Gua sha is a traditional Chinese healing method. This method is similar to scraping in Indonesia. The method is the same, which is pressing and moving a tool or coin with a smooth edge at certain points of the body.

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Getting to Know Gua Sha, a Traditional Chinese Healing Method

Gua Sha originated from ancient Chinese culture. It is one of the oldest forms of traditional Chinese medicine recorded in history.

In Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) medical texts, it is recorded that this method was used to “scrape away disease.” The word gua means to scrape, and sha refers to the red spots that appear on the skin. This suggests that the gua sha movement was aimed at improving health by stimulating the skin.

To this day, gua sha is still practiced by most families. This traditional Chinese medicine technique has even spread to various parts of the world. Gua sha is also used by acupuncturists, massage therapists, chiropractors, and physical therapists.

How Does Gua Sha Work?

The tools used to practice gua sha are smooth-sided tools, such as small wooden spoons, buffalo horns, gemstones, or coins. The tool is pressed and rubbed over the skin in one direction until it creates small round red spots.

Gua sha is often applied to the back, neck, buttocks, arms, and legs.

The small red spots caused by the tool's movement are called petechiae, which occur when tiny blood vessels under the skin break. These red spots are temporary and fade within a few days. In traditional Chinese medicine, stimulating these areas is believed to improve the flow of energy and blood.

Benefits of Gua Sha for the Body

Gua sha can help reduce inflammation and relieve some symptoms of the following conditions:

Migraine Headaches

If the migraine headaches you feel do not go away with medication, then you may want to try gua sha as an alternative. Gua sha is sometimes used for migraines that appear during the menstrual period.

This method can also help the body relax. However, more research is still needed on this.

Overcoming Breast Swelling

Swollen breasts are commonly experienced by breastfeeding mothers, especially when the breasts are full of milk. To relieve pain and swelling, breastfeeding mothers may try gua sha to make breastfeeding easier.

Relieves Neck Tension

The gua sha technique is said to be more effective at relieving chronic neck pain than warm compresses.

Relieves Perimenopausal Symptoms

Women approaching menopause may experience symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep problems, and mood swings. According to research, women who practiced gua sha once a week for eight weeks noticed an improvement in these symptoms.

Reduces Chronic Liver Inflammation in Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a long-term liver infection that can cause swelling and damage over time. According to a study, gua sha may help reduce inflammation in people with chronic hepatitis B. However, further research is still needed on this.

Helps Relieve Symptoms of Tourette's Syndrome

Tourette's syndrome is a condition that causes sudden, repeated movements or sounds that a person can't easily control, known as tics. The syndrome usually appears between the ages of 2-15 years, and boys are more likely to develop it than girls.

In one study, people with Tourette's syndrome were given gua sha therapy along with other treatments such as acupuncture, lifestyle changes, and herbal medicine. Over 35 weeks, their symptoms improved by 70%. Researchers are still studying this further.

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