Guasha is a common treatment method in traditional Chinese medicine. Due to its convenient and affordable nature, it is popular among the general public. The main purpose of guasha is detoxification, but it can also be used to assess the health of the body.
I. Assessing Body Health through Guasha on the Back
1. Whole Back Massage
If the back feels cold and the area between the shoulder blades feels sore and stiff, it indicates excessive cold and toxins in the body. It is recommended to use guasha or cupping to treat the pain. If left untreated, the coldness in the body will worsen and toxins will not be able to be eliminated properly.
With proper treatment, the body can improve blood circulation through massage, promote detoxification through the lymphatic system, and alleviate conditions such as cervical spondylosis and shoulder periarthritis, effectively improving pain and enhancing immunity.
2. Scraping the Shoulders and Neck
If there are thick and dark red sha marks, or if blisters appear, it indicates heavy toxin buildup, slow blood circulation, and decreased detoxification function of the lymphatic system. If there are dark red sha marks or blisters on the area between the shoulder blades, it indicates shoulder periarthritis and immediate treatment is necessary. If left untreated, it can lead to numbness and loss of sensation in the arms, affecting daily activities.
3. Scraping the Bladder Meridian
If the lung area appears dark red or has blisters, it indicates inflammation in the throat and significant inflammation in the body. It is recommended to drink warm water to prevent tonsillitis or gynecological problems. If the stomach area appears dark red or has blisters, it indicates stomach cold or excessive stomach heat. After scraping the spine, it can be immediately observed if there is any spinal deformity. If there is spinal deformity, immediate treatment is necessary.
II. Common Methods of Guasha in Traditional Chinese Medicine
1. Angle Rubbing Method
Use the thick edge of the guasha board to perform circular motion on the acupuncture points or affected areas of the body, known as the angle rubbing method.
Grasp the guasha board, with the thick edge or corner as the focal point, apply pressure on the skin (acupuncture points or affected areas), and perform continuous rotating and circular motions.
2. Side Rubbing Method
Use the thick edge of the guasha board to perform front-back, left-right, internal or external rotation rubbing on the treated skin or the area where sha marks appear, with the "affected area" as the focus, known as the side rubbing method.
Grasp the guasha board, hold it with the thin edge facing the palm, and use the thick edge as the focal point. Apply pressure on the patient's skin and keep the wrist and arm relaxed, allowing the guasha board to rotate flexibly.
3. Angle Pushing Method
Use the thick edge or corner of the guasha board to apply slight pressure on a certain area of the skin (acupuncture points or affected areas), and perform linear pushing movements in one direction, known as the angle pushing method.
Grasp the guasha board, with the thick edge or corner as the focal point, apply pressure on the acupuncture points or affected areas of the body. The practitioner should relax the muscles of the upper limb, lower the shoulders, keep the elbow hanging, and move the guasha board in a rhythmic back and forth motion in a straight line.
III. Precautions for Guasha
1. Avoid Drafts and Keep Warm
During guasha treatment, it is important to avoid drafts and keep warm. When the room temperature is low, try to minimize exposure of the treated areas. In hot summer temperatures, guasha should not be performed near fans or in places with air circulation. When guasha is done, the sweat pores on the skin are open. If exposed to cold wind, the wind can directly invade the body through the open pores, not only affecting the effectiveness of guasha, but also causing new illnesses due to exposure to cold wind.
2. Drink Water after Guasha
Guasha treatment opens the sweat pores and eliminates toxins. This process also consumes body fluids. After guasha, it is recommended to drink a cup of warm water to replenish the consumed fluids and promote metabolism, accelerating the elimination of waste products.
3. Timing of Bathing
After guasha treatment, to prevent the invasion of cold wind, the skin pores should be closed and return to their original state before bathing, which usually takes about 3 hours. However, during the bathing process, guasha can be performed when the water on the skin has not dried yet. As the pores are slightly open during bathing, guasha during this time will be more effective, but it is important to keep warm.
