What does gua sha do for back?
Gua sha aims to move energy, known as qi or chi, around the body. The treatment involves using a tool to rub the skin in long strokes, applying enough pressure to create minor bruising. Gua sha may help to break down scar tissue and connective tissue, improving movement in the joints.
What is Chinese scraping?
Scraping, called Gua Sha in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is one of the unique non-medicinal external therapies of TCM under the guidance of the theory of meridians and acupoints. It involves using a smooth-edged instrument for surface frictioning to intentionally raise transitory petechiae and ecchymosis [1, 2].
What is Chinese gua sha?
Gua sha is a traditional Chinese healing method in which a trained professional uses a smooth-edged tool to stroke your skin while they press on it. This motion raises small, red, rash-like dots that show under your skin called petechiae. People use gua sha to treat chronic pain all over their body.
Why is gua sha painful?
Does gua sha have side effects? As a natural healing remedy, gua sha is safe. It's not supposed to be painful, but the procedure may change the appearance of your skin. Because it involves rubbing or scraping skin with a massage tool, tiny blood vessels known as capillaries near the surface of your skin can burst.
Does a gua sha really work?
So far research indicates gua sha may: Improve blood flow to the treated area: A small 2007 study found that gua sha may improve microcirculation, aka blood circulation in small blood vessels, for about 25 minutes after treatment.
Does scraping help back pain?
Meta-analysis of 9 RCTs indicated that scraping therapy had a statistically significant effect on pain reduction (standard mean difference = -0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.83 to -0.49, P < . 001).
Does scraping release toxins?
This is why Scraping is a useful technique. it can quickly release blockages in your body. This is because it promotes body fluid circulation which helps to normalize cellular metabolic processes and release toxins from your deep cellular tissues. Scraping has two main functions, where it both nourishes and detoxifies.
How often should you gua sha?
two to three times per week“As you start to familiarize yourself with it and get more comfortable with your techniques, you should aim to use gua sha at least two to three times per week,” recommends Tobia. “Once you get into a routine of performing gua sha on yourself… you'll achieve the best results doing it daily.”
Does gua sha release toxins?
Gua sha works by releasing toxins from the skin and loosening knots and tension in concentrated areas.
What happens if you gua sha wrong?
Gua sha isn't supposed to be painful at all. If you use the wrong kind of scraping instrument or lubrication you might end up breaking the skin – and that can be painful. With the proper care it is normally less painful than a deep tissue massage. And the benefits are more profound, and last longer.
What should be avoided after gua sha?
I understand that cupping/gua sha modalities should not be combined with aggressive exfoliation, after getting a sunburn or when I'm hungry or thirsty. I understand that I should avoid exposure to cold/wet/windy weather conditions, hot showers, baths, saunas, hot tubs and aggressive exercise for 4-6 hours.
Is muscle scraping good for you?
Studies show that muscle scraping may be able to promote better range of motion through the enhancement of blood circulation, alleviation of scar tissue, and improving tendon and tissue extensibility. It's also being considered as a safe and natural way to remodel soft tissue following an injury.
What is scraping in Chinese medicine?
Similar to the other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) including acupuncture and acupressure, scraping is a form of healing that uses pressure and circulation to eliminate infection and disease. The therapy has been used in China for over a thousand years and is traditionally called guasha.
Why is scraping used?
As the treatment functions to promote circulation, eliminate infection, and cleanse the bad blood, scraping can be used to treat a wide range of health conditions.
How to prevent scraping on skin?
You want to prevent scraping on the skin itself - rather you are 'milking' the surface layer of the skin; milking out all the toxins in the muscle fibers and connective tissue. A thick layer of vaseline works well. If you can't find a nice rounded tin lid, a spoon will work if the edges are not sharp.
Is Guasha good for shoulder pain?
I have been using guasha treatment on myself for years. It's a great way to treat neck and shoulder pain in additional to regular scraping for general health. It's easy and for quick relief, you can't beat it. Highly recommended!
