Gua sha – The great traditional Chinese technique – Is applied to chronic soft tissue pain with an emphasis on restoring normal circulatory function, boosting energy and the immune system, and improving flexibility (for ex. on the frozen shoulder, extending range of motion and increasing strength).
We are your fellow specialist for Gua Sha in Honolulu!
What is the meaning of Gua Sha?
“Gua” means scraping and “sha” means sand. Sand refers to irregular texture that one palpates as sha rise to the surface.
Sha is visible after the treatment and appears as petechiae (small red dots resembling a rash resulting from capillary hemorrhages).Petechiae appears in tissues where adhesions and scar tissues have accumulated from repeated trauma.
From the Easter perspective, abnormal conditions result from blockage of toxins (acidic environment resulting from impaired circulation) that block the flow of chi (the life energy) through the body.
Petechiae might be very light (indicates deficiency of blood), red (acute condition which did not penetrate deep into the body yet), purple (indicates blood stagnation), dark brown (dryness in the body and deficiency of fluids).
Benefits of Gua Sha
Gua sha is applied with the goal of improving circulation and decreasing acidity in facilitating normal cell growth and timely healing, which restores the balance in your body.
Pain relief after gua sha in often times immediate due to improving circulation, aerobic metabolism, and normal cell growth in the affected area.
Gentle pressure releases histamine, which is a chemical released by the body as an allergic response produced by mast cells. Histamine causes dilation of capillaries, increases blood flow and decreases acidity by oxygen and nutrient flowing into the tissues.
Gua sha ca indirectly improves range of motion and strength by eliminating abnormal reciprocal inhibition.
Conditions to Consider to Be Treated with Gua Sha
Prevent the common cold, flu, bronchitis and asthma
Chronic tendinosis
Pain caused by chronic poor posture
Ligament sprains where the joint is stable
Muscle strains
Myofascial pain
Trigger points
Muscle spasm
Mature scar tissue resulting from trauma which comes from surgery, burn or crush.
