An Introduction to Guasha(yuan dynasty)
Gua means “to scrape” and Sha means “red skin rash” (in other words, the result of the Gua).So The essence of Guasha is the scraping of the back and other areas to release blocked Qi (energy) and to cure other illnesses.

When is Gua Sha used? Gua Sha is used whenever a patient has pain whether associated with an acute or chronic disorder. It can resolve musculo skeletal pain, Gua Sha is used to treat as well as prevent common cold, flu, bronchitis, asthma, as well as any chronic disorder involving pain, congestion of Qi and Blood.



Where is Gua Sha applied?

Sha is raised primarily at the surface of the body: the back, neck, shoulders, buttocks, and limbs. On occasion, Gua Sha is applied at the chest and abdomen.



How is Gua Sha applied?


Doctors their patients to find areas that feel tight. They then rub them with a spoon or similar tool until they turn red. “Essentially, you are scraping the restriction in their skin,”

What kind of instrument is used to Gua Sha? A soupspoon, coin, or slice of water buffalo horn is used in Asia. I have found that a simple metal cap with a rounded lip works best and is by far more comfortable to the patient.



What does the type of Sha indicate?

The color of the Sha is both diagnostic and prognostic. Very 1.light colored Sha can indicate Deficiency of Blood.
2.If the Sha is purple or black, the Blood stasis is long-standing.
3.If brown, the Blood may be dry.
4.Dark red Sha can indicate heat.



How fast will the petechiae fade?

The Sha petechiae should fade in 2-4 days. If it is slower to fade, indicating poor Blood circulation, the practitioner must ascertain whether it is deficiency of Blood, Qi or Yang, a deeper stagnation or organ deficiency at the root.



What are the benefits of Gua Sha?

In most cases the patient feels an immediate shift in their condition particularly in their pain or sense of constraint. Gua Sha moves stuck Qi and Blood, releases the Exterior mimicking sweating, and moves Fluids. In a modern medical construct these fluids contain metabolic waste that congested the surface tissues and muscles. Gua Sha promotes circulation and normalizes metabolic processes. It is a valuable treatment for both external and internal pain, and facilitates the resolution of both acute and chronic disorders.



Is Gua Sha Safe?


Gua Sha is a completely safe technique, but it is serious medicine. Knowing when to use it and what to expect from treatment is as important as good technique. People who live in chronic pain often erect emotional defenses to cope with it or can feel completely hopeless. Having that pain ‘touched’ and relieved can be unsettling, even shocking. It is good to be moderate in activity after treatment, even rest. I have always told my patients after treatment: no drugs, booze, sex, fasting, feasting or hard labor, including working out, for the rest of the day. In other words, mellow mode.

Like most alternative therapies, gua sha has not been subjected to extensive scientific studies. But it has used since yuan dynasty about more than 700 ago.