GUA SHA - SCRAPING THE PAIN AWAY
Written by a Chinese Medicine Practitioner
Gua sha is a treatment that seems to be as old as time itself. Also known as coining, spooning or scraping it has its origins set in folk medicine traditions. In many households in Asia, it is still commonly used in first line treatments for a wide variety of issues such as muscle stiffness and tension, common colds, relief from pain and more, with the ultimate aim to relieve congestion, heat and tension from the body.
This technique is not only isolated to the East anymore. In the West it has been gaining a lot of traction and popularity in its role as part of facial beauty regimes, and has been the star of many an Instagram post. Some Western Medicine modalities such as chiropractic are also utilising the principle actions of Gua Sha; rebranded in a more ‘contemporary application’ as Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) or the ‘Graston technique’.
This ‘sha’ is spoken of as heat toxins latent in the body and musculature which, when released through Gua Sha, can help to relieve congestion and pain. Western medicine classifies this as petechiae. The ‘sha’ results can look shocking and dramatic (for evidence of this check out this intense pic of my back!) but are not at all painful and generally fade around 50% within 24 hrs with complete resolution in 3-4 days.
In clinic Gua Sha tends to be used as an adjunct to acupuncture treatments. I have found it personally to be a go to for musculoskeletal tension, pain and restriction especially for the upper back, and commonly use it to assist in breaking up scar tissue and adhesion in fascia and connective tissue, reducing muscle tension and promoting good blood circulation to reduce or eliminate pain associated with soft tissue issues. I have also found Gua Sha on the upper back can also be helpful for reduction of colds and flu symptoms.
I have also used Gua Sha during facial treatments. Don’t worry, your face won’t be looking like my back!! A much softer approach is used here to assist with lymphatic drainage and a gentle massage to relieve tension. It can also be helpful for sinus congestion as well as during facial rejuvenation to help gently bring fresh blood and qi to the face, for vibrant skin and ultimate relaxation.
If you would like to book an appointment with a Chinese Medicine Practitioner you can call the clinic on (03) 5429 3610 or book online by clicking the link below.