What is Gua Sha you ask?
Gua sha is a healing technique of traditional East Asian medicine originating in China around 200BC, although it is thought to have much older linage in other sources originally.
The art of Gua Sha is defined as instrument assisted unidirectional press stroking of a lubricated area of the body surface.
Gua Sha means to scrape away fever, the Gua being the scrape and the Sha being the result.
What does Gua Sha Do?
Fundamentally Gua Sha works to release blocked Qi, thereby curing the ailment. Certainly, modern western research confirms the capacity of Gua Sha to reduce pain and inflammation, whilst stimulating an immune protective response, that can endure for several days following a treatment.
So, when you book in to see Ann @ Chinley Massage, you can be assured that prior to having any form of treatment, Ann will go through a thorough clinical consultation, where she will check with you that it is safe to perform this modality.
What may be considered a reason not to use Gua Sha?
There may be an occasion, where Ann will not be able to use this specific technique on you.
If you have been diagnosed with any severe heart, liver, kidney and significant lung problems, this technique will not be for you. There are other contra indications, that will be necessary to consider, such as advanced Diabetes, severe Anaemia, Leukaemia, thrombosis and if you are a pregnant lady. Should you have any skin conditions or infections, and you are taking medication for blood thinning, vitamin C, fish oils and aspirin, this technique will not be suitable for you.
What will Gua She feel like when it is used on my body?
As Ann receives regular Gua She treatments herself, she is fully able to answer you this question.
When you initially receive Gua Sha for the first time, you will notice a warm sensation on the area of the body that is being worked. This is because you are having your blood circulation and lymphatic system increasingly activated. In most cases, you will feel an immediate shift in your condition, particularly in the area of pain or sense of constraint. Your range of movement will begin to improve. Ann will be using Gua Sha to move stagnant QI and blood, which can release emotions too. So Gua Sha can assist the body to restore harmony and strengthen the immune system.
There is one note to consider though. When Gua press stroking is applied in repeated even strokes, Sha appears as small red dots called petechiae. Within minutes of the treatment the small red dots fade, blending into a deep red blush. The Sha will disappear over an average of four days after the treatment, discomfort is alleviated immediately. So, the marks that may present is not a bruise. Gua Sha forces blood containing toxins to seep out of permeable capillaries and thus helps to improve local microcirculation. Honestly, don’t let this information put you off receiving this wonderful treatment. The Sha does go and you will feel fabulous.
Post Treatment self-care
Keep the treated area warm and covered.
Keep the area moving and stretch regularly.
Drink plenty of water and avoid tea, coffee and drinks with caffein as well as alcohol.
Eat nourishing foods to help your body heal and clean out toxins.
Do not do heavy exercise after a treatment although some light exercise is beneficial. Try to get some sleep early, so the body can repair during the night. Preferably before 11pm.
You may find that you urinate more or have bowel movements. Also, symptoms of a cold such as runny nose, sore throat or generally feeling under the weather van appear and these are normal signs of the body clearing toxins in the system and will usually go fairly quickly.
After treatments such as Gua Sha & Massage you may feel sore due to the strong techniques. If necessary, you can take (if you’re not allergic to Ibuprofen) to reduce inflammation.
