Gua Sha - Dermal Friction

 Gua Sha is an ancient practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine believed to release unhealthy toxins from sore, tired, stiff or injured muscles using friction. Gua Sha uses a blunt instrument like a soft scraping tool or spoon combined with a healing massage oil to allow for a smooth application. The practitioner will apply pressure to the muscles and rub the tool in a choreographed movement against the muscles in a flow that allows for enhanced blood circulation. Depending on the toxicity of your muscles, this technique may leave red to dark purple marks, similar to a bruise. These marks should only last for a few days to a week. Please note that cupping is not recommended for patients who bleed easily, have skin ulcers, edema or pregnant women. 

 Gua Sha is similar to massage where it helps relieve congestion by rubbing away toxins and allowing the body’s natural system to clear them out through the blood flow. Our friction Gua Sha treatment at our clinics in Portland and Hillsboro benefit the immune system and reduce inflammation, often used to treat colds and fevers. Stimulating healing through pressured movement promotes a therapeutic experience that benefits the entire body.