You’ve probably heard of the Thai
massage, and you’ve definitely heard of the Swedish massage, but have you ever
heard of the Gua Sha massage?
Probably not – but that’s okay.
There are so many different “types” of
massage therapy practiced all over the world – too many to count surely – that
it would be ridiculous to expect someone, anyone, to be familiar with all of
them.
But this is one type of massage you’re
going to want to know about.
Gua Sha is an ancient and unique approach
to natural healing that has the potential to counter a variety of health issues
faced by individuals today.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese massage therapy dating back at least 700 years, to the Ming
Dynasty. Despite this technique having such a long history across Eastern Asia,
it is only within the last few decades that this practice has made its way into
the western world.
Roughly translated, “Gua Sha” means “to
scrape away fever”, as Gua is the Chinese term for rub or scrape, and Sha refers
to an energy within the body that causes excess heat.
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Of course, in ancient times this technique
was considered more of a spiritual practice, believing that the combination of
the tools and the movements were able to rid one’s body of blocked “energies” that
were causing the negative effects. Today, in western society, the concept is
more scientific than spiritual, but follows the same general idea, only with
the focus being on ridding the body of heat and inflammation, rather than of
negative energies.
How is Gua Sha Performed?
How Gua Sha is performed is what makes it
inherently different from some of the other more common massage techniques you
may know of.
While most massages are performed solely
with one’s hands, the Gua Sha technique requires a tool – a firm object
possessing smooth, rounded edges – to use against the skin.
Traditionally, a soupspoon, coin, or piece
of water buffalo horn are used, but over the years and with the transition to
western society, a variety of other tools – even tools made specifically for
this purpose – are now common within the practice as well.
After the targeted area is oiled, the tool
is then used, specifically at a 45-degree angle, to rub a combination of long
and short downward strokes across the skin. This is done to bring the heat to
the surface of the skin, with the intent of releasing it from the body.
Most commonly, this technique is used on
the back, neck, arms, legs, and buttocks, but is also sometimes performed (more
delicately) on the chest and face. Where the massage is performed depends on
what type of issue is being treated.
When is Gua Sha Used?
Typically, this type of massage therapy is
used to increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system.
By doing this, Gua Sha is believed to be able to treat a number of conditions
varying from acute or chronic disorders, the common cold or flu, and everyday
aches and pains.
What Are the Benefits of Gua Sha?
Gua Sha carries with it a number of benefits that
affect our bodies in different ways. A few of these benefits include:
·
A Stimulated
Immune System – when Gua
Sha is performed, it helps to activate the recipient’s immune system. With the
immune system activated, the body is better able to speed up its natural
healing process. This allows the recipient to better combat current illnesses
and is proactive in helping one to avoid future illnesses.
·
Reduced Pain
– because Gua Sha
is a natural anti-inflammatory, it can significantly reduce both chronic and
acute pain caused by a number of different issues that center around
inflammation of different parts of the body.
·
Increased
Circulation – the ways in
which Gua Sha stimulates the body helps to increase the circulation of various
fluids within the body. The improved circulation helps our bodies better rid
themselves of waste, specifically metabolic waste, which congests our muscles.
·
Anti-Aging
Properties – this is, of
course, not one of the medical benefits of Gua Sha, but who wouldn’t want to
add a massage to their beauty routine? A gentler version of Gua Sha used on the
face can help smooth lines and wrinkles, tighten the skin, and decrease puffiness
around the eyes.
Aside from the various chronic
illnesses often treated with Gua Sha, a number of studies have been done determining
that Gua Sha has in fact promoted healing for a an even larger array of health
concerns, including (but not limited to): Hepatitis B, migraines, Tourette’s,
and Perimenopausal syndrome.
In each of the case studies, patients
noticed improvements with their symptoms, such as reduced pain and discomfort,
less anxiety, and even cured insomnia.
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Is Gua Sha Safe?
While Gua Sha is a safe technique, it is
still in one’s best interest to contact their doctor or another medical
professional before seeking treatment – and seek treatment from someone
qualified to perform the massage properly.
Of course, Gua Sha is not suitable for
everybody. If you are experiencing any of the following, than Gua Sha may not
be for you:
·
You have
recently had surgery
·
You are on blood
thinners or are prone to blood clots
·
You have some
sort of medical implant, such as a pacemaker
·
You have an open
wound or infection
Is Gua Sha For
You?
If you believe Gua Sha may be beneficial in
treating an ailment you are struggling with, discuss it with your doctor. Gua
Sha, when performed correctly, can have an amazing impact on many different
issues and can truly help to improve the quality of life for the individuals
struggling with those issues.
Aside from its healing effects, Gua Sha can
be a great way to simply relax and soothe your muscles and mind. With benefits
like these, there is really no harm in considering Gua Sha as a treatment (or
just a treat). Find a qualified therapist near you now and experience it for
yourself.
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