Gua sha roughly translates into English as “scraping away fever.” The traditional Chinese practice of gua sha involves stroking the skin with a stiff instrument made of stone, jade, bone, or horn. We use these devices and techniques in AshbrookeTherapies to treat a variety of conditions.
Gua sha is similar to massage and acupressure, but it focuses directly on increasing blood flow beneath the surface of the skin. This heightened circulation can lead to a number of noticeable healing effects in the body.
In recent decades, Western physicians and patients have begun studying and using gua sha. Today’s researchers have found scientific explanations for Gua Sha’s anti-inflammatory and immune boosting effects, which may last for days and counteract a number of symptoms and diseases.
Researchers have shown that Gua Sha causes a dramatic increase in circulation in the soft tissues under the skin. Additionally, a Harvard study (conducted on mice) found that Gua Sha encourages cells to create heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). A potent cytoprotectant and antioxidant which also fights inflammation.
The benefits of Gua Sha seem to occur after blood is brought to the surface of the body during treatment. As the body reabsorbs this blood, it breaks down hemoglobin, triggering the production and release of HO-1 and its catalysates: bilirubin, biliverdin, and carbon monoxide. These potent chemicals fight infection, inflammation, and a number of other diseases.
What Are the Health Benefits of Gua Sha?
By boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation, Gua Sha can help with various conditions, including:
- Pain and stiffness
- Fever and chill
- Neck and back pain
- Flu and bronchitis
- Earaches
- Migraine headaches
- Allergic inflammation
- Asthma, coughing, and wheezing
- Nausea
How Gua Sha Therapy Is Performed
Gua Sha is always performed in a warm room with a relaxed ambience.
Firstly we apply a massage oil to the area to be treated, this acts to support the gliding of the Gua Sha instrument. We can use a selection of oils such as a pre-blended aromatherapy oil, coconut oil, almond oil etc and oils to suit those with nut allergies (please inform us first on booking) We can also incorporate a blend of oils for those suffering from a cold or lung conditions to support chest clearing. If you prefer non-scented medium, please feel free to let us know.
Following the oil application the area is then scraped to create a reaction underneath the skin surface i.e promoting circulation which shifts body fluids, in turn releasing toxic waste and normalizing cellular metabolic processes. As your blood circulation increase, it benefits by nourishing and oxidizing the deeper cellular tissue. By letting go of this old stagnant blood, it allows for healthier cells to be produced. Once your body releases this redundant waste, it can then allow your new cells to efficiently absorb more nutrients.
The scraping technique focus is achieved a reddening or petechaie in the skin and this is a completely normal response. The skin will normalize within a few days, longer if there has been a high level of tonic waste and thus reaction.
Prices
55 min treatment £45