If you’ve visited any beauty brand’s social media platforms over the last year, you’ve probably seen the sleek, smooth and pastel Gua Sha tool. Despite its recent popularity, Gua Sha goes way back.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Gua Sha is one of the most efficient and natural ways of treatment. With the reputation of relieving muscle pain and improving circulation, this traditional Chinese technique involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged instrument. Read on as we share the different symptoms that Gua Sha may help alleviate the pain of!
Alleviates neck and shoulder pain
When working the usual 9 to 5, you might find yourself with your eyes glued to the computer screen for at least 6 hours. Without proper ergonomic support, the probability of straining your shoulders and neck is quite likely but it can be alleviated with Gua Sha. Gua Sha practitioners will palpate the neck area for muscle tightness and other abnormalities, before applying press-strokes with Gua Sha. It involves a significant amount of pressure, but not as much force as a deep tissue massage.
Reduces engorgement while breastfeeding
Breast engorgement is experienced by many breastfeeding women, which occurs when the breasts overfill with milk. It causes the breasts to become swollen and painful, making it difficult for babies to latch. While this is usually a temporary condition, it can be relieved with the Gua Sha technique, which is effective at reducing engorgement and discomfort.
Relieves headaches and migraine
Sometimes, your migraine or headaches might not respond to over-the-counter medications. Plus, after repeated and regular exposure to certain drugs, our body might develop tolerance – which means that your current dose of medicine might not work as effectively as it once did. In any of these situations, Gua Sha makes for a great alternative!
Decreases liver inflammation
As you might already know, Gua Sha is famous for relieving inflammation. It is believed to address stagnant energy, called “chi”, in the body that practitioners believe to be the reason behind inflammation. Conversely, inflammation is the underlying cause of various conditions related to chronic pain. Hence, rubbing the skin helps break up this energy, which in turn reduces inflammation and promotes healing.
Conclusion
At the surface, Gua Sha might seem like another popular trend, but there are significant differences when you engage in the help of a professional to perform the treatment for you. As a natural healing remedy, the usage of Gua Sha is completely safe. The rubbing and scraping motions are not painful, and can help to improve the appearance of your skin.
We have a team of professionals who specialises in the Gua Sha technique in our TCM Slimming treatment. As Gua Sha stimulates blood flow, it also helps to promote better metabolism.