Can you use a spoon on a frozen shoulder?
If you can't find a nice rounded tin lid, a spoon will work if the edges are not sharp. Look for something that you can hold in your hand, has a smooth edge and it strong enough to withstand the pressure. I have used this successfully on many cases of frozen shoulder and 'crick' necks - the results are almost miraculous.
Does scraping help with fibromyalgia?
Headaches, fever, chills, cough, chest pain, nausea, and stiffness respond well to the therapy. Scraping also offers relief from fibromyalgia pain , emphysema, gynecological issues, muscle tension, and a variety of others. One of the main functions of scraping is to detox the body – a process that heals and rejuvenates.
What Happens During Gua Sha
A gua sha session takes about 5 to 15 minutes. During a gua sha session, you’ll sit up or lay down either face up or face down. Your practitioner, who should be a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine or an acupuncture physician, will most likely apply an oil or balm to the skin to help the tool glide more easily.
Side Effects and Risks of Gua Sha
Overall, gua sha doesn’t have serious side effects. With the right practitioner, you shouldn't feel pain. Still, it’s good to know in advance about some skin changes it may create. These include:
DIY Gua Sha vs. Seeing a Trained Practitioner
If you’re having gua sha for medical reasons, it’s best to work with a trained practitioner to do it. That’s because that person will know the right points on the body to stimulate and make the treatment most effective, Snyder says.
Tips to Find the Right Facial Gua Sha Tool
If you've done your research and you want to start facial gua sha at home, here are a few tips to help you find the right gua sha tool:
How long does it take for a gua sha to heal?
This creates the distinctive red or purple bruises, known as sha. The bruises usually take a few days or a week to heal and can be tender while healing.
What is the name of the injury caused by Gua Sha?
Small injuries to the body, such as the bruises caused by gua sha, are sometimes known as microtrauma. These create a response in the body that may help to break up scar tissue. Microtrauma may also help with fibrosis, which is a buildup of too much connective tissue when the body heals.
How does Gua Sha work?
Gua sha aims to move energy, known as qi or chi, around the body. The treatment involves using a tool to rub the skin in long strokes, applying enough pressure to create minor bruising. Gua sha may help to break down scar tissue and connective tissue, improving movement in the joints. The treatment does not have any serious side effects ...
What is Gua Sha?
Gua sha is a technique used in traditional East Asian medicine. It is often used to treat muscle pain and tension, but there has been limited research into how well it works. We find out more about whether gua sha is effective, and if it has any side effects. Gua sha aims to move energy, known as qi or chi, around the body.
Does Gua Sha help with lungs?
Practitioners claim that gua sha can also benefit the immune system and reduce inflammation. Sometimes, gua sha is used to treat a cold, fever, or problems with the lungs. Small injuries to the body, such as the bruises caused by gua sha, are sometimes known as microtrauma. ...
Can Gua Sha practitioners break skin?
Applying an ice pack can help to reduce inflammation and ease any pain. Gua sha practitioners should not break the skin during the treatment, but there is a risk it could happen. Broken skin increases the possibility of infection, so a gua sha practitioner should always sterilize their tools between treatments.
Is Gua Sha effective?
More evidence is needed to confirm whether gua sha is an effective treatment. Gua sha is unlikely to have any serious side effects, but it can be painful for some people. A person who plans to have gua sha should make sure that they go to an experienced practitioner. Last medically reviewed on December 23, 2017.
Benefits of Gua Sha
Gua Sha can be used for muscular ailments of the neck, back, and extremities.
History of Gua sha
The first records of Gua sha date back to over 700 years ago during the Ming Dynasty. The term gua sha is composed of two Chinese words. Gua, meaning to rub or scrape and sha, chi that causes excess heat to build up within the body. Many people in other partes of Asia utilize Gua sha as a form of “first defense” against illnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand Gua Sha is an alternative form of therapy and we want to address any concerns you may have. Gua Sha is completely natural and produces little to no side effects.
