Gua Sha Technique: Description, Features, Benefits

The Gua sha technique is a traditional technique of Chinese medicine that is about 2,000 years old. Gua means “to scrape” and “sha” translates as “sand”. It is also known as “kerokan”.

In this treatment, a therapist rubs the skin with a flat stone of jade or quartz. Nowadays, the Gua sha technique is part of alternative or natural therapies. The goal is to help solve health problems. Helps relax muscles, relieve pain, promote tissue drainage and improve circulation.

Also, people began to use it for aesthetic purposes, as part of anti-aging treatments, because it seems that reduce wrinkles.

Gua sha technique: tools

Jade or quartz stone is the main instrument used in the Gua sha technique. It is usually heart-shaped.

There are different shapes for different parts of the body. For example, some stones look like fish, others like a bird’s foot, and others are rectangular. In addition, there are jade massage rollers as well as facial oils and moisturizers.

The benefits of the Gua sha technique

These have not been fully studied from a scientific point of view, although proponents of the technique claim that it can successfully treat various diseases. The benefits depend on the type of stone used. For example, jade has calming properties, and quartz helps reduce inflammation, improve circulation and stimulate lymphatic drainage.

The Gua sha technique is traditionally used to treat the symptoms of various inflammatory conditions as well as chronic pain. Moreover, some people claim that it helps to relieve migraines as well as neck and back pain resulting from adopting the wrong postures.

Gua sha massage relieves muscle tension. According to research, it is an effective treatment for chronic sore throats compared to other techniques – such as hot compresses. A clinical study has also shown its effectiveness in treating migraines, even in patients who have not responded to over-the-counter medications.

A scientific study has found that the Gua sha technique can help reduce the symptoms of perimenopause in some women. The technique was also used to treat inflammation of the breasts.

Research indicates that women who receive a Gua sha massage after giving birth are less likely to suffer from milk fever. This greatly improves the breastfeeding process.

Today, Gua sha is often used for aesthetic purposes. People use it as an anti-aging treatment because it is supposed to reduce wrinkles and tone the skin.

People apply Gua sha on the back, buttocks, arms and legs. There is also a Gua sha facial massage. The purpose is to stimulate blood circulation and help absorb the products used.

Contraindications

How to use the Gua sha technique

Proven effects

The Gua Sha technique has no scientific basis. There is no doubt that massage tones the muscles and increases vascularity. But is the stone necessary?

Several studies have shown that the Gua sha technique helps reduce the intensity of sore throat after just one week of use. Another study indicates that this technique helps patients regain mobility and flexibility and reduce their need for pain medication.

In addition, researchers at Beijing University used Gua sha to activate immune responses and reduce inflammation in PR8-infected mice. This technique inhibited inflammatory infiltration. However, we are talking about a controlled study performed only on animals.

Gua sha in the evening, without makeup

Jade or quartz stone adapts to the contours of the skin for stimulation, as long as the therapist makes the movements properly.

Other recommendations to keep in mind are that the Gua sha technique is applied on a clean and hydrated face, after you have removed all the makeup. Applying the technique in the evening, before bed, discourages aging and relaxes muscles.