Gua sha—an ancient healing technique for everyday life

What is Gua Sha?

Gua sha is one of many healing modalities found in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). ‘Gua’ translates as scraping, and ‘sha’ refers to the red spots on the skin during the procedure. It is sometimes just called ‘scraping’ technique. Gua sha is performed with the assistance of a tool, usually a flat or slightly rounded specialized tool made from stone, metal, or hard plastic. However, in a pinch, many people have been known to use a common kitchen spoon, thus an alternative name for Gua sha, ‘spooning’. 

Benefits of Gua sha

Gua sha has many benefits including pain relief and clearing the symptoms of a common cold. For muscle pain, Gua sha is a fascia release technique. It can be very hard to release the fascia, which contracts when the muscles are injured. Fascia is much harder to relax than muscles due to it's strong fibrous makeup. To release fascia, you usually need to either pull and hold for a few minutes, or strongly scrape across the muscle and fascia. Cupping, another technique used in TCM, pulls and holds the tissues, thus releasing the fascia. Gua sha functions to scrape the fascia and thus releasing and loosening the tension and pain.

The ‘sha’, or red/purple coloration that appears on the skin is also called petechiae. Petechiae are a sign of anti-inflammatory and immune-protective factors, which can last for days following the treatment. 

In TCM, we say Gua sha unblocks the channels or meridians. Most types of pain can be characterized by a blockage of Qi and Blood in the meridians. Gua sha is very effective at opening up the channels, allowing Qi and Blood to move freely. 

When Gua sha is applied to the acupuncture meridians on the upper back and neck, it releases the exterior wind-heat and wind-cold, which in TCM refers to the external pathogens, much like western medicine would call the common cold. 

At Lakewood Community Acupuncture, we offer gua sha and cupping as a service. We also sell the gua sha tools to be able to use in your own home with the instruction from one of our licensed acupuncturists on how and where to use the gua sha tool. Schedule your appointment today by clicking here.

 


Sources

Ben Ramirez
Ben Ramirez
2022-08-09
Great service and results!
Sarah
Sarah
2022-07-16
Emily helped me combat some pretty deep depression and anxiety yesterday. I had come to my wits end and western med was no longer helping me. She recommended herbs that are significantly decreasing the debilitating mental health symptoms I was experiencing and her treatment of acupuncture/reiki helped calm my nervous system. I’m noticing this all in less than 24 hrs, wow! THANK YOU 🙏
Lindsay Hovland
Lindsay Hovland
2022-07-15
I received a healing treatment from Crystal yesterday and the day before— acupuncture and cupping, along with ear seeds. She was so attentive and deeply caring for my personal needs and desires. I genuinely cannot wait to go back. Truly, it is honorable they are a non-profit organization for all the hard work and hours they put in. I will always go back. Thanks to the hardworking (shen) hands of Crystal.
Melissa Bell
Melissa Bell
2022-07-01
Would recommend! Very professional, clean, empathetic, experienced. Seen Jamie a few times and he's wonderful. Acupuncture can help with almost anything along with their other services.
Tammy Osolinski
Tammy Osolinski
2022-03-15
Brought in my 15 year old who was suffering from a sports related back injury. She has had two appointments (acupuncture and acupuncture with cupping) and has been experiencing good results. The healthcare team is extremely knowledgeable and comforting. They explain everything they are doing and ensure you are comfortable with every step. Would definitely recommend.
Jay Clement
Jay Clement
2022-01-09
I've been to other acupuncturists before, and Emily @ Lakewood did a fantastic job - way better than the others I've been to. Very thorough on intake, learning what to focus, and overall creating a great space. Thanks so much!
Shawna Seldon McGregor
Shawna Seldon McGregor
2021-11-13
Lakewood Community Acupuncture is amazing! I've received acupuncture, cupping and bodywork here. It was an outstanding experience. I felt amazing when I left and it addressed my chronic pain. I highly recommend LCP!
Coleen C
Coleen C
2021-09-24
Amazing practitioners who are dedicated to serving the community with powerful healing! Each session is greeted with compassion and incredible care. I came to the office experiencing a lot of pain in my back and neck. The day after receiving Tuina bodywork and Acupuncture, my pain was gone. I am so very grateful. Thank you!!
bic109
bic109
2021-08-17
I've been here a couple times and both were great.

Contact

7114 W Jefferson Ave, suite 112
Lakewood, CO 80235
(720) 242-9756
info@lakewoodacupuncture.org

Hours

Monday: 9am-6pm
Tuesday: 9am-7pm
Wednesday: 9am-7pm
Thursday: 9am-3pm
Friday: 8-7pm
Saturday: 9am-3pm
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