How Gua Sha Lifts Stress From the Body

“Gua… sha? What’s that?” many clients frequently ask when I mention it as a technique to reduce muscle tension. After trying it, they never look back.

Gua sha means using a smooth-edged tool, such as a ceramic spoon, to apply pressure in a scraping motion to dramatically increase blood flow to the skin.

For years I have incorporated this ancient Chinese technique into my massage practice. After applying massage oil to a client’s skin either after a Swedish or deep tissue massage, I perform about 15 minutes of the technique.

The results are visually startling:

“Worker on the street of Happy Valley, Hong Kong showing the signs of Gua Sha treatment on his back.” (Credit: Flickr)

But there is no pain.

Startling as it may look, it gives immense, almost immediate relief.

Sometimes, we must step outside out our perspectives to try a new healing technique! No magic pills, simply consistent body work.

Gua sha, like lymphatic massage, is a firm but gentle massage technique used to relieve muscle knots by relieving tension.

It is also similar to a deep tissue massage in one aspect, the application of healing pressure which is determined by your comfort level. The marks mean blood flow has increased to the areas where your massage therapist used the tool, and will fade within two to four days while you experience relief right away.

We care deeply for our clients. Gua sha treatment is not recommended for clients taking blood thinners or who have experienced blood clots. We encourage clients who will benefit from any massage therapy to always consult with their physicians.

We welcome you to expand your horizons.