Gua Sha is a therapeutic healing technique from East Asia that is used to release stagnation in the body and relieves restrictions.

“Gua” – how energy translates in the universe  “Sha” extravasation of waste from deep tissue, trapped biochemistry.

The practitioner uses a round-edged tool to essentially chafe or irritate the skin (does not actually remove any layers of skin). Unidirectional press-strokes are repeated until petechiae appears. Petechiae is an indication of the extravasation of blood and metabolic waste (stagnation) from the body. (extravasation – pulling waste material up through pores). This is a strongly detoxifying process and beneficial to muscles, tendons and fascia.

    

The massage therapist begins by warming the area with some massage before using the gua sha tool.

The depth and length of strokes vary depending on the area being treated. Within a few strokes, sha begins to appear, indicating a release of stagnant qi (energy) and blood from the subcutaneous and cutaneous tissues of the body.

BENEFITS

Softens tight muscles and tones attachments, increases joint range of motion and tissue flexibility.

Loosens adhesions and aids in the breaking up of scar tissue.

Increases local blood supply and circulation to an area.

Opens lymphatic pathways giving way to lymphatic drainage.

Sedating and relaxing effect on the nervous system