Introduction to Gua Sha

Gua Sha (aka as ‘spooning’ or ‘scraping’) is another effective method that we use in TCM to treat a variety of disorders. A form of massage, Gua Sha is used at Journey Healthcare Acupuncture and Massage in Leichhardt to treat pain, tension, muscle stiffness, as well as colds and flus, fever, chills, headache, asthma, bronchitis, among many others.

Chinese Medicine theory states that Qi and Blood should flow smoothly in the channels and muscles for proper functioning of the body. When there is stagnation, deficiency, or blockage, there will be pain and dysfunction.

To help understand the concept of Meridians (channels) and the idea of Qi (energy), imagine a river. When there is a good amount of water, the river flows smoothly and easily. Everything thrives. When there is a heavy rain, the river flows too quickly and too rough, causing damage to the river banks. When there is a large amount of debris in the water, the river’s path will be interrupted, causing flooding. If there is not enough water, the life along the river will not be nourished sufficiently.

Your channels are the river’s path, your Qi and Blood the water. Gua Sha and Acupuncture ensures the flow is kept smooth and even. A popular saying in TCM states, “Big Blockage equals Big Pain, Small Blockage equals small pain, no blockage equals no pain”.

Gua Sha is an appropriate form of treatment when you start feeling that neck pain right before you get a cold, or the knows in your shoulders and back start bothering you. Also for chronic chesty coughs, or bronchitis, fevers and sore throats. During treatment the ‘sha’ will appear as a distinctive reddish bruise, lasting 2-3 days. This is the Heat and Stagnation being released from the muscles and channels.

“if there is an illness, Gua Sha treats it, if there is no illness, Gua Sha strengthens the body”

Helena Nyssen is a registered Chinese Medicine practitioner and Remedial Massage Therapist with Journey Healthcare. We specialise in Acupuncture, Remedial Massage, and Pain Management in Leichhardt NSW. Call 0404 0505 13 to make an appointment.