Gua Sha

Service Description

Gua sha (刮痧) is a traditional healing technique used in Chinese medicine that involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to improve circulation and promote healing. What it is: The name literally means "scrape sand" in Chinese, referring to the small red dots (petechiae) that appear on the skin during treatment. Practitioners use smooth tools made of jade, horn, stainless steel, or specialized gua sha stones to repeatedly scrape the skin in long strokes. How it's performed: Oil or balm is applied to the skin to reduce friction The practitioner uses firm pressure to scrape the skin in one direction Typically performed on the back, neck, shoulders, arms, or legs Sessions usually last 10-15 minutes per area The scraping creates temporary redness or bruising that fades within days Traditional purposes: Release "trapped heat" or stagnant energy (qi) Improve blood circulation Reduce muscle tension and pain Treat fever, headaches, and respiratory issues Boost immune function Modern applications: People use gua sha for chronic pain, muscle tension, migraines, neck stiffness, and as part of facial treatments for cosmetic benefits. The facial version uses gentler pressure and is popular for reducing puffiness and promoting skin health. What to expect: The treatment can be uncomfortable but shouldn't be painful. You'll see immediate redness or purple marks (sha) that look like bruises but aren't actually bruises. These marks typically fade within 2-7 days and are considered a normal part of the healing process. Safety considerations: While generally safe when performed properly, guasha isn't suitable for everyone. It should be avoided on areas with skin conditions, open wounds, or by people taking blood thinners. The temporary marking can look alarming but is harmless.