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.

 


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Thomas Najar
Thomas Najar
2023-11-20
Great service at a good price. Convenient location, knowledgable staff, clean and inviting clinic.
Tracy Carr
Tracy Carr
2023-11-10
This is the best place ever! I get cupping and acupuncture when my back starts acting up and leave feeling like 50 pounds was lifted off my back. Crystal and Jamie are very thorough in their questions to understand what’s going on and the treatment they provide. And the prices can’t be beat. 10/10
Liz Spanos
Liz Spanos
2023-11-10
I have been going to Lakewood Community Acupuncture for over a year and can’t imagine my life without it now!! It can truly help with so much - from physical pain (I have issues with my pelvic floor and multiple herniated discs) to emotional blocks, energy deficiencies and more! I ALWAYS feel better after acupuncture. I’ve seen all the practitioners and they are all extremely skilled, but Crystal is my go-to. She is not only very gentle and effective but always a delight to connect with. For the quality of service, atmosphere and price, you cannot do better. It’s been a game changer for me. Wholeheartedly recommend!!
T S
T S
2023-10-19
Have had one visit so far and will be going for many more. Very professional. Office is clean and calming. Their prices are very affordable and I can tell they really care. Highly recommend! 4 years later, I am still a customer and still impressed. Thank you L.C.A.!
Bronson Doom
Bronson Doom
2023-10-19
Crystal is great! I have a compressed l4 l5 and my back has been really tight due to the disk pushing into a nerve. I have completed 2 acupuncture sessions and can already feel the muscles relaxing!
Shannon Ennenga
Shannon Ennenga
2023-09-07
very pleased with how things are going. Have suggested the group to fellow friends and family
Matt Deason
Matt Deason
2023-09-01
Crystal helped me out so much and was very kind and understanding of the issues I was having. I look forward to returning again next week.
Jill B
Jill B
2023-08-30
The care I’ve received is outstanding & affordable! I was doing PT for my injury, but found that I wasn’t getting better so I decided to try alternative methods. After coming to LCA I’ve felt much better & I feel like there’s a comprehensive plan in place to get me healed. I highly recommend giving them a try!

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-7pm
Friday: 9-7pm
Saturday: 9am-3pm
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