What is Gua Sha?

Gua Sha is a manual technique that releases tight fascia and underlying muscles. Similar to cupping, it opens channels, relieves stagnation and increases circulation to alleviate pain and encourage healing. While our practitioners often use a porcelain soup spoon or special tools made from jade or rose quartz to employ this simple yet effective technique, gua sha was historically performed with stones, bones, tusks, shells or other natural tools that fit the contours of the body.

Gua sha on the body often leaves a red discoloration ("sha"), which fades in a few days, as the stagnation in the muscles works its way to the surface of the skin and out of the body. It can also be performed on the face, where it is not meant to leave a mark. 

Gua sha is not meant to be painful, it is a wonderful modality to help you relax deeply and feel renewed!

If appropriate, your practitioner may include gua sha during your regular acupuncture treatment. For more, you can schedule Facial Rejuvenation or Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture with Dr. Jenna or Monica.