Gua Sha
What is Gua Sha?
Gua Shais an East Asian healing technique. Gua means to
scrape or rub. Sha is a 'reddish, elevated, millet-like skin rash' (aka
petechiae). Sha is the term used to describe Blood stasis in the subcutaneous
tissue before and after it is raised as petechiae. Gua Sha is one technique
that intentionally raises Sha rash or petechiae. In Vietnam the technique is
called Cao Yio, in Indonesia: Kerik, in Laos: Khoud Lam.
If you have ever heard of The Graston Technique? Same concept but less expensive. Chiropractors and Physical Therapists who have been trained in The Graston Technique feel they can charge more. Here at Indigo Blue Massage & Wellness, it is part of our massage session.
When is it recommended to use Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is used whenever a patient has pain whether associated
with an acute or chronic disorder, scar tissue from accidents. There may be aching, tenderness and/or a
knotty feeling in the muscles. Palpation reveals Sha when normal finger
pressure on a patient's skin causes blanching that is slow to fade. In addition
to resolving muscular skeletal pain, Gua Sha is used to treat as well as prevent
common cold, flu, bronchitis, asthma, as well as any chronic disorder involving
pain, congestion of Qi and Blood.
Is Gua Sha Safe?
Gua Sha is a
completely safe technique, but it is serious medicine. Knowing when to use it
and what to expect from treatment is as important as good technique. People who
live in chronic pain often erect emotional defenses to cope with it or can feel
completely hopeless. Having that pain ‘touched’ and relieved can be unsettling,
even shocking. It is good to be moderate in activity after treatment, even
rest.
Where is Gua Sha used on the body?
Sha is raised primarily at
the Yang surface of the body: the back, neck, shoulders, buttocks, and limbs.
On occasion, Gua Sha is applied at the chest and abdomen.
How is Gua Sha applied to the body?
The area to be Gua Sha-ed is lubricated with oil. The skin
is then rubbed with a round-edged instrument in downward strokes. One area is
stroked until the petechiae that surface are completely raised. If there is no
Blood stasis the petechiae will not form and the skin will only turn pink.
Christie starts her session with some relaxation, warm, moist towels to
the affected area and massage with jojoba oil. When you are relaxed, warm stones are then used to
soften the tissue even more to help with any discomfort. The tissue becomes softer when heated. Once the
tissue is soft and pliable, Christie uses a tool to rub along the scar
tissue in a "friction" motion to break up the scar tissue and bring Sha to the affected area. Patients feel better immediately after the treatment. She they used the warm stones to sooth and relax the affected tissue. Most of the treatments you will feel some soreness, but nothing painful. The Sha will become less and less after a few days, but the affects will last long after the session.
The color of the Sha is
both diagnostic and prognostic. Very light colored Sha can indicate Deficiency
of Blood. If the Sha is fresh red, it is of recent penetration. If the Sha is
purple or black, the Blood stasis is long-standing. If brown, the Blood may be
dry. Dark red Sha can indicate heat.
What are the benefits of Gua Sha?
In most cases the patient feels an immediate shift in their
condition particularly in their pain or sense of constraint. Gua Sha helps to soften scar tissue, moves
stuck Qi and Blood, releases the Exterior mimicking sweating, and moves Fluids.
In a modern medical construct these fluids contain metabolic waste that
congested the surface tissues and muscles. Gua Sha promotes circulation and
normalizes metabolic processes. It is a valuable treatment for both external
and internal pain, and facilitates the resolution of both acute and chronic
disorders.
Within
the first session, you will notice a tremendous difference in your
movement and pain. With several sessions, you will be making your way
back to a better, less painful life. With most of my patients who are receiving Gua Sha, they have had major injuries and have developed scar tissue buildup. The scar tissue is pinching nerves, they feel as though their bodies are hardening in some places and they have very limited movement. Patients can be in extreme pain just due to the scar tissue buildup and the Gua Sha treatments help to open up the tissue, brings blood to the tissue and allows for easier movement and nerves are no longer impinged. Please note that you do not have to have an injury to have scar tissue buildup. Even a slight fall, walking the dog and insignificant daily jolts and bolts to the body can cause scar tissue to develop. Scar tissue can also grow with no apparent reason other than just over usage.
