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.
Great post. Having had Gua Sha myself, I can definitely see the benefit.
ReplyDeleteI also like the analogy of the Meridians and the river flowing.
Thanks Bryan, it's great that you have felt the benefit of Gua Sha. It's also amazing for general maintenance, so keep up your treatment :)
ReplyDelete