Gua sha: Myofascial smoothing

Gua sha is a traditional method of treatment that involves stroking a smooth implement along muscles and fascia that have become tight and stagnant, promoting healthy circulation and releasing the area affected.

When body tissues have been tight for a long time, tiny bumps and kinks in surface flow develop; gua sha smoothes out these bumps, restoring healthy flow of blood and lymph to the muscles treated, and to the wider area.

Gua sha is incredibly effective at stimulating the circulation, relieving pain and loosening areas that have become tight. I frequently use it for the upper back, particularly around the shoulders and shoulder blades, but it can be used almost anywhere. Much like cupping, Gua sha can leave a mark a little like a bruise (but doesn’t feel like one), that usually lingers for a few days.

Gua sha can be used as a stand-alone treatment, or alongside other acupuncture and massage techniques.