Where is gua sha performed?
Gua sha is typically performed on the back, neck, shoulders, and sometimes on the legs. “Scraping the area between the shoulder blade and the vertebrae helps to reduce inflammation, strengthen the lungs, and disperse pathogens in the chest,” says Sher.
How long does gua sha last?
Bruising can last anywhere from 1 to 7 days and is not painful or sensitive if done correctly. It’s not guaranteed that gua sha will leave marks at all, especially if done with a light touch.
What is gua sha?
Takeaway. Gua sha is a body and face scraping technique that’s used for a variety of health benefits. It’s a part of the system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with mentions in the Shanghan Lun, a Chinese medical text on illness from BC 220. Gua sha involves the use of a tool to stroke the skin and increase circulation.
What is bian stone?
Bian stone. Bian stone has been used in TCM for thousands of years. It’s a stone containing trace minerals that are believed to benefit overall health. Evidence suggests bian stone may be helpful in regulating blood pressure and reducing lower back pain.
Does Gua Sha help with pain?
In a 2014 study, researchers found that gua sha improved the range of movement and reduced pain in people who used computers frequently compared with a control group that had no treatment. , such as peripheral neuropathy, or the malfunctioning of the part of the nervous system that delivers messages to the brain.
Does Gua Sha move blood?
In TCM, gua sha is believed to move blood and qi. The most common conditions and symptoms treated with gua sha include: “In TCM, if there is blood stagnation or a blockage of qi, pain or illness is the result,” explains Gabriel Sher, the director of acupuncture at ORA in New York City.
Does Gua Sha leave marks?
According to Auth, facial gua sha is different from gua sha on the body, and it does not leave marks. “Typically, a polished tool made from jade or quartz is used to massage the face,” she says. “Facial gua sha increases circulation and the production of anti-aging molecules, collagen, and elastin.”.
How does cupping work?
During a cupping treatment, a cup is placed on the skin and then heated or suctioned onto the skin. The cup is often heated with fire using alcohol, herbs, or paper that’s placed directly into the cup. The fire source is removed, and the heated cup is placed with the open side directly on your skin.
What happens after cupping?
After treatment, the skin around the rim of the cup may become irritated and marked in a circular pattern. You may also have pain at incision sites or feel lightheaded or dizzy shortly after your session. Infection is always a risk after undergoing cupping therapy. The risk is small and usually avoided if your practitioner follows ...
How does cupping help with muscle tension?
Cupping increases blood circulation to the area where the cups are placed. This may relieve muscle tension, which can improve overall blood flow and promote cell repair. It may also help form new connective tissues and create new blood vessels in the tissue.
How long does it take for a cupping to go away?
Any mild bruising or other marks usually go away within 10 days of the session. Cupping is sometimes performed along with acupuncture treatments. For best results, you may also want to fast or eat only light meals for two to three hours before your cupping session.
What is dry cupping?
Dry cupping is a suction-only method. Wet cupping may involve both suction and controlled medicinal bleeding. Your practitioner, your medical condition, and your preferences will help determine what method is used.
Is cupping therapy a placebo?
suggests cupping therapy’s healing power may be more than just a placebo effect. The researchers found that cupping therapy may help with the following conditions, among others: However, the authors acknowledge that most of the 135 studies they reviewed contain a high level of bias.
Graston Technique Goals
The general goals of the therapy are to reduce the patient's pain and increase function through a combination of:
In This Article
The Graston Technique: An Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manual Therapy for Back Pain
Potential Benefits of Graston Therapy
Most of the back is comprised of muscles, fascia, ligaments, and tendons. Injuries to these soft tissues play a significant role in the pain and dysfunction associated with back problems. While it may not sound like a serious injury, a simple back muscle strain or torn ligament in the back can cause excruciating pain and difficulty with movement.