This is where TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) comes in. Along with our bodily systems and organs, TCM focuses on re-balancing Qi (our life energy) and its effects on our overall health. Unbalanced or ‘blocked’ Qi can greatly impact the organs and systems located around the afflicted area. This can cause the rise of disease and/or chronic illnesses which, in turn, leads to complete body imbalances and general poor health.
Traditional Chinese Medicine practises release the blockages within our meridians (pathways that carry the flow of Qi), helping to alleviate and treat the afflicting disease or illness. Sore, aching or injured muscles, fatigue, and chronic pain are major indicators of blocked meridians, as well as high fever and fluidly joints and muscles. Techniques such as cupping, moxa and acupuncture all help with the balancing and unblocking of stagnant Qi, along with having many physical health benefits as well – such as pain relief and the removal of excess fluid.
Gua Sha is another one of these techniques that not only works on Qi, but helps to promote micro-circulation within the tissues, drain away excess lymph and fluid, as well as softening the outer layers of the muscles associated with tightness and soreness.
Cold, flu, high fever, fluid retention and many other chronic illnesses and diseases can all be treated with Gua Sha, a technique often using a flat-edged jade stone that is scraped over the skin causing acute redness known as Sha to rise to the surface. Gua Sha literally means scrapping to remove stagnate Qi. This reddening of the skin is the release of stagnant blood —known to be pathogenic— so that it can be flushed away and expelled from the body by its natural elimination processes. Once the area being worked on stops producing erythema (redness), the practitioner moves to another location where the Qi may be blocked in relation to the presented ailment.
Using a light scraping motion, a flat-edged jade stone is scrapped over the skin to release stagnant Qi and toxins from deep within the muscle tissues. Similar to cupping, sha rises to the surface indicating the state of the area being worked on. Gua Sha is good for helping with tight muscles, aches and pains, surface Qi flow stagnation and to treat areas unable to be cupped.
Red, purple, brown and even black Sha can be common, indicating different inflammation or deficiencies within the body, and often fades a few days after treatment.
Health concerns are not the only things Gua Sha is used for. In Japan especially, the technique of skin scrapping is used to flush away excess lymph in the face, re-sculpting the contours for more defined, less puffy features. The technique also helps promote collagen, softening fine lines and wrinkles, and stimulates nutrient rich blood flow for overall skin health and radiance.
Incorporated with facials or massage, or even on its own, Gua Sha is an effective, holistic therapy that not only treats acute illness and pain, but also helps maintain whole body wellness in order for us to keep moving at the fast pace life seems to be setting for us.
All Jun Lin Gua Sha treatments are tailored to each individual’s needs depending on illness or ailment, skin sensitivity, and the intensity of Qi blockages.
If you think Gua Sha might be for you, please don’t hesitate in talking to our passionate therapists about this effective, highly traditional, holistic therapy.
