Gua Sha is an East Asian healing technique that is used in clinical and home settings. “Gua” means to rub, and is descriptive of how the procedure is performed. Practitioners use soup spoons or tools made of water buffalo horn or jade and apply gentle, moving pressure along the channels and muscles. The palpation and stimulation of the skin results in “sha” (small red dots) appearing on the skin.

This technique works to move qi, blood and fluids. It also helps “release the exterior” (promote sweating) and expels pathogens. In other words, gua sha promotes circulation and regulates metabolic processes.

Gua Sha is often used to treat acute or chronic pain such as neck pain, shoulder pain, and back pain. Practitioners also use it to treat respiratory disorders such as asthma, bronchitis, and even colds and flu. Many Acupuncture Physicians use gua sha in addition to other modalities to help patients detoxify and quit smoking.