Gua Sha Flashcards
History
not taught at Japanese schools
China, Korea, Vietnam, SE Asia uses
Mistaken for
abuse, injury
what is it
scraping method
Gua= scraping/scratch
Sha= syndrome of evil that is retained in body and its rash-like expression
Gua sha is the technique that intentionally brings the Sha rash to the skin surface. It is
one of the most effective exterior wind –cold releasing techniques.
Sha syndrome
a disease caused by external evil invasion that leads to blockage of meridians chills and fever - body ache - vomiting - diarrhea - rigidity and numbness of extremities
3 features of Sha syndrome
- external evil attack
- stagnation of Qi, blood, body fluids, phlegm and/or food
- pain
How to apply Gua sha:
- Find the place to be treated.
- Needle first to increase the efficacy of the treatment. Not nec. Needle distal point
- Gua sha
1) Place the smooth edge just above the area to be Gua sha-ed.
-The edge should be about 30 degree angle to the skin.
2) Move down the area with a moderate amount of pressure, pressing the
smooth edge on the skin.
-This shouldn’t be painful.
-Always start the stroke above and end the stroke below the area to be
treated.
-Repeat strokes until all the Sha is up.
The Sha often appears concentrated at the site of pain.
Painful areas
Scapula
buttocks
go diagonally in intercostal spaces
Color of the Sha:
Gua sha reveals whether illness short term or long term
red/Light – recent external invasion
Dark- long/old invasion, longer duration of blood stagnation
What to tell to the patient after Gua sha:
- Most of the Sha will fade within 2 – 3 days.
- Avoid exposure to the sun and wind until the Sha is faded.
- Don’t start full activity right after the treatment even though he/she feels better.
- Avoid cold and/or sour food.
Indications
Sha syndrome.
Suspect Sha when there is pain.
a diagnostic method for Sha by using finger pressure
(if sha there- fingerprint=red. See how quickly it retracts.
Contraindications:
- An area that has just been injured, where there is bruising or abrasion.
- An area with sunburn, rash or a break in the skin
- Over pimples or moles. (Cover them with the practitioner’s own hand.)
- Bleeding tendency-including leukemia-look at patient’s history
- Breast region (male or female)
- Abdomen of a pregnant woman
- 48 hrs before and 24 hrs after chemotherapy
rarely applied
Gua sha is infrequently applied to any soft skin.
applied mostly on yang area of body
Caution:
Extremely weak patients
Tools of Gua sha
- any smooth edge
- soup spoon
- coins
- metal lid that has a rounded lip
- slice of water buffalo horn - a thick oil to lubricate the skin
- peanut oil
- olive oil
- Vick’s Vaporub
- Vaseline etc
- Beemy Honey Hand Cream
Cleaning
always wear gloves protect eyes, nose, mouth, skin- use face shield Wash tool in warm soapy water rinse in running water spray or soak in disinfectant wait recommended period of time rinse
