Many people have heard of gua sha, and traditional Chinese medicine has a long history of using gua sha for health. With increasing emphasis on health maintenance, more and more people are using gua sha to take care of their bodies. Today, I will introduce the methods of gua sha and the precautions for gua sha. Let's learn about it together!
Methods of Gua Sha
For different ailments, the techniques for gua sha (i.e., manipulation techniques) vary. It's very important not to perform gua sha arbitrarily. It is necessary to determine different diseases and conditions, and then select different treatment sites and corresponding manipulation techniques, which are the key to improving the effectiveness of gua sha treatment. Gua sha methods can be classified into four categories: scraping method (using scraping tools), pinching method (using fingers), patting method, and picking method (using needles), depending on the tools used for treatment.
I. Scraping Method
The scraping method involves using corresponding scraping tools to scrape the corresponding body surface to produce "sha" marks. The scraping should be done in sequence. When scraping, force should be applied evenly, generally using wrist force. At the same time, the force of scraping should be adjusted according to the patient's reaction to achieve the expected therapeutic effect. Depending on the patient's age and constitution, direct scraping or indirect scraping can be chosen. Indirect scraping is suitable for young age, weak constitution, and intolerance to direct scraping; direct scraping is suitable for ordinary patients.
Direct Scraping Method
This method involves the practitioner directly scraping the skin surface applied with gua sha medium. It is characterized by heavy force and quick effect.
Indirect Scraping Method
In this method, the practitioner places a thin cloth or gauze on the gua sha area and scrapes with the gua sha tool on the cloth. The gua sha tool does not directly contact the patient's skin. This method is characterized by light force and gentle action. Due to the barrier of the thin cloth, direct observation of skin changes is affected. To avoid scraping or over-scraping, the cloth should be lifted and observed every ten scrapes. When red or purplish marks appear on the skin, stop scraping.
II. Pinching Method
The pinching method refers to the practitioner pulling, pinching, squeezing, and grabbing the patient's skin with fingers to stimulate the body until red or purple marks appear. Although the process is painful, the effect is very good. It can be further divided into pulling, pinching, squeezing, and grabbing methods based on different finger techniques and strengths.
Pulling Method
The practitioner uses the thumb and index finger together to pull the gua sha area forcefully until sha marks appear.
Pinching Method
Commonly known as "pliers gua sha." The practitioner bends all five fingers, uses the second joint of the index and middle fingers to align with the gua sha area, pinches the skin and muscles, and then releases, repeatedly making a "pop" sound. It is characterized by heavy force until sha marks appear at the pinched area.
Squeezing Method
The practitioner simultaneously places the thumbs and index fingers of both hands on the gua sha area, surrounding an area of about 1-2 cm, and applies opposing pressure until sha marks appear. It is generally used for the forehead area.
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