Gua Sha massage therapy is a method of treating diseases by using fingers or objects such as ginger, coins, and small spoons to rub or scrape certain parts of the body, causing the skin to become red and congested. It is mainly used to treat various types of illnesses and for emergency treatment of fainting.
[Operational method]
I. Principles of Gua Sha massage therapy
Based on the basic theories of traditional Chinese medicine such as the organs, meridians, and the circulation of qi and blood, Gua Sha massage therapy stimulates the meridians and causes local congestion of the skin and blood vessels. This helps to invigorate the mind, detoxify the body, and expel pathogenic factors. By stimulating specific points along the meridians, it can regulate the flow of qi and blood, and harmonize the yin and yang.
II. Techniques used in Gua Sha massage therapy
There are approximately nine techniques used in Gua Sha massage therapy: scraping, grabbing, pulling, pinching, twisting, squeezing, patting, bloodletting, and indirect scraping. The specific methods are as follows:
1. Scraping: The therapist uses objects like ginger, coins, or small spoons dipped in plant oil or white wine to scrape specific areas of the body, causing the skin to become congested and appear dark purple spots. There are two types of scraping: horizontal and vertical.
2. Grabbing: The therapist uses their five fingers to grab and knead specific areas, with quick and firm movements. The goal is to make the grabbed area quickly turn red and reveal the tendons.
3. Pulling: The therapist bends their index and middle fingers, dips them in cold water or white wine, and uses them to pull and stretch specific areas repeatedly, causing the skin to become congested and dark purple in color. The pulling should be done quickly and forcefully.
4. Pinching: The therapist bends their fingers or uses the palm to pinch and squeeze specific areas, gradually applying pressure to cause congestion and redness in the superficial muscles and blood vessels. The patient may experience a sharp pain, which helps to invigorate the mind and relieve fainting.
5. Twisting: The therapist uses their fingers or knuckles to twist and rotate specific areas, creating dark purple-red spots on the skin. Cold water or white wine can be used during the twisting.
6. Squeezing: The therapist uses their two fingers or a single finger to apply pressure and squeeze specific areas, resulting in purple-red spots after repeated squeezing. This method is commonly used on the head, face, forehead, or chest.
7. Patting: The therapist uses their fingers dipped in white wine or cold water to repeatedly pat specific areas, causing the skin to show purple-red spots due to congestion.
8. Bloodletting: After causing congestion and purple-red spots on the skin using any of the above methods, the therapist uses a needle to prick the spots and allow them to bleed.
9. Indirect scraping: Before performing scraping, the therapist places a towel or cloth between the treatment area and their hands. They then perform scraping, pinching, or pulling on the towel or cloth, causing the skin to show red-purple spots. This method is more suitable for children and elderly individuals with weak constitutions.
III. Areas treated with Gua Sha massage therapy
1. Head and neck: forehead, bridge of the nose, sides of the neck, back of the neck, and sides of the neck.
2. Torso: chest, abdomen, shoulder blades, and both sides of the spine.
3. Extremities: elbow pits, knees,
