What is gua sha?
Gua sha, pronounced ‘goowa-sa’, is a healing technique of traditional East Asian medicine. Sometimes called coining, spooning or scraping, gua sha is defined as instrument-assisted press-stroking on a lubricated area of the body surface. The method is used to intentionally create transitory therapeutic petechiae called ‘sha’ representing extraction of blood in the subcutis.
Modern research shows gua sha produces an anti-inflammatory and immune protective effect that persists for days following a single gua sha treatment. This accounts for its effect on pain, stiffness, fever, chill, cough, wheezing, nausea, vomiting and other conditions. It is also effective in acute and chronic internal organ disorders, including liver inflammation in hepatitis.
Benefits of gua sha
Facial rejuvenation gua sha is a truly luxurious, effective beauty practice that encourages movement and stimulation of facial tissues, resulting in visibly plump and tone facial skin. It delivers a much needed relaxed, Zen vibe during and after treatment. What is very important to point out is that the ‘sha’ or ‘sand’ that is created when practised anywhere on the body, is not part of the facial qua sha routine!
After gua sha, my patients notice the immediate results that include increased blood flow, relaxed facial lines, and a smooth appearance. Patients have noticed overall a more voluminous complexion with increased firming and brightening. The most important takeaway for me is that the gua sha practice makes everybody feel really, really good.