GUA SHA: Inventions from Ancient China

                 Gua Sha (pronounced “gwa shaw”) is an ancient healing technique, used in China for more than 2,000 years. Gua means to scrape or rub. Sha is a reddish, elevated, millet-like skin rash (aka petechiae). Sha is the term used to describe Blood stasis in the subcutaneous tissue before and after it is raised as petechiae. Gua Sha is one technique that intentionally raises Sha rash or petechiae. Gua Sha involves scraping the skin with a flat tool (usually made of buffalo horn or jade) to facilitate pain relief, blood circulation and removing toxic heat, blood, and lymph from the body. Specific oils and herbs are applied to the skin to open pores, increase deep cleansing, and improve circulation. In addition to resolving 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.

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