Gua Sha

Gua Sha is an ancient practice that some say began during the Stone Age in China.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, sha is produced when the regular flow of qi and blood becomes stagnant or blocked. This can be due to traumatic injury or the penetration of adverse climate factors such as wind or internal pathogenic conditions.

Gua Sha is typically performed by rubbing a smooth- edged instrument (usually a polished water buffalo horn) across the skin surface where an injury or imbalance resides. When the treatment is effective a distinctive reddening of the skin, known as sha is observed.

What does the type of Sha indicate?

The colour of the sha is both diagnostic and prognostic.

• Very light coloured sha can indicate a deficiency of blood.
• If the sha is fresh red, it is of recent penetration.
• Purple or black, the blood stasis is long lasting.
• Brown, the blood may be dry.
• Dark red sha can indicate heat.

The sha should fade in 2-3 days. If it takes longer to fade, then it is an indication that the patient has poor blood circulation.

Gua Sha can treat the following conditions: