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Honored Contributor
Posts: 54,451
Registered: ‎03-29-2012

I went for acupuncture today, and my acupuncturist performed gua sha on my back.  

 

Gua Sha (pronounced “gwa shah”)  Gua Sha, Is similar to cupping, both techniques aim to bring the 'sha' to the surface of the body. Cupping works through suction; Gua Sha works through friction.   Gua Sha,  is used to treat pain, remove toxins, improve circulation and move stuck qi. Gua Sha is done after an acupuncture treatment, usually to the neck, shoulders or back. Oil is applied to specific areas and gently scraped (without breaking the skin) with a smooth tool like a spoon, piece of jade or stone. The strokes follow the direction of the ribs and spine, and leave distinctively long, temporary red patches on the skin.:

 

Here is a photo similar to what my back looks like on day one.

gua sha - body

It should fade in a few days. Cat Happy

 

Here are some more details about it, in case you're interested.

 

http://philotoyourhealth.blogspot.com/2012/09/125-what-is-gua-sha-and-health-benefits.html

 

Have you had it done?

Honored Contributor
Posts: 78,280
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

@lolakimono  We love you but I think you've lost it to subject yourself to that.  Voluntarily, I assume? 

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment
Honored Contributor
Posts: 43,357
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

Gua Sha?  Ya, Nah.

 

I hope it helps you.

There are times when you must speak, not because you are going to change the opposing side, but because if you do not speak, they have changed you.
Valued Contributor
Posts: 619
Registered: ‎02-12-2017

@lolakimono wrote:

I went for acupuncture today, and my acupuncturist performed gua sha on my back.  

 

Gua Sha (pronounced “gwa shah”)  Gua Sha, Is similar to cupping, both techniques aim to bring the 'sha' to the surface of the body. Cupping works through suction; Gua Sha works through friction.   Gua Sha,  is used to treat pain, remove toxins, improve circulation and move stuck qi. Gua Sha is done after an acupuncture treatment, usually to the neck, shoulders or back. Oil is applied to specific areas and gently scraped (without breaking the skin) with a smooth tool like a spoon, piece of jade or stone. The strokes follow the direction of the ribs and spine, and leave distinctively long, temporary red patches on the skin.:

 

Here is a photo similar to what my back looks like on day one.

gua sha - body

It should fade in a few days. Cat Happy

 

Here are some more details about it, in case you're interested.

 

http://philotoyourhealth.blogspot.com/2012/09/125-what-is-gua-sha-and-health-benefits.html

 

Have you had it done?


my mom has and loved the results!! i hope you'll post how it works for you.

 

I would like to try myself but have't found a good acupuncturist in my area=== I did find one I did't care for that I won't be going back to--but that's another story!!

 

Super Contributor
Posts: 342
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Very interesting. This is the first I've heard of it. (Sounds similar to "cupping" in advantages) let me know how you feel afterwards. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 54,451
Registered: ‎03-29-2012

@scottygal wrote:

Very interesting. This is the first I've heard of it. (Sounds similar to "cupping" in advantages) let me know how you feel afterwards. 


@scottygal

I did cupping several years ago, and it has similar properties.  From what I understand, cupping targets specific areas or zones by pulling blood to that surface, whereas gua sha can cover large areas or organ systems.  By doing my entire back, this helps with "dampness" in the lungs and getting the bloodflow to circulate more readily.  Based on the color that I turned immediately, she asked if I also had neck/shoulder pain., which this can help with too.  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 23,835
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

It looks like a whole lot of hickies.  😮Not for me ThankYou!

Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,415
Registered: ‎11-25-2011

@SeaMaiden wrote:

It looks like a whole lot of hickies.  😮Not for me ThankYou!


That many hickies would probably 'increase the circulation', as well!

(wink) And be a heck of a lot more fun. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 43,357
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

@lolakimono  I'm all for it as long as you don't scar.  I'm sure the practitioner knows what she/he is doing.

There are times when you must speak, not because you are going to change the opposing side, but because if you do not speak, they have changed you.
Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,616
Registered: ‎07-11-2010

I have never heard of it, but hope it helps you. I love acupunture. If I could afford it, I would get it weekly. Medicare does not cover it.Smiley Sad

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