Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a procedure that moves stagnant energy, fluids and blood that have become stuck, creating pain, tightness or reduced range of motion.
Gua Sha Treatment
Grapeseed oil is applied to the skin and a stone made of jade is rubbed briskly back and forth over the affected area. As the stone moves over the skin, the practitioner is looking for Sha, which is the expression of stagnation. Sha presents as red, purple or pink color on the skin and shows that the energy has begun moving again.
Examples of some of the conditions that can be treated with Gua Sha include neck pain, frozen shoulder, TMJ or any issue that results in reduced range of motion.
Gua Sha is not a Standalone Treatment
At ATOG, patients are not seen for Gua Sha treatments alone. Gua Sha is used as a complimentary medicine to help treat the whole body, in conjunction with acupuncture. Acupuncture treats the root issue, while Gua Sha addresses issues more locally. If the root issue causing the symptoms is not addressed the body will not truly heal. Gua Sha treatments performed in addition to acupuncture treatments tend to have better results that last longer compared with Gua Sha alone. Together, they are a great team and can accelerate the healing process.
Additionally, Gua Sha is not for everyone. The skilled practitioners at ATOG assess each patient to determine whether Gua Sha will benefit their healing process. If the practitioner believes that Gua Sha could make the patient feel worse, they will not perform it. If Gua Sha is appropriate, it will be performed before the acupuncture treatment. The possibility of a Gua Sha session will be determined based on the patient’s symptoms and pulses that are taken during the intake portion of each visit.
Schedule an Appointment
To schedule an appointment, call or text ATOG at (630) 299-3464 or schedule an appointment online.