Gua Sha

Gua sha is an ancient and traditional tool used in Chinese medicine. During Gua Sha treatment, a smooth-edged tool is rubbed (or stroked) against well-lubricated skin with enough force to therapeutically raise small red dots on the skin, called petechiae.

When done properly, Gua Sha is not meant to be a painful experience, and the red dots should resolve on their own within a few days. 

Here are some of our favorite uses for Gua Sha.

Respiratory Infection: Gua Sha is an extremely effective way to relieve the acute cough, sore throat, sinus congestion, and fever that often accompany respiratory infections. 

Chinese Medicine links these types of illness being with excessive cold, heat, wind, dampness, deficiency or a blend of all. While many people feel the relationship between cold weather and getting "a cold” is urban legend, new scientific studies do demonstrate a link between environmental conditions and physiological reactions that can become “stuck” in the surface layers of the body. Gua Sha clears blockages in those surface layers, stimulating the body's natural defenses to help overcome the illness. 

With just 5 minutes of proper Gua Sha treatment, many symptoms can be dramatically reduced or even resolved! 

Fever: Western medical research has also acknowledged Gua Sha’s ability to increase white blood cell counts in patients with a fever. 

Gua Sha is a natural and healthful way to stimulate healing and take back your wellness during or after illness. Next time you feel a cold coming on, or if your recovery feels slowed by lingering symptoms of sore throat and cough, try Gua Sha!

Reference: https://www.uprightacupuncture.com/post/gua-sha