The Ancient Healing Art of Gua Sha
Gua sha which translates to ‘scrape wind,’ involves using a tool with a smooth edge to stroke or scrape skin in one direction. This traditional technique remains popular as a quick and effective technique to release toxins and relieve muscle tension and knots. By ‘scraping’ with repeated strokes on the surface of the skin, gua sha helps stimulate new blood flow and draw out stagnation in the problem areas to help generate metabolic cell repair and healing.
The “sha” (wind) or purple streaks that can appear on the surface during the process is thought to represent the severity of the stagnation of blood flow in the area. The stroking/scraping motions of gua sha — generally not painful — can cause capillaries near the skin surface to bleed, which causes the markings to surface. As strokes are applied, fluids and toxins are drawn to the skin.
Gua sha is simple, safe and very effective. At Mend, we may use gua sha during One on One treatments primarily for upper back, neck and shoulder pain as well as a first aid go-to for chest colds and fevers.
The technique can be used on the head and face to relieve sinus pressure and TMJ (jaw tightness). Gua sha tools and jade rolling have also become popularized in the natural beauty world a DIY facelift as gua sha relaxes tension in facial muscles which can cause lines, promotes lymphatic drainage, blood flow and improved elasticity.
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