Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medical treatment that promotes blood circulation. Nowadays, it has become a trend. Today, we will talk about the benefits of gua sha and some important considerations. Let's learn together.
Gua sha can promote blood circulation, but what other benefits does it have? Let's find out.
Gua sha is a non-pharmaceutical treatment method in traditional Chinese medicine and an important part of natural therapy.
Gua sha therapy has a long history. Due to its wide range of influence, simplicity, and effectiveness, it is widely practiced by the general public. It is a cost-effective method for self-healing in traditional Chinese medicine.
The Benefits of Gua Sha
1. Gua sha promotes smoother blood circulation, increases sweat gland secretion, helps eliminate toxins from the body, and reduces physical burden.
2. By scraping specific parts of the skin, gua sha can relieve the long-term pain and fatigue caused by excessive strain, providing physical and mental relief.
3. According to traditional Chinese medicine, gua sha can regulate the circulation of meridians, improve qi and blood flow, and enhance the immune system.
The Past and Present of Gua Sha Therapy
Gua sha therapy uses smooth and hard objects as scraping tools, along with scraping media such as edible oil, petroleum jelly, white wine, or water.
By continuously scraping specific locations on the body until sha (redness) appears, the goal of preventing and treating diseases is achieved.
Today, Gua Sha Therapy is More Popular
Due to various historical reasons, gua sha has often been regarded as a minor medical technique that is not highly respected. However, in recent years, green therapy that maintains the natural ecology of humans, has no toxic side effects, is easily accepted by people, and is effective has become the mainstream of medical development. Therefore, gua sha therapy has become the preferred method and is favored by the public as a self-care and family medical therapy. It has gradually developed into a unique clinical healthcare discipline.
Easily Accessible Gua Sha Tools
The commonly used gua sha tools are made of natural water buffalo horns. They are processed into rectangular tools with smooth edges and rounded corners. One side of the scraping board is slightly thicker while the other side is thinner. Thinner edges are used for treating diseases, while thicker edges are used for health maintenance. Sharp edges are used for acupoints near joints and acupoints that require pressure. Water buffalo horns are a type of Chinese medicine with the effects of promoting qi and blood circulation, clearing heat and toxins.
Choosing the Right Gua Sha Medium
Before performing gua sha, a layer of gua sha medium is applied to reduce resistance and improve the effectiveness of scraping.
Water: Cold boiled water is used for treating heat-related conditions, while warm boiled water is used for treating cold-related conditions.
Plant oil: It helps to eliminate dampness.
Gua sha oil: It helps to eliminate dampness, promote qi flow, and open the meridians.
Blood-circulating gua sha lotion: It helps to improve blood circulation, dilate capillaries, and promote the appearance of sha.
Reminder: To prevent cracking, bending, and contamination of the scraping board, it should be stored in a cool and moist place. If necessary, a layer of edible oil can be applied to the scraping board, and it should be sealed in a paper or plastic bag for storage.
