Gua sha
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When is Gu-a-Sha used?
Gu-a-Sha is used whenever a patient has pain associated with acute or chronic disorder, or when there is an aching, tendernessand/or knotty feeling in the muscles. Palpation reveals Sha whennormal finger pressure on a patient's skin causes blanching that isslow to fade.
In addition to resolving muscular skeletal pain, Gu-a-Sha is used to treat and prevent the common cold, flu,bronchitis, asthmaas well as any chronic disorder involving pain, congestionof qi and Blood.
Where is Gu-a-Sha applied?
Sha is raised primarily at the yang (positive) surface of the bodythe back, neck, shoulders, buttocks, and. On occasion, Gu-a-Sha is applied at the chest and abdomen.How is Gu-a-Sha applied??
The area in question Gu-a-Sha is lubricated with oil. The skin isthen rubbed with a round-edged instrument in downward strokes.An area is strokes until the patches that surface are completelyraised. If there is no Blood stasis the patches will not form andthe skin will only turn pink.
What kind of instrument is used to Gu-a-Sha?
A soupspoon, coin, or slice of water buffalo horn is used in china.A simple metal cap with a rounded lip works best and is by far themost comfortable for the patient.Gu-a-Sha Therapy
What dose types of Sha indicate?
The color of the Sha is both diagnostic and prognostic. Very light colored Sha can indicate blood deficiency. If the Sha is fresh res, it is of recent penetration. If the Sha is purple or black, the blood stasis is long-standing. If brown, the blood may be dry. Dark red Sha can indicate heat.
How fast will the patches fade?
The Sha patches should fade in 2-4 days. If it is slower to fade, indicating poor Blood circulation, the practitioner must ascertain whether it is a blood deficiency, Qi or Yang, a deeper stagnation or organ deficiency.
What are the benefits of Gu-a-Sha?
In most cases the patient feels an immediate shift in their condition particularly pain relief or increase movement. Gu-a-Sha moves blocked Qi and blood, releases external sweating, and moves fluids. In modern medical terms, these fluids contain metabolic waste that has becomes congested in the surface tissues and muscles. Gu-a-Sha promotes circulation and normalizes the metabolic processes. It is a valuable treatment for both external and internal pain, and facilitates the resolution of both acute and chronic disorders.
Is Gu-a -Sha safe?
Gu-a-Sha is a completely safe technique, but it is serious medicine. Knowing when to user it and what to expect from treatment is as important as good technique. People who live with chronic pain often create emotional defenses to cope with it or can feel completely hopeless. Having that pain 'touched' and relieved can be unsettling, even shocking. It is good to be moderate in activity after treatment, even rest. Remember after treatment no drugs, alcohol, sex, fasting or hard labor, including working out, for the rest of the day. In other words, mellow mode.
