GUA SHA 

"Gua Sha" is an ancient Chinese healing technique that involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool that is made out of stones, bone, or porcelain. 

The intention is to loosen the fascia and connective tissue to increase circulation, eliminate stagnation, and promote healing. This will eventually allow accumulated toxins to come up to the surface so they can be processed eliminated by the body.

 After a gua sha session, you may experience temporary bruising or discoloration of the skin. The color of the marks depends on the intensity of the session (which will be adjusted according to the patient’s comfort), as well as the level of stagnation in the specific area. Higher stagnation will lead to darker marks as the blood can finally be released in the surface which will help improve the circulation. After a few sessions, the signs of stagnation will be eliminated, as well as the severity of the marks.  

The Benefits of Gua Sha

- Relieves pain and muscle tension
- Treats common colds
- Stimulates circulation
- Helps produce collagen
- Softens fine lines and wrinkles
- Decreases puffiness
- Decreases inflammation
- Diminishes dark circles
- Temporarily tightens skin
- Brightens complexion
- Sculpts facial muscles
- Assists with depression and emotional challenges
- Releases tightness, especially in the back and neck areas 

Aftercare

 In the first 48 hours after Gua Sha treatment, it is important that you:

• keep your body warm,

• sufficiently cover the area which was scraped,

• avoid overexertion, and

• drink plenty of water, to flush toxins out of your system.

Taking a warm bath can help ease soreness, which is normal to experience.  The marks or bruising should fade in 2-5 days.  If the bumps are slower to fade than this, blood circulation may be poor, and treatment should be continued.

Gua sha is not an appropriate treatment for everyone. You need to disclose your medical history and existing symptoms or issues to your practitioner prior to treatment.