Here is a traditional Chinese healing technique dating back thousands of years. Simple, painless, so broadly used that basic Gua Sha tools like these are readily available throughout
Asia. Easy for Westerners to learn, to try instead of over-the-counter medicines. In English it may be spelled as Gwa Sa, or Gwasha, and you may hear other terms, such as "coin rubbing" or "coining" (Vietnamese practitioners often use the edge of a coin for the tool). For adherents of Traditional Chinese Medicine, this ancient way of helping balance the "Chi" or vital life energy, is an extremely important, almost miraculous method of improving someone's health.
WHAT IS GUA SHA ( 刮痧 )?
Gua Sha is the Chinese term for a physical therapy technique which is equally a folk remedy and a serious practice throughout Asia. Loosely translated, Gua (刮) ("gwa"), means "scrape", "scratch", "rub" or "extract", while Sha (痧) ("shaw"), means sand or sediment, signifying the congestion, or toxins brought to the surface by the rubbing. The "sha" surfaces as tiny red petechiae on the skin, often described as the size of millet. In this Gua Sha is like cupping, but the rubbing covers wider areas than cupping treatments. The Vietnamese "Cao Gio" is the same technique.
Using a traditional specialized tool such as a Gua Sha Board, Gua Sha Slide or other Gua Sha tools, the massage therapist or acupuncturist will gently scrape or rub the skin over a problem area as a deep massage, using a downward direction. The patient experiences immediate relief from pain, stiffness, fever, chills, coughs, nausea, and so on. Gua Sha is valuable in the prevention and treatment of acute infectious illness, upper respiratory and digestive problems, and many other acute or chronic disorders.
The intention in Gua Sha is to raise the "rash" or red petechiae through the firm but not violent friction of the tool against the body. Chi or Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the constant and vigorous movement of energy or life force that keeps us healthy and alive. Balancing the Chi, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, promotes blood circulation and the removal of toxic heat, stagnant blood and lymph fluid from the body.
GUA SHA SLIDES / BOARDS
Jade Gua Sha Board / Slide
USD $24.95 / CAD $32.00
The Jade Gua Sha Board / Slide is comfortable to the grip and offers the practitioner an alternative way to give the patient a complete and thorough massage.
Different styles are available.
Width x Length: 5.3 x 8.5 (cm) / 2.1x 3.35 (inches)
Weight: 90 g / 0.19 lb
Buffalo Horn Gua Sha Board/Slide
USD $16.00 / CAD $19.95
Smooth and polished.The Buffalo Horn Gua Sha Board is comfortable and light to the grip and can be used for most situations.
Different styles are available ( Fin, Rectangle)
Width x Length: 5.5 x 10.4 (cm) / 2.2 x 4.1 (inches)
Weight: 20 g / 0.044 lb
IN THE SYSTEM OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE,
GUA SHA CAN BE USED TO ALLEVIATE THE FOLLOWING:
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Colds, Congestion
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Achiness
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Chronic degenerative diseases
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Migraines
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Chronic neck pain
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Chronic shoulder pain
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Back pain
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Bone spurs
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Strains and sprains
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Menstrual disorders
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Insomnia, Fatigue
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Asthma
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Carpal tunnel syndrome Stress
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Muscle aches
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Flu
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Shortness of Breath
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Heart disease
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Hypertension
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Sinusitis
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Ear and eye disorders
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Chronic infections
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Sciatica
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Osteo arthritis
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Rheumatoid arthritis
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Bursitis
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Neuralgia
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Digestive disorders
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Skin disorders
HOW TO USE GUA SHA TOOLS:
Gua sha is applied primarily on the back, neck, shoulders, buttocks and limbs of the body. Advanced practitioners may also raise sha on the chest and abdomen. To apply gua sha, first lubricate the area with oil. If you do not have gua sha oil, you can use Ten Thousand Flowers Herbal Oil ( Wan Hua Oil), Tiger Balm, or other external-use oil. If there are any moles, cuts or unhealed wounds, cover them with your fingers. Do not apply the gua sha slide/ gua sha board or other gua sha tools to such areas. Hold the gua sha tool at a thirty-five degree angle to the skin, the smooth edge touching the skin.
Gua Sha Stroke Areas
Apply downward strokes to the skin using moderate pressure. The person should not feel pain although it might feel uncomfortable. Stroke one area at a time, until all the sha are up (the petechiae of that surface are completely raised) which is when stroking no longer increases the number of dots or changes the color. Then move to the next area.
The sha petechiae should fade in about 2-4 days. If they are very slow to fade, it indicates poor blood circulation and there may be a more serious deficiency that will require additional treatments combining acupuncture or acupressure in specific areas.
Because gua sha moves "stuck" or stagnant qi and blood, the person receiving gua sha will probably feel immediate changes in his/her condition. It is a very useful treatment for external and internal conditions, and treats both acute and chronic disorders.
These Gua Sha tools are not medical products.
Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are uncertain whether you can use a product, please consult your physician before using it.
Water Buffalo Horn
Gua Sha Massagers
Gua Sha Roller
Gua Sha Stick
Facial Beauty Roller
Gua Sha Comb
Gua Sha Applications
For Your Neck
For Your Back
For Your Shoulders
For Your Legs
For Your Face
Gua Sha is used to extract toxic waste, remove blood stagnation, promote normal circulation and metabolic processes of the body.The Gua Sha treatment comes with a face cleansing/scalp massage.
REFERENCE BOOK
Gua Sha
A Tranditional Technique for Modern Practice
Trade paperback book
169 pages
Published: 1995
Dimensions: 8" by 11"
