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Gua Sha vs. Cupping
These techniques have very similar effects. Gua sha works through pressure, while cupping uses suction. Depending on your specific need, one or both methods may be used. Interested in cupping?
Gua Sha
Gua sha may be used to treat a variety of conditions, reduce inflammation, promote wellness and more.
Gua sha is an integrative therapy that uses a smooth-edged instrument to stroke areas over the skin with pressure.
This noninvasive treatment, also known as dermal friction or scraping therapy, dates back thousands of years and is still used widely today in hospitals, the military and professional sports. You may hear variations of it also go by different names, such as Graston Technique® and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM).
Gua sha therapy is a type of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which focuses on the concept of qi (pronounced “chee”). As part of the holistic system of TCM, qi factors in physical, mental and emotional well-being, and the relationships between them. TCM includes other integrative treatments, such as massage therapy and cupping.
How gua sha therapy works
When gua sha techniques are applied to the skin, the friction dilates blood vessels and increases blood and lymphatic flow. This can bring more oxygen and nutrients to muscles and other tissues in the area, flush out waste products in your body and maintain a healthy fluid balance.
Traditional vs. modern methods
- Traditional: These use tools made from materials such as jade, bone or porcelain.
- Modern: Performed by our acupuncturists, these tools are made of stainless steel. These are more durable and hygienic due to their nonporous surface, making them easier to clean and disinfect.
Benefits of gua sha therapy
Research shows that gua sha therapy can help in several ways, including:
• Reduced pain
• Increased joint mobility and range of motion
• Reduce muscle tightness
• Increase circulation
• Sports injury recovery and performance enhancement
• Cosmetic purposes
• Treatment for other conditions
It can also reduce inflammation, promote relaxation and balance the immune system.
FAQs about gua sha therapy at Henry Ford Health
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Why Should I Choose Henry Ford Health for Gua Sha Therapy?
Gua sha therapy should be delivered by a properly trained and credentialed provider. At Henry Ford Health, it’s administered by our nationally board-certified acupuncturists, who are licensed with the State of Michigan. Your gua sha treatments will also be a part of your medical record, so that all members of your care team have access to your medical history.
Advanced training
Acupuncturists are highly trained medical professionals who must obtain at least a clinical master’s degree, pass national board examinations and become licensed by the state. Like physicians, nurses and other clinicians, they must maintain their licensure and board credentials with continuing education.
Henry Ford Health acupuncturists exceed these requirements. Our team members have added training and certifications, such as oncology, sports medicine, addiction and Chinese Herbal Medicine. Our team also includes some of the state’s only acupuncturists with doctoral degrees, including the DAOM (Doctor of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine), the most advanced degree available. -
What Conditions Can Gua Sha Treat?Some of the many conditions gua sha therapy can treat include:
Pain
· Back, hip, neck, shoulder, knee
· Headaches, migraines
· Carpal tunnel syndrome
· Plantar fasciitis
· Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
· Tendonitis
· Temporomandibular (TMJ) painSports and athletics
· Sports injuries and rehabilitation
· Workout recovery
· Performance enhancementDigestive system disorders
· Constipation, diarrhea
· Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
· Ulcerative colitisPrevention and wellness
· Immune support
· Stress reduction
· Sleep quality
· Mental and emotional well-beingOther conditions and benefits
· Insomnia
· Restless leg syndrome
· Asthma
· Stroke rehabilitation
· Hypertension
· Cosmetic purposes -
Am I Eligible to Get Gua Sha Therapy?
Coordinating with other treatments
If you’re receiving other therapies such as chiropractic care, massage therapy or physical therapy, gua sha therapy may be used with these to enhance the benefits.Medications
Gua sha therapy will not interfere with any medications you’re taking. In fact, in some cases, such as for pain management, it is used to help reduce your reliance on them.Gua sha therapy restrictions
Gua sha is generally safe for most people. However, there are some situations where gua sha therapy should not be applied or done so with caution.
Gua sha therapy should not be administered if you have:
• Cancer
• A pacemaker or defibrillator
• A bleeding or clotting disorder such as hemophilia or von Willebrand disease
• Blood clots
• An undiagnosed skin condition, lumps or other irregularities
• Active flare-up of a skin condition
• Thin or sensitive skin
• Open wounds, sores, burns or poor skin condition
• Organ failure
Gua sha therapy may be administered in the following situations, but only with caution and after consultation with your physician:
• Pregnancy
• During menstruation
• While taking blood thinners
• Anemia
• Neuropathy
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Less than two months after a blood donation -
How Do I Prepare for a Gua Sha Visit?
- Dress in loose, comfortable clothing. If you have sleeves or pant legs, they should be able to be rolled up or removed, if needed.
- Have a light snack or meal beforehand. Please avoid heavy ones, as it can make it difficult to relax during your session.
- Avoid caffeine before and shortly after treatments. It can potentially reduce the effectiveness of gua sha therapy.
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What Can I Expect During a Visit?
Personalized treatment
At your first appointment, your acupuncturist will review your medical history, discuss your goals and answer any questions you may have. Based on this consultation, a personalized treatment will be recommended.Gua sha therapy length and frequency
Gua sha treatments will last up to 30 minutes. Treatment times and frequency can vary depending on your specific condition, needs and goals.Treatment
Gua sha therapy may be applied to various areas of the body. The locations depend on your symptoms. Gua sha is applied with repeated strokes to an area before moving on to another. This is often done with the aid of a lubricant, typically an oil. -
Does Gua Sha Therapy Hurt?When administered by a properly trained acupuncturist, gua sha therapy is very well tolerated.
You may experience local pressure, tightness or a sensation of warmth. These are normal and not painful. This is similar to what you may feel after exercising or a day of working in the yard. After treatment, you may experience some temporary soreness or tenderness. -
Is the Bruising After Treatment Normal?You may also notice redness or bruising at the gua sha sites. These are normal and will gradually disappear over the course of 1-2 weeks. It is important to keep these areas clean, dry and covered. It is also recommended to drink water after your treatment.
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