Gua Sha(刮痧) is a healing technique used in Asia by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM), in both the clinical setting and in homes. It is also one of the treatment techniques used in Asia TCM clinic in Singapore.
In this technique, a medium is placed on the skin, such as massage oil, which has a lubricating and protective function. The Gua Sha tool which has a smooth surface is held in the physician’s hand and, using moderate force, the physician will rub the tool on the patient’s skin in long smooth strokes. This technique will create redness to the area called 'sha', that will fade in 2 to 3 days.
Very light colored Sha can indicate Deficiency of Blood. If the Sha is fresh red, it is of recent penetration. If the Sha is purple or black, the Blood stasis is long-standing. If brown, the Blood may be dry. Dark red Sha can indicate heat.
Raising Sha removes blood stagnation considered pathogenic, promoting normal circulation and metabolic processes. Normally the patient will experience immediate relief from pain, stiffness, fever, chill, cough, nausea, and so on.
