Gua-Sha and what it can do for you

Gua-Sha and what it can do for you.

Experience the Healing Power of Gua Sha Massage
10/02/2023

As a Holistic Massage practitioner I get excited about learning new techniques that I can add to my practice, not only to help with site-specific pain but also to address the contributing factors within your body that you may be unaware of, and with so much buzz around the ancient Chinese practice of Gua Sha over recent years, I was intrigued to understand more about it. I continue to be fascinated about the depth of learning I am able pursue to understand it fully, beyond it’s trend of being just a facial sculpting technique.

The first thing that is key to the practice is the difference in application between strokes of the tool for the face to those on the body, one being very gentle, one more direct with more of a ‘scraping’ application. The second, more vigorous approach breaks down compressed soft tissue that interferes with circulation and speeds up the healing time of your skin. The name of this practice comes from the Chinese words "gua" meaning "to scrape" and "sha" meaning "sand," gua sha involves gently scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool which can be made of a stone such as rose quartz or of stainless steel. The therapist applies gentle strokes in a specific pattern over oiled skin, primarily targeting areas of tension or congestion. I realize this may not sound like the most enjoyable experience, but when performed correctly, Gua sha is incredibly relaxing and can help to ‘iron out’ tensions with repetitive strokes different from that of the massage practitioner’s hand.

Facial Gua Sha

Gentle strokes bring deep relaxation whilst lifting, brightening and toning the skin.

Body Gua Sha

The method used on the body applies pressure differently than hand application, relieving tension more effectively. The reddening of the skin shows areas of congestion, allowing me to focus my massage on those spots. By blending Eastern and Western techniques, clients notice better balance and less pain and stress.

The application of Gua Sha stimulates the flow of energy (known as Qi) within the body, promoting improved circulation, lymphatic drainage, and the release of toxins. By enhancing blood flow and eliminating stagnation, gua sha can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and support the body's natural healing processes.
Besides its physical benefits, gua sha also has a profound impact on mental and emotional well-being. As the therapist glides the tool across your skin, it induces a deep state of relaxation, allowing stress and tension to melt away. Gua sha can help balance the body's energy, relieving anxiety, and promoting mental clarity.

Alongside gua sha, we offer an array of complementary treatments that can be tailor-made to suit your preferences.