality for a variety of ailments, including pain, inflammation, and fatigue. The process is believed to stimulate the circulation of “qi” energy in the body. Studies show that Gua Sha stimulates the central nervous system and releases endorphins, helping to stimulate your body’s natural pain-killing mechanism and healing.
Gua Sha has numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation, reducing pain, relieving muscle tension, and boosting the immune system. Gua Sha is also known to help with anxiety and stress. It can also help with digestive issues and help move the toxins out of your body.
How does gua sha work?
The ancient practice of gua sha is highly effective for treating many ailments such as headaches, body pain, anxiety, and insomnia. It works by helping to unblock the energy flow in your body so that your “Qi” can flow freely. Gua Sha is an easy and simple technique to perform. The practitioner will use circular or linear motions to scrape and massage the skin. They may also use tapping, kneading, and rolling techniques to promote healing and reduce the pain that you are experiencing.
4 Benefits of Gua Sha
1. Reduce puffiness and inflammation
Rubbing a gua sha tool over the face or body may be able to reduce inflammation and puffiness due to the increased microcirculation in the soft tissues. This rise in blood flow may help alleviate physical signs of inflammation such as puffiness and swelling. Additionally, the massage may be of assistance in lymphatic drainage by moving liquid away from swollen areas, which is also a common benefit of massage.
2. Skin rejuvenation
Gua sha can also help in achieving a more luminous complexion from the inside out.. The process of scraping against the skin stimulates circulation and helps the lymphatic system, which in turn creates a naturally radiant appearance. Furthermore, using a gua sha tool facilitates better product absorption, allowing the beneficial components of your skincare to penetrate by pushing it deeper into the skin instead of letting it just sit on the surface. On top of that, gua sha is also beneficial for preventing and clearing acne, as it helps in decongesting the skin and reducing any inflammation.
3. Detoxify the body
Utilizing gua sha is a way to get rid of blockages in the meridian channels, which join together our organs and carry both blood and chi (vitality). To guarantee that our channels work in union and chi courses all through the body, they need to be clear. If a particular organ isn’t performing properly, the channel could be blocked – and the other way around. We can clear the channel of blockages by running the gua sha tool along it.
This physical movement stimulates our lymphatic framework, empowering our organs to work ideally by separating any stagnation, moving the waste and toxins in the body to be effortlessly expelled. People may feel muscle stiffness decrease and experience overall better energy. In this way, gua sha can have a comprehensive effect on the whole body.
4. Anti-aging and relaxation
We often find that our faces and necks are filled with tension. Massaging with a Gua Sha stone, which applies deep pressure in specific patterns, can help to untangle tight muscles and allow them to fulfill their supportive roles properly. Incorporating gua sha into your self-care routine on a regular basis will result in a notable reduction in tension.
It can be an effective treatment for the temporomandibular joint disorder and migraine sufferers as well. Additionally, relaxing the facial muscles on a regular basis helps to prevent and reduce wrinkles. Regular users of gua sha may notice their face has a more lifted, and balanced appearance.
Tools Used in Gua Sha
Spoon – The spoon used in gua sha is typically made from jade. Jade is a type of stone that is considered to be very effective for various healing modalities in Chinese Medicine. Other common materials for gua sha spoons include rose quartz, stainless steel, horn or bamboo. The spoon is usually around 2-3 inches in length. There are several different types of spoon used in gua sha, including the Shizi spoon, the Zhurong Spoon, and the Taiping spoon.
Oil – The gua sha spoon must be rubbed with oil before application to the skin. The oil is necessary to facilitate the healing process and promote the opening of the small arteries and veins in the skin. In addition, it helps to lubricate the skin so that the tool can glide smoothly. Some common types of oil for gua sha include sesame, sunflower, argan, and olive oil.
Preparing Yourself for Gua Sha
Before beginning a gua sha session, there are a few things one can do to prepare their body, such as taking a warm bath, drinking warm water, and diaphragmatic breathing. Clean your skin with a gentle cleanser and apply your regular serums or moisturizer so that it is well-hydrated.
Gua sha is applied to almost any part of your body. It is recommended to avoid eating 2-3 hours prior to body treatment. Most importantly, tell your practitioner if you are currently using any medications, as some may interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment.
Gua sha is a safe and natural form of healing that can be beneficial for your overall well-being. To get the most out of your Gua Sha sessions, here are some tips:
- Make sure to find a qualified and experienced practitioner.
- Prepare your skin before the session by applying oil or lotion.
- Make sure that the tool is clean and free of bacteria.
- Drink plenty of water after the session to help flush out toxins.
- Listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard.
How and Where to Find the Best Gua Sha
It is important to find a qualified and experienced gua sha practitioner to ensure the best results. Before booking an appointment, It is also important to ensure that the practitioner is knowledgeable about the different techniques and tools used in Gua Sha.
At Santa Cruz CORE, our acupuncturists, massage therapists, and facial rejuvenation experts offer gua sha treatment for both body and face. Our award-winning practitioners are highly-educated and experienced so that we can offer our clients the safest and most effective gua sha experience.
The best way to find a qualified Gua Sha practitioner is to ask your doctor for a recommendation. Gua Sha is a safe technique when performed correctly. It is important to choose a qualified practitioner who uses clean tools and follows proper hygiene. It is also important to inform your healthcare provider about the Gua Sha treatment so that they can monitor for potential side effects.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Gua Sha
There are some potential risks of Gua Sha, such as infection, bleeding, skin irritation, and muscle or joint pain. Gua sha can also cause broken blood vessels, which can lead to small bruises. It is important to avoid gua sha in areas of the body where there are broken blood vessels or open wounds.
Gua sha is believed to cause the release of histamine, a substance in the body that can cause itching, swelling, and redness. People with allergies or autoimmune diseases, such as eczema or psoriasis, should avoid gua sha. It can cause skin infections if the stone is not cleaned or sterilized properly.
The risk of infection is increased if there are cuts or open sores on the skin. If any of these problems occur, stop the gua sha treatment and contact your dermatologist.
Some people may experience additional side effects, including abdominal cramping and diarrhea. These side effects are less common, but they can occur in people who have certain medical conditions, such as Crohn’s disease. To minimize physical side effects, perform Gua Sha on an area of the body that is well-padded, such as the back or thighs.
Perform Gua Sha slowly and start with light pressure. It is important to inform your practitioner of all health conditions before performing Gua sha.
Conclusion
Gua sha is a traditional Chinese healing technique that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. It involves lightly scraping the skin with a smooth stone or other tools to vitalize circulation and promote healing. It has been used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments, including muscle and joint pain, fatigue, anxiety, headaches, and acne. Almost anyone can benefit from gua sha, as it has such a wide variety of applications and treatment can be personalized to your individual needs and goals. If you are interested in trying gua sha for yourself, give us a call or visit us at Santa Cruz CORE Fitness + Rehab, to see what our wonderful practitioners can do for you!
References
- “Gua Sha: Benefits and Risks.” WebMD, WebMD, 26 Feb. 2021, https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-is-gua-sha.
- Schneider, Jamie. “12 Gua Sha Tools to De-Puff Your Entire Face & Carve Your Jawline.” Mindbodygreen, Mindbodygreen, 18 Jan. 2022, https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/gua-sha-tools.
- Quinn, Daley. “How to Use Gua Sha for Tension, Puffiness, & Lymphatic Drainage.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 22 Jan. 2021, www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-to-use-gua-sha.