SCRUBBING (GUA SHA)
Gua Sha, sometimes known as scrubbing, is the practice of using a round edged jade, to gently scrape the skin and stimulate blood flow or release toxins. The friction from the scrubbing action causes small red dots to appear on the surface of the skin and open up the pores.
In Traditional Chinese Terms Gua Sha is used to release the exterior with an invasion of wind cold or wind damp, and resolves stagnation of blood at the surface (pulls blood from the muscles to the skin). In Western terms, Gua Sha increases the surface circulation with blood. From a single treatment, modern research has shown that this procedure produces anti-inflammatory and protective immune effects that can lasts for days.* It helps to break up scar tissue, relieve tight muscles, and facilitate local tissue circulation.
We commonly use Scrubbing for the following conditions:
- Common cold
- Fever
- Neck and shoulder pain or tightness
- Acute or chronic cough/asthma
- Back pain or tightness
- Tendonitis
- Headaches caused by muscle tension and stress.
- Joint aches and pain, numbness and tingling
The marks left on the skin may take a few days to fade. Don’t worry, they are a normal part of the treatment and can be used to monitor progress.
